Andrea Iannone's warning after impressive test: “We have really big ambitions"

• Pre-2024 Jerez WorldSBK Test results - Wednesday

The Maniac was making his first on-track appearance since confirming that he will join GoEleven Ducati in 2024, when his four-year doping ban is over.

He tested his Ducati on Tuesday and Wednesday - running inside the top three for much of Wednesday, before ending in P5 with a top time of 1’39.335s.

“We have really big ambitions,” he warned his rivals about his return. 

“I want to come back, but I want to try to come back at a high level. 

“I want to achieve these results and I want to try to arrive at the top. 

“In any case, I know it’s really difficult because the level is really high. “Everybody is close but, I think, for us and the first test, it’s difficult to achieve a little bit more. 

“The bike impressed me on the positive side, and also the tyres. 

“They’re friendly. You felt where the limits of the tyres are and the bike and I think this is a good point.”

The enthusiastic Iannone was first on track on Wednesday and, although he was initially denied by wet weather, he eventually completed 69 laps.

In a six-hour testing session, Iannone also tried Pirelli’s SCQ tyre.

“It was really fun, I enjoyed [Wednesday] a lot,” he reacted. 

“My feeling with the bike improved exit by exit and run by run. 

“It’s really interesting because I’m a little bit surprised about the result, also the feeling with the tyre and everything. 

“We have a lot of work in front of us, but we start from a really good point. It’s good.”