Factory Ecstar Suzuki MotoGP rider Andrea Iannone has admitted he is confident with his race pace, despite starting from the second row of the grid at Phillip Island.

The Italian was fastest through the three combined free practice sessions and despite missing out on the front row of the grid by just 0.007, pole sitter Marc Marquez and many others believe Iannone is the favourite for tomorrows race.

“It depends on the development of the race but also the wind,” said ‘The Maniac’ when discussing his race.

“Lot of other things, the pace, in case we start from the beginning and push then it is important to push. It’s very difficult as every race is different. I have an idea for tomorrow.

“I know I have a good pace but we’ll see, it’s difficult to know who is strong. Marc also Vale, Vinales, Rins, Dovizioso, everybody is very close.”

Iannone has a strong record in Phillip Island and felt last year excessive rear tyre wear in the last five laps cost him with a serious opportunity to challenge at the front. The Italian has doubled down on this and said it will be important to achieve it tomorrow.

“The feeling with the bike is not so bad, so this is the most important thing,” he said.

“On the other side it’s really important we arrive in the last five laps with good performance on the rear tyre, to be able to fight on the last give laps. This is key at the moment but we will see.”