Andrea Iannone’s return to competition could hardly have been better. After securing second place on the grid, the rider was in contention for the podium and even led the first race of the World Superbike Championship at Phillip Island – crossing the finish line in third.
It was a result above expectations for the Italian after four years of absence, as he admitted to the championship’s website: ‘It’s incredible for me; I didn’t expect this comeback and I’m living the dream. When you have a feeling with the bike it’s important but for me, it’s fantastic to be at this level. I saw a lot of support from other people and this is more important than the level that I am at now. It’s pure energy for me after all these years’.
Riding a Ducati for Team GoEleven, Iannone then spoke about the race and his emotions: ‘The race was much better and when I was leading, I was full of emotions and it was a little bit «wow, a shock!». I made a mistake twice but we’re not at 100% with the engine braking. For the start, it’s OK! Tomorrow is a different day so we’ll try to improve but without any stress. It’s important that we smile right now and enjoy this’.