MotoGP winner Andrea Iannone joins Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup Grid for Mugello debut
Andrea Iannone joins Niti Racing to make his Bagger World Cup debut at Mugello, as the inaugural Harley-Davidson series expands to a ten-rider grid.
The FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup (BWC) continues to gather momentum, with former MotoGP and WorldSBK race winner Andrea Iannone confirmed to join the grid from the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello.
The Italian will line up with Niti Racing, marking both his debut in the all-new championship and a significant expansion for the team, which now fields a three-bike effort alongside race winner Oscar Gutiérrez and Indonesia’s Dimas Ekky Pratama.
Iannone’s arrival takes the BWC to a ten-rider entry list for its inaugural season, further underlining the rapid growth of the Harley-Davidson-backed series following its opening round in Austin. There, Gutiérrez made an immediate impression by taking victory in Race 2, setting an early benchmark in the fledgling championship.
One of the most recognisable, and some would say divisive, names in modern motorcycle racing, Iannone brings a proven pedigree at the highest level, with victories in both MotoGP and WorldSBK. Known for his aggressive racecraft and instinctive pace, he arrives as one of the most high-profile additions to the series so far, and is expected to be a frontrunner from the outset on the race-prepared Harley-Davidson machinery.
His debut will come at one of the most iconic venues on the calendar, with Mugello hosting the Italian Grand Prix from May 29 to 31. The home round adds further narrative intrigue, with Italian fans also able to follow compatriot Filippo Rovelli, who races for the ParkinGO Team.
Speaking about the entry in the BWC, Iannone said:
“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.”
Beyond the track action, Mugello will once again stage the Bagger World Cup’s immersive fan experience, including access to the Harley-Davidson Village, open garages, and a dedicated grandstand at Correntaio, designed to bring spectators closer to the action.
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Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
