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Among the topics addressed yesterday during the interview conducted with Mauro Grassilli, who was present in Assen to discuss the renewal between Ducati and Aruba, was also the Iannone chapter. In his debut in the Superbike, Andrea surprised not a little by even coming close to victory. The performance of the rider from Vasto has certainly not escaped the attention of the sporting director of Ducati Corse, who has analyzed with great transparency what has been done by the Go Eleven bearer and not only.
"I want to be very honest," Grassilli told us, "I didn' t think Andrea would immediately reach such a high level, so much so as to play for important positions such as wins and podiums. I was convinced that he would be strong and competitive towards the middle of the season or even in the second half, but not right away."
Regarding Andrea I guess you have a vivid memory from MotoGP?
"Of course, I was very fascinated by his riding style, his aggressiveness and the way he was in the box. It was something inhuman, because his talent was boundless. I think his competitiveness is a very positive surprise for all of us."
Dry question: if Alvaro decides to continue, how will Ducati deal with Andrea?
"As you know Dall'Igna and Ducati are very close to Andrea, because he was the first to triumph in the Gigi era. Andrea now has a bike package like all our other customers and with the same technical partners as the factory team. Regarding his future, our position is clear, and Gigi is of the same opinion: we are waiting for Alvaro's decision, because that is our priority. Once we get feedback from Bautista we will then move on from there."
There is a lot of talk about this possible test of Andrea with MotoGP. What is the truth?
"I want to be clear on this issue. Andrea has never asked us for a test with MotoGP. I just talked about this with Dall'Igna before I came here, and I want to emphasize that there has not yet been an official request from him. Having spoken with Andrea I can say that he has expressed a desire, one day tomorrow, about the fact that he would like to try the world champion Desmosedici. I of course told him to ask Gigi in the future, but as of today there is no request."
To see him back on MotoGP one day would certainly be something very interesting.
"We are open to any kind of analysis and evaluation should there be a request, but from his side to date there is nothing concrete about it."
