The Maniac is back Andrea Iannone returns to MotoGP to Replace injured Fabio Di Giannantonio

Credit: Motorcycle Sports 

Andrea Iannone Returns to MotoGP After Five Years, Thanks to a Call from Valentino Rossi

Andrea Iannone, the electrifying Italian rider, is set to make a thrilling return to MotoGP after almost five years away. Iannone will step in for Fabio Di Giannantonio on one of Valentino Rossi’s VR46 bikes, a last-minute opportunity that arrived after Di Giannantonio opted for surgery. Rossi, known as “Il Dottore,” reached out to Iannone, personally inviting him to fill the vacancy, making for an emotional comeback for the veteran rider.

Since his last MotoGP appearance, Iannone has been competing in the Superbike World Championship (SBK), keeping his competitive edge alive. He shared the surprising moment when he received Rossi’s call while en route to a race in Jerez. “I had just landed when I saw a message from Vale. He wanted me to ride for VR46 in the last two MotoGP races. I didn’t even hesitate—I said yes right away. We didn’t talk about money. I’ve lost so much over the years, but passion doesn’t disappear like money,” Iannone recounted, clearly moved.

During his first press conference back in the MotoGP paddock at Sepang, Iannone’s humor and charm quickly resurfaced. Greeting the press with his trademark wit, he joked, “Do you know who’s here, babies?” before candidly admitting to the challenge of reacquainting himself with a MotoGP machine. “They showed me the basics, like ‘press here’ and ‘go there,’ but it’s very different now. Gigi might have to help me figure it all out, but I’m excited to start and see how I cope.”

Credit: MotoGP Press

Expressing gratitude, Iannone acknowledged Rossi, VR46, and Ducati for making this comeback a reality. “Without them, I probably wouldn’t have had another chance to ride in MotoGP,” he admitted. For Iannone, MotoGP has always been home. “I came here at 15, feeling small but like I belonged. It’s great to be back,” he said.

As for the transition from SBK to MotoGP, Iannone is realistic but eager. “Superbike is one thing, but MotoGP is on another level. Here, you have to push harder, go further,” he explained. “I don’t feel pressured to win—I’m here to experience it all again. No worries, no fears, just the thrill of being back.”