Iannone Q&A: "I've nothing to prove, and nor has Suzuki"

Last year, Suzuki quickly made a swoop for Iannone to replace Maverick Vinales, once the Spaniard was confirmed as a Yamaha rider.

During his talk with Motorsport.com, the Italian reviews his progress in adapting to his new bike and team after four years with Ducati, and what challenges are ahead of him now at the Japanese squad.

How have you adapted to your new bike and team so far? 

“The test at Sepang was very positive, and also those at Valencia and Jerez. Let's say in Australia it was a bit more difficult, but it doesn’t worry me too much, as last year’s test wasn’t that good either.

"The feeling on the bike and with the team are good. I’m sure the wind made everything more difficult at Phillip Island, as it makes it more difficult to find out if changes are positive or not. But it wasn’t a major problem.”

Do you think it will be different in Qatar?

“Yeah, sure. It is true that in Australia it was a bit difficult, but I can also say that if I had to race tomorrow, I think we would be much better.”

One of the main problems for Suzuki last year was electronics. Has Suzuki made any improvements in this area or is there still something to solve?

“Sure, we’ll continue working on it; we want to improve more and more.” 

What level do you see yourself at as rider right now? 

"A rider can always improve in certain aspects; that’s what you try to do every time you go on track. That's what we all do. If you think there's nothing left you can improve, then it means you're going the wrong way. I always question myself; I don’t like looking for excuses.” 

What areas of your riding do you think you can improve?

“In these last few years I have improved a lot. I don’t think there is a specific point that needs improvement, because I think I brake quite hard, have good corner speed and I’ve improved my technique a lot. But, a rider has to always have the goal to improve everything.” 

At the launch of the Suzuki team you recognised that you had never felt so much as part of any project as you do now. Can that be translated into pressure now?

“No, not at all. Pressure has never affected me.”

But you always received good treatment with Ducati, didn’t you?

“They never treated me badly. What happened was that the development of the bike was divided with myself and Dovizioso, in order to accelerate the process.

"In fact, I believe that in my years with Pramac I did more development work than I did in my seasons with the factory team. The factory team only receives parts that have already been tested. The factory riders work a lot, but only at the last stage of development.” 

At Sepang, you said that it was important for Rins to be fast as soon as possible, in order to contribute more to the the development process. Do you think he has made good progress since the start of testing?

“Yes, he has improved a lot, but that’s normal. The MotoGP class today seems less traumatic for a rider coming from Moto2. This year's tyres are more human and also make life much easier.

"To make the most of the 2016 tyres you needed a lot of experience; you just have to remember the high number of crashes back then. If you didn’t brake hard, tyres didn’t get the right temperature, so crashing used to be the next thing. It wasn’t easy.

"Now, we don’t have this problem anymore, even if you keep in your mind that both are racing machines with the same number of wheels. Now rookies must understand the details of changing form one class to another.”

Did you expect Vinales to be so fast? Any other observations from testing?

“With how he finished the season last year, it’s normal to be fast on a Yamaha, or even faster. He has more experience now and I think it’s something natural. He’s doing his homework.

"Lorenzo is getting better with small steps and I’m sure he will again be at the front even if he needs a bit longer time.” 

What’s the goal for yourself in 2017?

“The most important thing is to keep growing throughout the season, and never think about what results we should get.

"We have to work, I think I have nothing to prove; I've done it all these years in the World Championship. It’s the same for Suzuki; they have narrowed the gap with other manufacturers in a couple of years.”