Andrea Janone delivered a stunning performance at the recent Race of Champions.
First, he won the pole position on Friday, and the next day, in the main race, he showed incredible fighting spirit. After 10 laps of the race, the victory went to Peko Banjaja, but Janone did not disappoint at all.
Banjaja overtook Janone on the first lap, but spent most of the race fending off his attacks, before finally pulling away in the later stages.
For Janone, the race offered a return to clashing with the world’s best drivers – and proof that he is still fit.
The Race of Champions brought together 15 riders from the MotoGP, WSBK and BSB championships, riding the new Ducati Panigale V4.
“I think many did not expect this kind of result from me”the Italian said. “But I’m happy to be on the podium and because of the feeling I had driving the Panigale V4.”
“Peko did everything perfectly: I was behind him during the entire race and it was not easy to come up with tactics to attack. However, I am satisfied with my performance, I am returning to the race with the best in the world after a long time.”
“It’s simpler with street bikes. Peco is proof that winning in MotoGP requires perfect team chemistry.”
This year, Janone ended his four-year ban from participating in motor sports. At the age of 34, he joined the Go Eleven Ducati team in the WSBK championship, where he showed that he had not lost his talent.
He especially stood out at Phillip Island, where he unexpectedly won the podium.
He has been linked with a stunning return to MotoGP at various stages this year, but now admits those rumors are unlikely to come to fruition.
“I haven’t ridden in MotoGP since 2019 and the bikes have changed a lot”he said.
“Never say never to a return to MotoGP, but at the moment I don’t think it’s a realistic option. I want to get the most out of WSBK.”
Janone is a candidate to replace Alvaro Bautista (who finished 12th in the Race of Champions) in the Ducati factory WSBK team next season, should the reigning champion decide to retire.
Source: www.moto-berza.com
