VR46 Racing Team have announced that Andrea Iannone will replace Fabio Di Giannantonio for the upcoming Malaysia MotoGP race weekend.
The team opted for Iannone due to Valentino Rossi’s existing relationship with the Italian rider.
After four years on the sidelines, Iannone was given a lifeline and joined the 2024 WorldSBK season. The Italian rider claimed one race win and appeared on the podium multiple times, posting stats similar to those from his MotoGP career.
Di Giannantonio will miss the upcoming Sepang outing and the season finale in Valencia after opting for surgery on his shoulder to ensure he returns for the new season fully fit.
Team Director Alessio Salucci stated: “I am very happy to confirm that Andrea will race with our colours on the Ducati Desmosedici GP.
“First of all, Andrea has proven to be in excellent shape; he finished the WorldSBK season on a high note and has always remained close to Ducati.
“Additionally, he is a great friend of the VR46 family, both personally and also of Vale. We are very pleased to welcome him to the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team and to see him back on a MotoGP bike.
“It’s truly a great story! At the same time, we all wish Fabio the best of luck as he undergoes shoulder surgery this week, and we can’t wait to see him back on track in 2025.”
Andrea Iannone said: “Riding the world champion bike is thrilling. MotoGP is the most technological and high-performing motorcycle; I am honoured that they thought of me, and I felt compelled to seize this opportunity as soon as it was offered to me.
“The challenge is definitely crazy, complex, and important, as I haven’t ridden a bike of this category for years and haven’t done any testing.
“I am excited to work with Ducati and the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, both for the very high level and for the friendship that has linked us for years.
“I would like to thank Valentino Rossi, Alessio Salucci, Pablo Nieto, Gigi Dall’Igna, Claudio Domenicali, and Mauro Grassilli.”
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