Suzuki confirms Iannone split

Suzuki has officially announced Andrea Iannone is set to leave the team at the end of this year, with his expected switch to Aprilia set to be confirmed.

In a brief statement by the Japanese manufacturer, Suzuki confirmed it would not be renewing Iannone’s MotoGP contract beyond this season having joined the team two years ago from Ducati.

Having already re-signed Alex Rins earlier this season, Suzuki is expected to officially reveal Joan Mir as Iannone’s replacement at the Catalan MotoGP round next weekend.

Iannone has been strongly linked to a move to the factory Aprilia squad run by Gresini Racing alongside Aleix Espargaro with Scott Redding looking set to miss out at the expense of the Italian.

“Suzuki as a whole would like to wish all the best to Andrea in what is sure to be a bright and successful future,” the Suzuki statement read.

“During two seasons racing together Andrea has played an integral part in the growth of Suzuki’s MotoGP project, as well as assisting in the development of our GSX-RR. All of the Suzuki family are incredibly grateful for his help, and for the positive results achieved during the collaboration.

“Naturally, with the 2018 season ongoing, Team Suzuki Ecstar and the Suzuki Motor Corporation will provide their utmost support to the Italian as we continue working together for the remainder of the season, looking forward to achieving strong results in the coming races.

“Suzuki are now working on the finalisation of their 2019/2020 rider line-up, and especially in regard to who will partner Alex Rins aboard the Factory GSX-RR.”

After a difficult maiden year adapting to the GSX-RR, with fourth place at the wet Motegi race Iannone’s best result of 2017, the Italian has made a brighter start to this season highlighted by back-to-back rostrums in the United States and Spanish rounds.

Iannone narrowly missed out on the podium at Mugello, finishing fourth just behind Valentino Rossi, and currently sits seventh in the MotoGP riders’ world championship.