Iannone suspended for failing FIM drugs test

Andrea Iannone has been provisionally suspended by the FIM for failing a doping test during this year’s Malaysian MotoGP.

In a standard in-competition test carried out by the FIM at Sepang, Iannone’s urine sample was found to include a non-specified substance prohibited within the FIM’s rules.

Following an initial investigation led by a World Anti-Doping Authorities (WADA) laboratory in Germany, the FIM has opted to provisionally suspend Iannone and he is banned from participating in any motorcycling competition indefinitely.

Within the initial statement released by the FIM, Iannone’s failed sample included a non-specified substance under Section 1.1.a Exogenous Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) of the 2019 Prohibited List. Iannone has the right to request and attend an analysis of his B sample.

The suspension will plunge Iannone’s MotoGP future into serious doubt, with the Italian currently signed to Aprilia for the 2020 season.

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 16^th place in the riders’ world championship.

If Aprilia take action against Iannone, the team could turn to test rider Bradley Smith has a replacement option alongside Aleix Espargaro.

Previous bans for doping offences include Anthony West who lost his place on the Moto2 grid back in 2012, with his race results struck from official records for the period West was found guilty of doping, before the Australian rider reoffended in September last year and duly lost his World Supersport ride.