Aprilia MotoGP rider Andrea Iannone has been suspended by the Fedeeration Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) for failing a drug test.
Riders and sportsperson – in general – are subjected to random visits by World Anti-Doping Code and it was the same with Aprilia MotoGP rider Iannone, who was tested on November 3, during the 2019 Malaysian GP, held at Sepang International Circuit.
The Italian provided his urine sample, which when analysed in WADA accredited laboratory in Germany indicated of substance related to steorids, which falls in the prohibited list. It resulted in automatic suspension, which stands provisional at the current time.
Iannone can request and also attend the analysis of the B sample as his suspension started from December 17, whereby he has been barred from participating in any motorcyling competition until further notice. It remains to be seen how it affects his 2020 ride.
The rider, though, took to social media to state his side of the story as he remains relaxed while being surprised by the outcome – which he says he is yet to receive it officially. “I’m totally relaxed and I want to reassure my fans and Aprilia Racing,” wrote Iannone.
“I am open to any counter analysis in a matter that surprises me, also because – at the moment – I have not received any official communication. Over the years, and also this season, I have undergone continuous checks, obviously always proving to be negative, which is why I have every confidence in the positive conclusion of this affair.
The full statement from MotoGP stated:
“The Fedeeration Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) has advised Italian Grand Prix rider Andrea Iannone that he is provisionally suspended pursuant to Article 7.9.1 of the 2019 FIM Anti-doping Code (CAD).
“The decision to provisionally suspend Mr Andrea Iannone was mandatory following the receipt of a report from the WADA accredited laboratory in Kreischa b. Dresden (Germany) indicating an Adverse Analytical Finding of a non-specified substance under Section 1.1.a) Exogenous Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) of the 2019 Prohibited List, in a urine sample collected from him at an in-competition test carried out by the FIM at the round of the FIM Grand Prix World Championship held in Sepang, Malaysia on 3 November 2019.
“Mr Andrea Iannone has the right to request and attend the analysis of his B sample. Mr Andrea Iannone is provisionally suspended with effect from 17 December 2019. He is therefore barred from participating in any motorcycling competition or activity until further notice.
“Under Article 7.9.3.2 CAD, Mr Iannone may request lifting of his provisional suspension. Under the World Anti-Doping Code and the FIM Anti-Doping Code, the FIM is unable to provide any additional information at this time.”
Here’s crash list of 2019 MotoGP season