Iannone denied podium shot by engine glitch

Ducati rider Andrea Iannone was denied a chance of a podium finish in the Czech Grand Prix due to a engine glitch that restricted the power of his bike, the team has revealed.

The Italian manufacturer enjoyed its strongest showing for several races at Brno, with Iannone finishing fourth, just three seconds behind Valentino Rossi, and Andrea Dovizioso sixth after being passed by Dani Pedrosa on the last lap.

But Iannone was delayed by an engine problem that the team estimates cost him a couple of tenths per lap, preventing in from having a chance of overhauling Rossi for a potential first podium finish since May’s Mugello round.

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“Today Iannone did a great race, fighting right until the very end, and I am really sorry about the final result because he had a problem with the engine of his GP15 that limited the performance somewhat,” admitted Ducati team boss Gigi Dall’Igna.

“Unfortunately there was a glitch with the variable trumpet intake system and this led to the loss of some power.

“We calculated that Iannone probably lost a couple of tenths a lap, and so we lost a great chance to be up front and try to get onto the podium.”

Iannone satisfied

Despite the issue, Iannone felt Ducati still could be satisfied with the outcome of the race, saying: “We have to be optimistic about the result because I believe I did the best I could do.

“I was losing a lot on the straights and so I had to make up time by pushing too hard with the braking.

“In any case, I am pleased to have obtained this result despite the problem, because it means that we have reached an excellent set-up on my GP15,” concluded the 26-year-old.