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MotoGP, Iannone: "I took a risk, I wanted the podium"

PHOTOS OF THE CRASH. “If I'd known the Hondas were out, I'd have settled"

Iannone: "I took a risk, I wanted the podium"

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He arrived in Malaysia with question marks about his physical condition hanging over his head. Andrea Iannone knew he wasn't 100%, but he didn't want to hold back. He battled in the race, gritting his teeth and giving Valentino Rossi a hard time. But just as it was beginning to look like being an all-Italian podium, the Maniac crashed out. With him on the podium, it would have been an extra special weekend for the team. And the disappointed is clear to see on the Italian's face. 

“I think it was a great race, I was able to fight right from the start, battling with Rossi. I took risks, perhaps I was missing something, seeing as I didn't improve after yesterday's qualifying. The fact I didn't do the second practice definitely penalised us, we needed more traction”.

You weren't injured in the crash?

"It's my first crash since Misano, but nothing serious. I came back strong after my time away, no-one could have imagined this kind of return, not even me, and in bad conditions too, in the wet. Perhaps I'll struggle more at Valencia but it will be my last race with Ducati and so I'll give it my all”.

You had a good head to head with Rossi.

“i had a lot of fun battling with Vale, he's 37 and still so strong. He had more grip, while i was suffering on corner exit, in fact he realised this. I defended myself well for as long as I could, then I crashed".

What happened? Did you push too hard?

“I crashed thinking that Cal and Marc were right behind me, I didn't know about their mistakes. Coming fifth would have meant nothing, seeing as I wanted the podium.. Unfortunately I went out on the same lap as the two Hondas and they couldn't tell me anything from the garage. If I'd know I'd have taken less risk”.

You were too long heading into the corner.

“yes. I had no grip at the rear, I was really struggling, and in braking I couldn't be as decisive as I was at the start. Unfortunately I lost the front”.

In two weeks' your time with Ducati will come to an end.

“I'm really sorry to be leaving Ducati, as I've had four fantastic years with them. I've always had a strong relationship with Gigi, i think he's the most upset about my leaving. I'll make sure I'm also competitive in the future with Suzuki”.

Translated by Heather Watson
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