Andrea Iannone is coming back to the MotoGP paddock! The #29 – self-styled as “The Maniac” – will join the FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup grid from Mugello onwards, in the ranks of Niti Racing as they expand to a three-bike effort of Iannone, Oscar Gutiérrez and Dimas Ekky Pratama.
Iannone is a race winner in both MotoGP™ and WorldSBK, bringing with him top-level experience, natural speed, and a bold competitive mindset. Known for his aggressive riding style and strong race instincts, he is expected to be an immediate contender at the front.
Iannone will make his debut on the race-prepared Harley-Davidson machinery at the Brembo Grand Prix of Italy at Mugello from May 29–31 and is set to compete in the remaining rounds of the championship through to the season finale in Austria.At a venue already known for delivering one of the most spectacular spectator experiences in motorsport, the addition of Iannone adds a further layer of excitement to the Mugello weekend.
Andrea Iannone: “I like challenges, especially when they take you out of your comfort zone. This is something completely different, and that’s exactly why I said yes. I’m truly excited to begin this new chapter, as I’ve always admired Harley-Davidson and its iconic riders’ community, which plays such an important role in the scene. It’s a category that embodies adrenaline, spectacle, and a genuine passion for riding and for life. These bikes have a strong personality, you have to respect them, but at the same time you can push them hard. In that sense, we are quite similar, and I think that’s why this project fits me well. I’m also approaching this first race without having tested the bike, and with one less test than the others. That reflects my mindset, I embrace challenges and actively look for them. Mugello is the perfect place to start, in front of the Italian fans, on a track I know very well. I’m not coming here just to participate. I want to understand the bike quickly and be competitive straight away. Let’s see what we can do. On a more personal note, I feel a strong connection with Indonesia. I truly appreciate its people, and I’m excited to begin this journey together with Niti Racing and this community.”
Angela Khuu – Team Manager, Niti Racing: “After a very positive start to the season in Austin, adding Andrea to our line-up is a natural step to keep building momentum. We already have a strong base with Oscar and Dimas, and bringing in a rider with Andrea’s experience and speed gives us an additional dimension as a team. We are excited to see how quickly he adapts to the bike and to start working together already in Mugello.”
Jeffrey Schuessler – Director of Global Racing Programs, Harley-Davidson: “Bringing a rider like Andrea into the championship is a strong statement about what we are building with the Bagger World Cup. He’s a proven race winner at the highest level, with the kind of talent and personality that adds even more energy to the grid. This is exactly the type of profile we want to attract as the championship continues to grow. Mugello will be a great place to see him start this new chapter on Niti Racing’s third bike, further strengthening an already competitive line-up alongside Oscar Gutiérrez and Dimas Ekky Pratama.”
From the Harley-Davidson Village to the unique opportunity to access the Bagger World Cup garages, which are open to the public, and the dedicated grandstand at Correntaio, the experience is designed to bring people closer than ever to the action, offering a truly immersive and distinctly Harley-Davidson way to live MotoGP™. Find out more about the FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup HERE.