Iannone to leave Suzuki

Andrea Iannone has confirmed he will leave the factory Suzuki MotoGP team at the end of this season.

The Italian made the announcement, expected given the growing rumours that Joan Mir is to join the team, on the eve of his home Grand Prix at Mugello.

"I will not remain for sure in Suzuki," Iannone said. "I switch to another bike, factory. But at the moment I do not want to talk about my future because it's a little bit early.

"Two years ago at this race I announced my partnership with Suzuki, but this year it's a little bit different.

"Suzuki talk with me about my future only after the Barcelona test... in any case, now it's sure I will not remain with Suzuki."

Without a podium during a disappointing debut Suzuki season, Iannone has taken two rostrums so far this year and is seventh in the world championship.

"I have a good relationship with everybody in Suzuki. I think last year was a difficult year and so the relationship last year was a little bit difficult. In any case Suzuki tried their best last year and me also, and we will continue like this to the end of the season."

Iannone, a MotoGP race winner with Ducati prior to joining Suzuki alongside Alex Rins, has already been linked with a move to Aprilia and ruled out joining a satellite team.

"I don’t want a satellite team. I talk with factory [teams]… Not only Aprilia."

Rins has already been re-signed on a new Suzuki contract.

Earlier on Thursday, Mir's manager rejected reports that a Suzuki deal has been signed.