Andrea Iannone ‘living the dream in WorldSBK, Ducati my preferred bike’

After a four-year spell on the sidelines due to his doping ban, Andrea Iannone has made a strong start to his comeback in WorldSBK.

Although racing has yet to get underway, Iannone has been strong in pre-season testing.

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Portimao proved a bit more difficult for Iannone, however, the GoEleven Ducati rider was one of the most impressive performers at Jerez last month.

The Panigale V4 R appears to be the strongest package on the grid once again, and while that will be a big bonus for the former MotoGP race winner, Iannone is just happy to be back aboard his favourite bike.

“I’m happy to come back,” Iannone told WorldSBK.com. “I’m living the dream one more time. This is beautiful. I’m really happy to come back with Ducati. It’s my preferred bike in life and I get to ride it one more time.

“I hope we do a really good job. I think the most important thing is that we try to enjoy every moment. I’ve come back and I want to give everything.”

Another rookie who is also riding a Ducati Panigale V4 R is Sam Lowes, who like Iannone has been impressive so far in testing.

After leaving Moto2 where he had large amounts of success, Lowes admits the level in WorldSBK is perhaps better than at any point in the last ten years.

As a result, the British rider expects it to be very difficult: “My Grand Prix career was nice but I’m really happy and proud to be here. WorldSBK has always been mega and strong, and I think now is arguably as strong as it’s been in 10 years.

“The depth of field is amazing, even to be in the top ten is difficult. I’ve got a lot to learn.

“The Ducati’s a beautiful bike, obviously quite complicated, but very good and beautiful.

“The format of the weekend, three races, Superpole, the Q tyre, it’s something I’ve never used in my life.

“We’ve got a lovely group of people and mechanics and I’m really appreciative of that. I think, when you do that together, we can be excited.”