Andrea Iannone returns to MotoGP paddock in Harley-Davidson support series

The Italian will bring his experience, aggressive riding style and strong racing instinct to the MotoGP support series, so is expected to be one of the favourites to take the first World Cup title.

"I am not coming just to take part"

"I like challenges, especially when they take you out of your comfort zone," Iannone explained. "This is something completely different, and that is precisely why I said yes. I am very excited to start this new chapter, since I have always admired Harley-Davidson and its iconic community of riders.

"These bikes have a strong personality, they must be respected, but at the same time they can be pushed to the maximum. In that sense, we are quite similar, and I think that is why this project suits me like a glove."

The Italian admitted that, for the moment, he has not been able to get on the motorcycle with which he is going to compete.

"I approach this first race without having tested the motorcycle and with one race weekend less than the others,” he said. “But that only reflects my mentality even more: I accept challenges and actively seek them. Mugello is the perfect place to start, in front of the Italian fans, on a circuit that I know very well.”

The rider shows himself ambitious in the face of this new challenge in his career, and assures that he is not coming to parade his fame.

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"I am not coming just to take part. I want to understand the motorcycle quickly and be competitive from the beginning. Let’s see what we can do,” he added. “On a more personal level, I feel a strong connection with Indonesia. I greatly appreciate its people and I am excited to begin this path together with Niti Racing and this community.”

The FIM Harley-Davidson Baggers World Cup consists of six rounds and two races per round.

After the first round in Austin in March, the series will continue with events at Mugello (May 29–31), Assen (June 26–29), Silverstone (August 7–9), MotorLand Aragon (August 28–29) and Red Bull Ring (September 18–20).

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