MotoGP: Iannone out, Pirro in again for Aragon

Andrea Iannone will once again sit out a round of the MotoGP session, with the factory Ducati rider set to be replaced by Michele Pirro this weekend at Aragon after continuing to struggle with pain in the vertebrae he broke at Misano two weeks ago.

Crashing out of free practice one at his home race, the Ducati test rider filled in for Iannone there – a role he will continue to fulfil this weekend at the Spanish race.

Iannone took to the track in the first session of the day at Aragon, and despite finishing it well up the time sheets in sixth, he admitted afterwards that he was struggling not only with pain but with energy levels.

TOP STORIES

• F1 pundit Martin Brundle talks sports tourers
• Apple in talks with Lit Motors
• Video: Officially the world’s fastest monowheel motorcycle
• Gallery: Scramblers in the city
• Guy Martin’s next record attempt in a human-powered airship

“The first practice wasn’t so bad and the feeling with the bike was quite good – the tyres were good and I went quite fast. But unfortunately, I don’t have good energy to ride for a long time. The race is a long time, and after three or four laps it was necessary for me to come back to the box.

“I have a lot of pain, especially in braking, acceleration and the changes of direction. Your neck on the bike is very important, and we use our bodies a lot to move around, but at the minute I can’t do that.”

However, with a three-week break now until the next round of the championship in Japan, he says he thinks now that he has time to recover.

“I think that in Japan I should be ok. My situation is improving and not getting worse, but if I had continued the weekend it would have got worse again. I think it’s very important that I use my head, focus on my recovery, and try and get ready for the next race.”

Looking for the perfect two-wheeled companion? Visit MCN Bikes For Sale website or use MCN’s Bikes For Sale App.