One of the negative surprises that the 2026 WSBK preseason has had is that one of the drivers who has been competitive in recent seasons, Andrea Iannone, has not been present. The Italian driver had planned to have his own team and, in fact, appeared as registered in the championship.
But at the beginning of the year, rumors began to gain strength that placed Iannone out of the first event of the season, which takes place in Australia this weekend, and they did not fail. Andrea will not be with her team at the start of the season, and right now she is not on the list of drivers that appears on the WSBK website.
This raises doubts as to whether the Italian driver will be able to compete from the second round, which will be in Portimao from March 27 to 29, and which will begin the rest of the season, which is held entirely on European soil and which, therefore, is more affordable for a modest team.
Ducati could have a plan for Iannone
For now, the uncertainty about whether Iannone will compete or not continues, but what does seem is that a door is opening for him to remain active and linked to Ducati. This is a rumor that comes from the colleagues at GPOne, and that would imply that the Italian would start working on the development of tests for the new Panigale V4.
For now it is only an assessment, something that Dall’Igna could be raising, since Michele Pirro is the only test driver they have and, therefore, the reinforcement that Iannone would represent and the experience and speed he has mean that he could be a reasonable option.
We must not overlook the relationship that Iannone has had for years with Ducati, where he became an official MotoGP rider before moving to Aprilia, and where he did not compete due to his sanction. The return to racing was thanks to Ducati, whom he planned to have in his new team. So, although for now it is nothing more than a rumor, there is no doubt that it would make sense.
