Andrea Iannone has not had an easy MotoGP season, for his first year. But the Italian rider is convinced that his experience has only made him better.
The 28-year-old rider signed from Ducati to replace Maverick Vinales, suffered a particularly torrid time abroad the GSX-RR, scoring just two top-finishes this year at Austin and Assen Grand Prix. If he finished only thirteenth of the championship, people must still recognise that neither he nor his team have continued to work to move forward.
“In terms of sports results, the season has been tough. But I discovered infinite patience and strength, determined and focused on the goal of returning to a high level.” Iannone said.
“And in the end, we have it in part. I’m coming out of this season, because I’m stronger. This is good for me to compete next year.” Iannone added.
Suzuki’s MotoGP season upset choosing the wrong specification of engine to be confirmed in winter testing last year. To redeem for this problem, the Japanese factory built a new engine that wasn’t tested on track until last November’s Jerez test, some days after the end of the 2016 season in Valencia.
Iannone tested the two available engines: one with the 2016 base, and another one with a new setting, and concluded that the latter was clearly better.
“Where I will be in 2019 is the last of my thoughts. I don’t want to have to start from scratch understand change machine again. The idea of becoming a Suzuki man attracts me.” Iannone said.
Suzuki boss Davide Brivio. (Source:www.crash.net)
Suzuki boss Davide Brivio, meanwhile, said he was satisfied with the results of their previous tests in Aragon to compare the machine. He also wanted the team to try new improvements.
“We’re satisfied by these two days because it is important to find some time, away from pressure, to get back to some things we’ve previously tried, and also to try new improvements.” Brivio said.
“We could test new configurations to be used within the remaining portion of this season, and also test some new pieces for the 2018 machine that we would like to have ready for the Valencia test in November. We would like to test the first new 2018 configuration there.” he added.
