Andrea Iannone has demonstrated his enduring prowess by claiming the top spot in the third practice session at the Superbike World Championship in Aragon. His impressive time of 1’48.023 not only secured him the best performance of the weekend so far but also placed him among the frontrunners for the upcoming Race 1. This achievement is remarkable, considering Iannone was able to eclipse the times set by current championship contenders Toprak Razgatlioglu and Nicolò Bulega, who are fiercely competing for the title.
This performance indicates that Iannone, once a MotoGP racer, still retains the competitive edge needed to vie for the podium, despite past setbacks. Last year, he made a spectacular return to the circuit by winning his sole race on a Ducati Panigale after a four-year disqualification period. Whether he can replicate this success remains to be seen but his current form suggests it is possible.
Despite his evident talent, Iannone faces uncertainty about his future in the Superbike arena. At 36, he aims to secure a spot in the 2026 grid, but his current team, Go Eleven, may not be the right fit due to technical issues and disagreements. The prospects with larger factory teams such as BMW, Yamaha, and Honda appear bleak, leaving his future uncertain.
Compounding this uncertainty is the industry’s tendency to fill spots with other riders despite Iannone proving his capability. The recent timings at Aragon, achieved on a morning with particularly cool temperatures, may not entirely reflect the performance in longer races. However, they provide a glimpse into Iannone’s potential to compete at the highest levels.
As the championship progresses, Iannone’s performance at the Aragon circuit—well-suited to his Ducati Panigale V4—could be pivotal. Following this, the competition continues with crucial races in Estoril and Jerez. Eyes remain on whether Iannone can secure the recognition and opportunities that match his evident speed and skill.