Andrea Iannone on successful racing return: ‘It was a magical weekend’

One of those was a podium which came in Race 1 as Andrea Iannone finished a brilliant third, behind WorldSBK winner on his debut, Nicolo Bulega.

An issue with his handlebar prevented him from doing the same in the Superpole Race, but Iannone bounced back with a brilliant P4 in Race 2 after starting from 14th. 

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Speaking about what caused the issue in the 10-lap Superpole Race, Iannone said: “Many, many things but in any case we closed this weekend with a positive energy and feeling.

“We achieved third place in the first race. Unfortunately, in the Superpole race we lost the end bar grip and it was dangerous and strange for the first time in my life.

“In Race 2, with the first tyre I was really happy because the feeling was incredible, but the second tyre I lost everything. The feeling was worst but it was a good point to start.”

While Iannone recovered very well in Race 2, the Italian looked stronger prior to the red flag falling.

Still, Iannone was not frustrated at missing out on a second podium: “Frustrated no, but when it is possible to achieve more and you don’t achieve it then you are not completely happy.

“I’m 70% happy and it was an incredible comeback.

“I can’t talk negatively and we need to continue like this and continue to push.

“Maybe in Barcelone it will be better. I’m really excited.

“We battled a lot and everything is difficult because every rider is fast.

“The Kawasaki was really fast on the straight and the BMW is fast, but I enjoyed it a lot. It was a magical weekend.”