Andrea Iannone insists he has no intention of leaving Suzuki Ecstar team after one season with the Japanese manufacturer despite exit talk in next year.
The Italian rider had a poor season at Suzuki in 2017 and he opened this season with ninth and eight in the opening two Grand Prix.
The 2019 grid of the MotoGP World Championship is being set up. Six motorcycles are already officially taken, but none at Suzuki. The firm Hamamatsu advance however on several issues: Alex Rins will extend his contract, and Ducati’s Jorge Lorenzo will discuss with the Japanese.
“We’re talking about my future and Suzuki’s, but I’m not talking with Suzuki. I have other proposals, but the priority is to continue with this team.” Iannone said.
“The group is fantastic, I get along well with people from Japan. We have built a good situation, I have a big challenge because I want to be on top with Suzuki. I am here for this.” Iannone added.
Iannone’s goal is to keep his GSX-RR next year. He has not yet achieved the results for which he was recruited – a fourth place at Motegi in 2017 as the best performer – but progress is visible.
He is currently making a much better start to the 2018 season than last year. He sits at tenth place in the MotoGP standings with 15 points after two Grand Prix, while he had none at the same time in 2017 season.
Suzuki Ecstar’s Andrea Iannone is currently at tenth place in the standings with 15 points. (Source:www.roadracingworld.com)
Former 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz on the other hand, he is advised Suzuki to replace Iannone in next year. He admitted that the 28-year-old is not the right choice for Suzuki so far and never gave the best performance during his time with Suzuki in last year.
“Iannone is not the right choice on the other Suzuki. Now that Rins is up to speed and showing us his potential,” Schwantz said.
“I think he will develop as a MotoGP rider in terms of giving his input and being able to help develop the bike. The other guy has never been any good at it. Everybody he’s ever ridden for will tell you that.” The 53-year-old man added.
