'What will happen in 2026 is difficult to predict' - Gigi Dall'Igna discusses Andrea Iannone's future

03/06/2025 09:31 AM

Could Ducati sign Andrea Iannone to its factory World Superbike squad in 2026?

Gigi Dall'Igna has addressed the idea of Andrea Iannone joining the factory Ducati World Superbike team next season for the first time.

At the Thai MotoGP round, the Ducati Corse General Manager discussed the Italian manufacturer's World Superbike riders. After praising Nicolo Bulega and admitting his 'worries' about Alvaro Bautista, he addressed Iannone.

Dall'Igna stated that Ducati 'respects' the Italian rider after giving him the chance to race in a World Championship after his four-year ban.

"We gave him the chance to race at a high level again," Dall'Igna told GPone.

"We gave him the opportunity to try again in MotoGP in 2024. So I think we showed him our respect."

After 39 races in World Superbikes, Iannone has won a race and stood on the podium a further six times for the independent Team Pata GoEleven squad.

However, it is no secret that the 35-year-old has his sights set on the Aruba.it Racing - Ducati seat for 2026. But Ducati would have to part ways with two-time Champion, Alvaro Bautista, or its new superstar, Nicolo Bulega.

Dall'Igna did not shut down the idea of Iannone becoming a factory rider, but also vaguely answered the question.

"What will happen in 2026 is difficult to predict because the season has only just started and there can be different scenarios," Dall'Igna stated.

"Andrea is, and I have always stressed this, a great talent and a rider to whom Ducati and I owe a lot. He has helped us grow in MotoGP and he deserves our recognition."

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