Revealed: “The Only Rider Marc Marquez Feared in Moto2”
Marc Marquez, known for his bravery and dominance in the world of motorcycle racing, rarely admits to fearing any competitor. However, Davide Tardozzi, Ducati team manager, recently revealed that Andrea Iannone was the only rider who truly put fear into the future champion’s heart during his days in Moto2.
Andrea Iannone: The Formidable Rival
In 2012, when Marquez won the Moto2 championship, Pol Espargaro finished second and Iannone third. The previous year, Marquez was runner-up, losing to Stefan Bradl, with Iannone again in third place. This period in Moto2 was marked by intense battles, and Iannone stood out as a fierce and talented competitor.
“Iannone was the only rider Marc feared in Moto2,” Tardozzi told GPOne. “Andrea deserved the respect of an eight-time world champion.” This statement highlights the level of skill and the menacing presence of Iannone on the track, even against a rider of Marquez’s caliber.
Iannone’s Journey
After leaving Moto2, Iannone had a tumultuous career. He moved to MotoGP, but his trajectory was interrupted by a four-year doping suspension. Recently, Iannone has experienced a resurgence in the World Superbike Championship (WSBK) with Go Eleven Ducati, impressing in the early rounds of the season.
With the doping suspension now concluded, Iannone is considering his options for 2025. Although Ducati team manager Tardozzi suggests that Iannone should continue excelling in WSBK due to his age and time away from MotoGP, he acknowledges Iannone’s natural talent and the possibility of a MotoGP return still lingers in his mind.
Iannone’s Future
One potential entry point for Iannone in MotoGP is the Pramac team, with Paolo Campinoti, a great admirer of Iannone, expressing interest in signing him. “We know Paolo Campinoti is a great admirer of his,” Tardozzi stated. “However, I think it is reasonably difficult for several reasons. Andrea is doing very well in WSBK, but MotoGP is a step further and I don’t know if, after so many years, he can still adapt.”
Additionally, Tardozzi mentioned the changes in bike characteristics and riding styles since Iannone last competed in MotoGP, suggesting that adaptation might be a significant challenge.
Final Considerations
Regardless of whether Iannone returns to MotoGP or continues to shine in WSBK, the revelation that he was the only rider to instill fear in Marc Marquez in Moto2 is a testament to his talent and determination. Often overlooked in the racing world, Iannone is showing that he still has much to offer and remains a formidable figure on the track.
Whatever his next step, Andrea Iannone’s story is a reminder that even the greatest champions have their respected and feared adversaries. In the case of Marc Marquez, that adversary was Andrea Iannone.
