Iannone to Suzuki

JPSLotus · May 18, 2016

Andrea Iannone will be officially announced as joining the Suzuki factory team for 2017 ahead of this weekend's Italian MotoGP following the confirmation he won't be retained by Ducati.

With three-time MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo making the high-profile switch from Yamaha to Ducati at the end of the year, the Italian manufacturer confirmed earlier this week it has chosen Andrea Dovizioso over Iannone to partner him on a two-year extension.

As a result, Iannone will head to Suzuki in 2017 to replace Maverick Vinales, who will join Valentino Rossi at Yamaha.

Sources revealed to Crash.net the deal will be announced ahead of Iannone's home round at Mugello, tomorrow, with Vinales' confirmation set to follow promptly afterwards.

Iannone's move to Suzuki comes in the wake of a Ducati snub that caught many by surprise. Indeed, though it was known one of the riders would need to make way for the incoming Lorenzo, many felt the younger Iannone was the favourite over Dovizioso to be retained by the team in the wake of a breakthrough campaign in 2015 that yielded three podiums and fifth in the overall standings.

However, the 26 year-old has endured a troubled start to the 2016 season, with three self-inflicted DNFs in the opening five races leaving management frustrated, most notably his crash in Argentina when an over-ambitious final corner lunge eliminated both himself and Dovizioso out of podium positions.

Nevertheless, he heads to a Suzuki team that has emerged as a formidable contender in 2016 in the hands of Vinales and Espargaro, notching up seven top six results between them. Having returned to MotoGP in 2015 after a four-year absence, Vinales scored Suzuki's first podium result since 2008 last time out at Le Mans.

Read more at MotoGP News - MotoGP Italy: Iannone to join Suzuki after Ducati snub

Good pickup for Suzuki. I think he will do more on the GSX-RR than Vinales will have at the end of this season.

danski · May 18, 2016

That bike will be much improved by the time Iannone gets on it, he could be a force to be reckoned with in 2017

Cool Blue · May 18, 2016

Daniboy said:
That bike will be much improved by the time Iannone gets on it, he could be a force to be reckoned with in 2017

Brilliant post!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

High Side · May 18, 2016

He has been on a Ducati most of his career. Seeing that he has been crashing so much it will do him some good to get on a new bike. I agree that the bike should be much improved next year. It will take him some time to adjust his riding style. Once he does let's hope he is a top rider next year.

Overall I think it was his best option and a good decision for both parties. I'm looking forward to Iannone adjusting and become more successful than he was/is on the Dacuti.

Deefer Dogg · May 18, 2016

Maybe now that he's not racing for his job and things are secured for next year, he can settle down a bit. His form this year has been terrible and it looks like a lot of it is just trying too hard knowing only 1 of him or Dovi were staying. Strangely it's what's cost him the Duke seat.

wannaride · May 19, 2016

I hope he and the Zuke get along famously and do well - just not too well! Go Andres!

Jumkie · May 19, 2016

Excellent news for everyone, Suzuki, Iannone, and us. I'll put money on him doing better than Viñalez.

Iannone was just too much of a threat to Marquez and Rossi, the two most powerfully political riders in MotoGP, going to Suzuki is the best option. If Suzuki can improve, we may see a win. Of course, Suzuki would need to not only improve but increase their development at a faster more effective rate than Honda, Yamaha, and Ducati, this is UNLIKELY!

Iannone mentioned he was offered a contract by Ducati but was unsatisfied with some particular terms, anyone know on the sticking points? I could speculate, but before that it would be good to get some reliable info, if possible.

Content Warning: Look ....... (.)(.)

JohnnyKnockdown · May 19, 2016

Jumkie said:
Excellent news for everyone, Suzuki, Iannone, and us. I'll put money on him doing better than Viñalez.

Iannone was just too much of a threat to Marquez and Rossi, the two most powerfully political riders in MotoGP, going to Suzuki is the best option. If Suzuki can improve, we may see a win. Of course, Suzuki would need to not only improve but increase their development at a faster more effective rate than Honda, Yamaha, and Ducati, this is UNLIKELY!

Iannone mentioned he was offered a contract by Ducati but was unsatisfied with some particular terms, anyone know on the sticking points? I could speculate, but before that it would be good to get some reliable info, if possible.

Content Warning: Look ....... (.)(.)

He was going to sign it but he pushed down too hard and broke the pen halfway through the signature

Jumkie · May 19, 2016

JohnnyKnockdown said:
He was going to sign it but he pushed down too hard and broke the pen halfway through the signature

Oh this was good. .......

povol · May 19, 2016

Jumkie said:
Excellent news for everyone, Suzuki, Iannone, and us. I'll put money on him doing better than Viñalez.

Iannone was just too much of a threat to Marquez and Rossi, the two most powerfully political riders in MotoGP, going to Suzuki is the best option. If Suzuki can improve, we may see a win. Of course, Suzuki would need to not only improve but increase their development at a faster more effective rate than Honda, Yamaha, and Ducati, this is UNLIKELY!

Iannone mentioned he was offered a contract by Ducati but was unsatisfied with some particular terms, anyone know on the sticking points? I could speculate, but before that it would be good to get some reliable info, if possible.

Content Warning: Look ....... (.)(.)

I have heard they wanted him on a factory backed satellite and he wanted no part of that.

Keshav · May 19, 2016

Iannnone's mouth kept saying how, For sure, he was happy about the move, but the rest of his face was telling a different story. I imagine he's just happy to have a ride. I reckon he'll shake things up amongst all the satellite riders. When he's in the groove, he rides well because he has natural talent. But I don't think he's particularly bright and don't expect he'll factor in much as regards development of the Suzuki. I foresee him trying to over-ride the bike with the intention of being as competitive as he was on the Duc; hope Suzuki have lots of spares.

Jumkie · May 19, 2016

povol said:
I have heard they wanted him on a factory backed satellite and he wanted no part of that.

Ah man. Good on Ducati then for offering. Good on Iannone for taking the chance at glory. It may not work out for him, given Suzuki 's historical lack of commitment to GP. However, unlike Pedrosa, the Italian put his .... on the line.

#22 · May 20, 2016

Asparagus is throwing a bit of a hissy fit. I can see them replacing him with Rins next yr.

Aleix Espargaro has revealed that he feels underappreciated by Suzuki in the wake of Andrea Iannone's recent signing and has stated that he and his manager may now adopt “a new strategy” in terms of planning for 2017.

MotoGP's current rider market merry-go-round was in full swing in the build up to Mugello, as the confirmation of Maverick Viñales' departure from Suzuki was quickly followed by the announcement of Iannone's arrival.

With Espargaro yet to seriously start negotiations with the Japanese factory over a contract renewal, the Catalan was irked by the timing of the Iannone announcement, as well as the fact that he did not learn of the move through courtesy call from Suzuki's management.

“It's not that I'm not happy,” said the elder Espargaro, who has finished inside the top six at each of the past three races.

“I'm a little bit sad because I thought that I was more valuable to Suzuki. I feel that I deserved a little bit more respect. Things are like this. Suzuki obviously made a really great job taking Iannone.

“After Maverick left to Yamaha one of the only good, top riders in the market was Iannone so good job for Suzuki. But the way they did it… They announce really quick. We haven't started to talk yet. I expected something different.

“I don't really know [about another rider potentially taking his seat]. I heard Zarco. I heard Rins. I don't know. It's not anything that I can control. All I can do is try and be competitive on the track. The last three races we've finished in the top six. I think I deserve something more. After these two years developing the bike. When I arrived at Suzuki the bike was very bad. We did a great job developing the bike with the team, doing a good job together.

“This year in the last three races both riders were at the top so for me it would be crazy to change both riders. But it's nothing that depends on me.”

The 26-year old went on to explain how he had not yet held serious negotiations with the Hamamatsu factory regarding 2017, and that the announcement may force him to reconsider his strategy in deciding on future plans.

“Actually I said to my manager [Albert Valera] that I don't want to talk to anybody because my priority was to stay with Suzuki but after these last 48 hours we should change the strategy.

“The thing is that we have really good options. After these last three races, and the job that we did with the Suzuki, is great. We have great options but we haven't started talking yet.

“The priority is always to stay because I am really grateful to Suzuki because they gave me a really great opportunity. Obviously I want to continue working with them. The last two days were a little strange and I'm a little sad.”

Rumours within the MotoGP paddock suggest Suzuki may turn its attention to Moto2 title leader Alex Rins as its second rider, with a sprinkling of youthful exuberance complimenting Iannone's experience and proven speed.

On the topic of this, Espargaro said that he would not dwell on the factory's hiring policy. Achieving results on the track is currently his best means to respond.

“It can be. For me the most important thing is to put both bikes on top, like Maverick and me are doing now and in the last rounds. But, you know, I'm not the boss of Suzuki. I can't decide. If they want a younger rider, and with 26 years old I am old, I don't know… The only thing I can do is to be competitive on the track and make the decision difficult for them.”

Asked whether the news has given him more motivation going into the sixth round, Espargaro added, “Yeah, but more motivation is more difficult. I'm really, really motivated always to fight.

“To fight with this young kid (Maverick) is really difficult. He is really fast. In the last races I push very hard. I work very hard with Tom [O'Kane – crew chief] to change the setting for the race. We showed a good level. Obviously I am really motivated but nothing has changed [with regards to this] because of the future.”
Read more at MotoGP News - MotoGP Italy: Espargaro: I thought I was more valuable to Suzuki

Keshav · May 20, 2016

Was mentioned this morning during free practice - that Iannone was offered a new contract with Duc all the way back at Philip Island and he turned it down; over precisely what detail, nobody is saying - but he must wince now when he remembers having done so.

This morning Dovi was being booed from the stands by Iannone fans. Or were they fans of Ianonne's fellow Paisan?

imunderandoverit · May 20, 2016

Crazy rider on a smooth bike. Hmm, sounds like a good combination to me lol.

Arrabbiata1 · May 20, 2016

imunderandoverit said:
Crazy rider on a smooth bike. Hmm, sounds like a good combination to me lol.

Could be worse...could be a smooth rider on a crazy bike. I mean imagine Jorge on a ... oh wait.

J4rn0 · May 21, 2016

Keshav said:
Was mentioned this morning during free practice - that Iannone was offered a new contract with Duc all the way back at Philip Island and he turned it down; over precisely what detail, nobody is saying - but he must wince now when he remembers having done so.....,

I can tell you the detail -- he wanted to be assured equal status in all things (which is not just being given the same bike) with whoever was going to be his teammate. Ducati would not guarantee that. As it turned out, Ducati's new top rider got de facto #1 status and preferred Dovi as teammate. After Lorenzo signed, Iannone's fate at Ducati was sealed.

povol · May 21, 2016

J4rn0 said:
I can tell you the detail -- he wanted to be assured equal status in all things (which is not just being given the same bike) with whoever was going to be his teammate. Ducati would not guarantee that. As it turned out, Ducati's new top rider got de facto #1 status and preferred Dovi as teammate. After Lorenzo signed, Iannone's fate at Ducati was sealed.

Is that including salary? If so he was dreaming.

J4rn0 · May 21, 2016

povol said:
Is that including salary? If so he was dreaming.[/Q

He was dreaming anyway. But one can appreciate his unwillingness to play second fiddle to anybody.

Keshav · May 21, 2016

J4rn0 said:
povol said:

Is that including salary? If so he was dreaming.[/Q

He was dreaming anyway. But one can appreciate his unwillingness to play second fiddle to anybody.

Click to expand...

Clarification; this negotiation occurred at the time of Philip Island? Or post Lorenzo signing? As I understood it, he was offered a new contract at the time they were in Australia during which time Lorenzo wasn't seriously in the picture.

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