“The Maniac” joins Niti Racing to take on Australia’s Archie Mcdonald for the rest of the 2025 Baggers season
Andrea Iannone is set to return to the MotoGP paddock, with the Italian joining the FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup from Mugello. Riding for Niti Racing, Iannone will be part of an expanded three-rider line-up alongside Oscar Gutiérrez and Dimas Ekky Pratama.
“The Maniac” brings proven top-level credentials, having won races in both MotoGP and WorldSBK. With his experience, raw speed and aggressive style, he shapes as a serious front-running prospect as soon as he hits the grid.
Iannone will make his first appearance on the race-prepared Harley-Davidson at the Brembo Grand Prix of Italy at Mugello from May 29 to 31. He is then scheduled to contest the rest of the championship through to the final round in Austria. His addition gives Mugello even more interest at a circuit already regarded as one of motorsport’s great spectator venues.
“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,” Iannone said. “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.”
Niti Racing team manager Angela Khuu said the move builds on the squad’s early-season form.
“After a very positive start to the season in Austin, adding Andrea to our line-up is a natural step to keep building momentum,” Khuu said. “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.”
Harley-Davidson Director of Global Racing Programs Jeffrey Schuessler said Iannone’s arrival is another sign of the category’s growing profile.
“Bringing a rider like Andrea into the championship is a strong statement about what we are building with the Bagger World Cup,” Schuessler said. “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.”
Iannone most recently raced with Team GoEleven in WorldSBK riding a Ducati Panigale V4 R, returning to competition after a four-year absence following a doping violation. He had a some success in 2024, finishing 8th overall with five podiums including one win, but struggled in 2025, leading to friction within the team.
