Andrea Iannone needeඣd a helpful reminder of World Superbikes’ rules ahead of his comeback from a four-year absence.

A do⛦ping ban has kept the ex-MotoGP rider sidelined since 201🅷9.

Iannone, now aged 34, has joineಌd GoEleven Ducati in WSBK this year.

“I ꦗdon’t know what to ex💛pect,” he said ahead of this weekend’s season-opener in Phillip Island.

“Everything is new for me.

“The format is completely different. I needed my team ma𒆙nager to explain 🧸the rules to me!

“I am really excited.

“It’s a strange feeling. But I am happy 🔯🔯to be here.

“This is what I have loved most, all my life.”

Iannone has frequently been a part of test days with MotoGP Ducati rid🦹ers over the past year as he ramped up his comeback plans.

But increasing the speed 🦂during preseason ha🍨s provided a greater gauge of his true potential, and there is some excitement over Iannone’s addition to the grid.

He🃏 assessed his pr꧂eparation: “Not bad. I am a little bit surprised.

“The speed, in general, was h🌟igh. We ⭕weren’t sure, at the beginning.

“In four years I never tried to ride a race bike.

“It’s a good preseason for us.”

What can Iannone realistically achieve after a fo꧑ur-year absence? In a brand-new series?

“We want to try to fight with the best riders,” he𒆙 insisted.

“The first 10 positions is our goal, our target.

“When we arrive higher than 10th, it is perfect.

“Step by step, race by time, we need to improve and 🎀achieve better results.”

But surely Iannone is ꦯtargeting podiums - and perhaps more - at🅷 some stage this year?

He answered: “Realistic? It is difficult because I’m coming backꦬ.

“It’s a clear ꦏsituation. We will try our🅘 best, for sure.”