Andrea Iannone hails 'special' Ducati move after securing MotoGP ride
Andrea Iannone says the joy of joining Ducati outweighs the elation of sealing a switch into MotoGP's premier class for the 2013 season
The Italian, 23, was confirmed alongside current works Yamaha rider Ben Spies in a Pramac satellite team which will enjoy full factory support from Ducati.
Iannone, a race-winner in the past three years of Moto2, recently tested for Ducati over a three-day run at Mugello. He said a chief aim would be to reward the confidence the Italian factory had bestowed upon him.
"I'm happy, I'm moving up to MotoGP next year and it's with an Italian bike: that's two special things," Iannone told Gazzetta dello Sport.
"But the move up had to happen somehow, so I'm happier for the second thing. After all, only Marquez is better off than I am.
"I arrive in Ducati at 23, I'm their youngest rider. It's a time of major changes and I hope I can win the faith of Preziosi, Domenicali, Del Torchio. Meantime, I thank them for the confidence they have shown towards me."
"That's the best thing you can have and this is why I'm happy."
Iannone said the test had fed his desire to join Ducati - which was also boosted by Valentino Rossi encouraging him to join.
"He [Rossi] is a friend and a super strong rider, even these days," Iannone said.
"He told me I made the right decision and that I went quick. To do that in the test, I looked plenty at his telemetry.
"They were three very useful days. I worked with my chief mechanic and tried to do some development too. I've also done some good lap times.
"Most of all they let me understand how electronics work and the possibilities you have with it. I was impressed with having so many people around me listening to my impressions.
Asked if he had any regrets about not winning a title before stepping up to MotoGP, Iannone replied: "I'm not sorry about it and I don't regret any decision made in the past.
"Perhaps I could have got some better results in the past three years, but I faced new challenges, especially this year with a bike that was literally born at the Jerez tests.
"I'm happy with the work I'm doing. You can't live with regrets."
Alex Zanardi open to Daytona 24 Hours or Indianapolis 500 bid
Alex Zanardi open to Daytona 24 Hours or Indianapolis 500 bid Alex Zanardi open to Daytona 24 Hours or Indianapolis 500 bid
Giacomo Agostini says Rossi and Lorenzo will renew hostilities
Giacomo Agostini says Rossi and Lorenzo will renew hostilities Giacomo Agostini says Rossi and Lorenzo will renew hostilities
Working Men: Interview with Ferrari's Test Drivers
Working Men: Interview with Ferrari's Test Drivers Working Men: Interview with Ferrari's Test Drivers
Aprilia names Savadori as Iannone replacement on provisional 2021 entry
Aprilia names Savadori as Iannone replacement on provisional 2021 entry Aprilia names Savadori as Iannone replacement on provisional 2021 entry
Iannone’s four-year MotoGP doping ban "ridiculous" – Espargaro
Iannone’s four-year MotoGP doping ban "ridiculous" – Espargaro Iannone’s four-year MotoGP doping ban "ridiculous" – Espargaro
Can Iannone's MotoGP career be saved?
Can Iannone's MotoGP career be saved? Can Iannone's MotoGP career be saved?
Bagnaia: Ducati did "everything perfect" to defend MotoGP title
Bagnaia: Ducati did "everything perfect" to defend MotoGP title Bagnaia: Ducati did "everything perfect" to defend MotoGP title
Martin: If I haven’t proved to Ducati my worth in MotoGP already, I never will
Martin: If I haven’t proved to Ducati my worth in MotoGP already, I never will Martin: If I haven’t proved to Ducati my worth in MotoGP already, I never will
The talent-outweighing ambition that will kill Ducati’s 2022 MotoGP title hopes
The talent-outweighing ambition that will kill Ducati’s 2022 MotoGP title hopes The talent-outweighing ambition that will kill Ducati’s 2022 MotoGP title hopes
Joseph Loake wins Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year
Joseph Loake wins Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year Joseph Loake wins Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year
Christian Horner wins Autosport's John Bolster Award
Christian Horner wins Autosport's John Bolster Award Christian Horner wins Autosport's John Bolster Award
Ferrari’s Le Mans 24 Hours win named Autosport’s Moment of the Year
Ferrari’s Le Mans 24 Hours win named Autosport’s Moment of the Year Ferrari’s Le Mans 24 Hours win named Autosport’s Moment of the Year
Red Bull RB19 scoops Autosport's International Competition Car of the Year award
Red Bull RB19 scoops Autosport's International Competition Car of the Year award Red Bull RB19 scoops Autosport's International Competition Car of the Year award
Can anyone stop "changed" Bagnaia as Ducati tightens its grip on MotoGP?
Can anyone stop "changed" Bagnaia as Ducati tightens its grip on MotoGP? Can anyone stop "changed" Bagnaia as Ducati tightens its grip on MotoGP?
The signs that MotoGP's Japanese powerhouses are changing for the better
The signs that MotoGP's Japanese powerhouses are changing for the better The signs that MotoGP's Japanese powerhouses are changing for the better
The other Suzuki signing that could transform Honda's MotoGP form
The other Suzuki signing that could transform Honda's MotoGP form The other Suzuki signing that could transform Honda's MotoGP form
How the MotoGP paddock has offered refuge to Suzuki's former team
How the MotoGP paddock has offered refuge to Suzuki's former team How the MotoGP paddock has offered refuge to Suzuki's former team
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.