MotoGP: Andrea Iannone delighted to make a return to Sepang

Ducati Team rider, Andrea Iannone is delighted to make a return to the MotoGP World Championship races after recuperating from the back injury he sustained during the free practice session at the San Marino Circuit, last month.

The Italian said he was ready to put up a splendid performance despite not having fully recovered from the back injury.

"I am very happy to finally be able to return to the track, and I hope it will be a positive weekend for us, even though I know that it won't be easy because my back is still not quite right," he told a pre-race press conference ahead of the Malaysian MotoGP, here, today.

"I decided to return to race here in Sepang, also because it was quite a struggle for me to sit at home and watch the races on TV and I was desperate to get back," the 27-years-old rider added.

His team-mate Italian Andrea Dovizioso is eager to try out the Sepang Circuit which has been resurfaced.

"With the new asphalt and the banking modified in several corners it will surely be more interesting and fascinating.

"As always, we will have to understand how the bike and above all the tyres will behave with all these changes, but I've always ridden well at Sepang, so I can't wait to get on the track," said Dovizioso who claimed four podium placements this season.

With two rounds remaining until the end of the championship, Dovizioso lies seventh in the standings with 137 points, while Iannone is in ninth with 96 points. -- BERNAMA