Iannone looking to reverse fortunes in America
Andrea Iannone is hopping to ‘have a favourable’ weekend at the Circuit of the Americas following two woeful races on his Suzuki.
The Italian rider showed podium potential in the season-opening Qatar Grand Prix after suffering throughout practice for pace. However, slight contact with Marc Marquez sent Iannone into retirement.
His fortunes failed to improve last time out in Argentina, a jump start forcing him to serve a ride-through penalty, which ultimately saw him cross the line out of the points in 16th spot.
“The start of the season has not been so positive for me in terms of results, as I couldn’t get any championship points,” he said.
“But our performances have improved consistently in the last months and my feeling is that we are doing optimal work.”
Iannone has a decent record at the Circuit of the Americas. Since the inaugural event at the Texan venue, the Italian has improved on his results year on year, with a respectable sequence of 10th, seventh, fifth and third.
Suzuki also performed admirably last year, Maverick Vinales leading Aleix Espargaro across the line to complete the top five, albeit 20 seconds adrift of the grand prix victory.
Despite this, Iannone admits the 20-turn circuit is one that does not play into the hands of the GSX-RR, but is relishing the challenge nonetheless.
“The circuit in Austin may not be one of the best for our bike’s characteristics, but we have to work hard to be capable to adapt to any kind of circuit.
“This is a challenge that invigorates me, and I feel I have a good support from the team. I’d really like to have a favourable weekend here in Austin; I think we deserve better results than those we’ve reaped so far, because we are doing a very good job.”