Andrea Iannone has been suspended by the FIM for failing a doping test after a doping test at Malaysian MotoGP 2019.
A standard in-competition test was carried out by the FIM at Sepang, However Iannone’s urine sample which was taken had sampled for a non-specified substance prohibited within the FIM’s rules.
The World Anti-Doping Authorities (WADA) laboratory in Germany test concluded and the FIM has been informed and has suspended Iannone and he is banned from participating in any motorcycling competition.
Within the initial statement released by the FIM, Iannone’s failed sample included a non-specified substance under Section 1.1. an Exogenous Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) of the 2019 Prohibited List. Iannone has the right to request and attend an analysis of his B sample. Iannone can appeal the result, and request that the B sample (the second sample taken at the same time) is analyzed.
Anabolic androgenic steroids are so-called non-specified substances, which means that it is almost impossible for them to enter the body accidentally or without knowledge of the person using them. Anabolic steroids are used to build muscle mass and burn fat, as well as to reduce inflammation in some cases.
The suspension will plunge Iannone’s MotoGP future into serious doubt, with the Italian currently signed to Aprilia for the 2020 season. A four-year ban would automatically end Iannone’s career. A number of rider and team managers had identified Iannone as one of the riders likely to leave MotoGP at the end of 2020, but he had also been expected to head to WorldSBK, where he would have been a very welcomed addition. A four-year ban would make that impossible.
The former MotoGP race-winner secured Aprilia’s best result of sixth place at the Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island, the week before the Malaysian race, and ended the season in 16th place in the riders’ world championship.
The Aprilia team could turn to test rider Bradley Smith as a replacement option alongside Aleix Espargaro. The most obvious solution for now from his role as test rider, Smith has been pivotal in helping develop the Aprilia RS-GP, and providing input for the new bike to be launched at the Sepang test in February next year.
Iannone’s suspected offense is different to the other ban in MotoGP for doping offenses, Anthony West who lost his podium at Sepang in Moto2 grid back in 2012, as his race results were struck off and the Australian rider reoffended in September last year and duly lost his World Supersport slots.
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