Iannone Overlooked as VR46 Choose Pirro for MotoGP Finale

The VR46 team has confirmed it will not give Andrea Iannone a second run-out at the MotoGP finale in Barcelona this weekend, despite showing impressive signs on his return after five years.

The WorldSBK rider made an unexpected return to MotoGP at the Malaysian Grand Prix, however, the Italian will not be in action for the finale after previously being considered.

Instead it will be Ducati’s official test rider Michele Pirro who has been given the nod to step in alongside Marco Bezzecchi, in what will be his final weekend with Ducati before jumping ship to the factory Aprilia Racing outfit.

Bezzecchi’s team-mate Fabio Di Giannantonio is missing the second of two races following his season-ending surgery that took place after the Thailand MotoGP last month.

Iannone has renewed his stay in WorldSBK for 2025 and his return to MotoGP at Sepang could potentially be his last after the decision was taken to give Pirro the VR46 seat.

“First of all, thanks to the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team and Ducati for this great opportunity to close the season on a MotoGP,” Pirro said. “It is always nice to race in this category and then also with Valentino's colours, whom I thank together with Uccio [Salucci] and Pablo [Nieto].

“I send a big hug to Fabio, he was doing really well but not being 100% physically fit on this engine size is complicated and next year he really has a great opportunity with the GP25. It will be interesting for me to race on the GP23, I will be able to see where we have made some steps forward.

“I have no expectations for the race, but I am happy to race, also for all the people affected by the floods in Valencia, and I hope to honour the team and the working group. See you on the track.”

This weekend’s finale in Barcelona was moved after MotoGP officials took the decision to switch from Valencia due to the deadly floods.

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