Andrea Iannone targets factory Ducati promotion

Andrea Iannone is desperate to secure a factory Ducati ride in 2015 – despite claiming to have an offer to join Suzuki’s new 1000cc project.

The Italian is closely monitoring Ducati’s factory squad to see if an opening is created by the departure of compatriot Andrea Dovizioso or Cal Crutchlow, who have both been linked with Suzuki.

Iannone, who rides for the satellite Pramac squad, held talks with senior Ducati management last weekend in Barcelona and he told MCN: “Suzuki has proposed me a factory bike and this is very important for me. But my priority is to go to the factory Ducati team and have a more competitive bike. I want to go to the factory team with a factory contract. It is not that I don’t want to stay in Pramac but the Ducati team is the top for Ducati where they can improve things. I want that chance and to be a top rider and priority for Ducati.”

Asked if he would seriously consider a factory spec bike and increased personnel support from Ducati to remain in Pramac, the former 125GP and Moto2 race winner added: “Yes, but it will be two years that I race with these conditions. But if Ducati give an official bike with some staff support then it could be no problem to stay with Pramac.”

Dovizioso has been negotiating with Suzuki while Crutchlow too has been in talks with the Japanese factory because he has an option to leave Ducati halfway through a two-year deal.