Motorcycles

Andrea Iannone Joins FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup with Niti Racing

Former MotoGP™ and WorldSBK Race Winner Set to Debut at Mugello as Championship Grid Expands to Ten Riders

The FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup continues to build momentum with the addition of Andrea Iannone as the tenth rider on the championship entry list. The experienced Italian rider will join the series from the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello Circuit, competing with Niti Racing.

Following a highly competitive opening round in Austin, highlighted by Oscar Gutiérrez’s Race 2 victory, Niti Racing further strengthens its line-up with the addition of Iannone. The team will now field a three-bike effort alongside Gutiérrez and Dimas Ekky Pratama.

One of the most recognisable names in modern motorcycle racing, Iannone is a former race winner in both MotoGP and the FIM Superbike World Championship, bringing extensive top-level experience, natural speed, and a fearless competitive mindset to the series. Known for his aggressive riding style and strong race instincts, he is expected to be an immediate contender at the front of the field.

Iannone’s arrival increases the total number of riders on the Bagger World Cup grid to ten, further reinforcing the depth and competitiveness of the championship’s inaugural season. He will make his debut aboard the race-prepared Harley-Davidson machines at the MotoGP™ Grand Prix of Italy at Mugello from 29–31 May 2026 and is set to compete in the remaining rounds through to the season finale in Austria.

Already recognised as one of the most engaging spectator experiences in motorsport, the Mugello weekend is set to gain an additional boost with the presence of Andrea Iannone alongside fellow Italian rider Filippo Rovelli of ParkinGO Team. Italian fans will have even more reasons to connect with the championship and its riders.

From the Harley-Davidson Village to the rare opportunity for fans to access the Bagger World Cup garages,  which are open to the public as well as the dedicated grandstand at Correntaio, the event experience is designed to bring spectators closer than ever to the action, delivering a uniquely immersive and unmistakably Harley-Davidson way to experience MotoGP™

Andrea Iannone – Niti Racing rider
“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.”

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Back to top button