Iannone wasting his talent in 2017 MotoGP - Cal Crutchlow

After four years riding Ducatis, Iannone was signed by Suzuki to replace Yamaha-bound Maverick Vinales, but the opening nine races of the Italian's season have been little short of a disaster.

The 27-year-old has retired from three races so far this year and has a seventh place in Austin as his top finish - leaving him down in 16th in the points, 11 places lower than Vinales at the same stage of last year's campaign.

LCR Honda rider Crutchlow saw what Iannone was capable of when the pair were both Ducati riders in 2014 - albeit with Iannone on a satellite Pramac bike - but he has questioned his motivation this year.

"I know the way [Iannone] rides, I was at Ducati and he was the best Ducati rider at the time," said Crutchlow.

"He does some fantastic things, like the way he can overlay the throttle and the brake at the same time.

"But he is wasting his talent. He is just not bothered, absolutely not bothered."

Suzuki has been enduring a tough third season since its return to MotoGP, as it has yet to secure a top-six result, after Vinales won a race and scored three more podiums last year.

Iannone's rookie team-mate Alex Rins has only taken part in four races so far thanks to multiple injuries, his ninth place in the season opener at Qatar being his only points finish so far.

The Spaniard, however, defended Iannone, saying he is facing a challenge adapting his riding style after four seasons with Ducati.

"What Iannone is going through isn't easy, coming from four years of riding a Ducati and getting on a Suzuki," said Rins.

"You have to change all your habits, because it is a totally different bike.

"Hopefully he can do it so he can demonstrate the potential the bike has."