Iannone to miss Japanese GP through injury

Andrea Iannone

Andrea Iannone has been ruled out of this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix.

The factory Ducati rider fractured his T3 vertebra in a practice crash at Misano last month which ruled him out of the San Marino Grand Prix.

Iannone attempted to make a comeback at the Aragon Grand Prix two weeks later only to withdraw after suffering pain from the injury in practice.

The Italian had hoped to make a return at Motegi this weekend but doctors have since advised Ducati to allow more time for the rider’s injury to heal.

As a result, Ducati has elected against fielding a replacement leaving Andrea Dovizioso as the sole factory rider in Japan.

It is hoped Iannone will return at Phillip Island for the Australian Grand Prix from October 21-23.

Meanwhile, Australia’s Jack Miller is expected to return to competitive action having been sidelined from races at San Marino and Aragon with a hand injury.