WADA calls to extend Iannone’s drugs ban to four years
The World Anti-Doping Agency wants Aprilia MotoGP rider Andrea Iannone’s competition ban extended from 18 months to four years, as the appeals process begins.
Iannone tested positive for a banned steroid he claimed to have ingested through contaminated meat during last year’s Malaysian Grand Prix weekend.
Though his defence was upheld by judges in the FIM hearing back in March, he was hit with an 18-month suspension dating back to that Sepang weekend (and thus forcing his disqualification from the results of the Malaysian and Valencia GPs).
Iannone had vowed to fight the decision, citing past precedent, as a number of athletes have been fully acquitted in similar cases, with Aprilia backing its rider. The one-time MotoGP race winner has lodged his appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, while WADA has filed its own appeal, asking for the ban to be extended.
A statement from CAS read: “The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has registered the appeals filed by the Italian MotoGP rider Andrea Iannone and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) against the decision taken by the FIM International Disciplinary Court decision dated 31 March 2020, in which Andrea Iannone was found to have committed an anti-doping violation and an 18-month period of ineligibility was imposed on him.
“Andrea Iannone seeks to have the Challenged Decision annulled, whereas WADA requests that that Challenged Decision be replaced by a new decision imposing a four-year period of ineligibility on the rider.
“The procedures have been consolidated and will be referred to the same panel of arbitrators.
“A procedural timetable is being established for the filing of the written submissions. No hearing date has been fixed yet.”
WADA’s appeal isn’t unexpected, with the organisation also requesting a harsher punishment for Moto2 rider Ant West back in 2013 after he was hit with a doping ban – and was subsequently slapped with a retroactive 18-month suspension as a result.
With racing set to start on 19 July at Jerez, and a test taking place at the track on 15 July, Iannone faces a race against time to line up on the grid in just over five weeks. Aprilia has repeatedly stated its desire to retain the Italian should it be allowed to for 2021, though outgoing Ducati rider Danilo Petrucci appears to be edging closer to a deal.
Earlier on Tuesday, Aprilia confirmed it will retain Aleix Espargaro for at least two more years.
Aprilia announces new two-year deal for Espargaro
Mugello MotoGP race cancelled amid F1 rumours
2022 MotoGP title fight now "very tight", says Aleix Espargaro
Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaro believes the current MotoGP championship picture following the British Grand Prix has set up “a very, very tight” title battle.
Pol Espargaro doesn’t think Honda is reacting to MotoGP woes
Pol Espargaro isn’t sure the problems Honda is facing at races in MotoGP this season is being relayed back to Japan as “we’re not getting the material we need”.
Marc Marquez to return to MotoGP paddock in Austria for Honda progress update
Marc Marquez will return to the MotoGP paddock at the Austrian Grand Prix to check up on Honda’s progress as he continues his own rehabilitation.
Rins “destroyed” after grip issues end Silverstone MotoGP win hopes
Suzuki’s Alex Rins says he was “destroyed” after a “not normal” drop in grip left him tumbling down the order from the lead of the MotoGP British Grand Prix.
The signs Quartararo’s 2022 MotoGP title is slipping away from him
Prior to the summer break, the 2022 MotoGP title looked like it was Fabio Quartararo’s to lose. But a crash at Assen and the consequential penalty he had to serve last weekend at Silverstone stopped him from capitalising on a main rival’s injury woes, while a resurgence from another, plus the rise of a former teammate, look set to conspire against the Yamaha rider.
Why Andrea Dovizioso is leaving MotoGP at the right time
On the eve of the British Grand Prix, Andrea Dovizioso announced that he will be retiring from MotoGP after September’s San Marino GP. The timing of his departure raised eyebrows, but his reasoning remains sensible and what has happened this year should not diminish a hard-built legacy.
Why Alex Rins feels he deserves MotoGP's toughest challenge
Alex Rins’ MotoGP future was plunged into sudden doubt when Suzuki elected to quit the series at the end of 2022. Securing a deal with Honda to join LCR, he will now tread a path that many have fallen off from. But it was a move he felt his status deserved, and it’s a challenge – he tells Motorsport.com - he faces with his eyes wide open…
How Formula 1 has driven MotoGP's changing nature
The hiring of technicians from Formula 1 has clearly contributed to a recent change in the MotoGP landscape, with the role of engineers gaining greater significance relative to the riders. Here's how this shift has come about.
The battle Yamaha's wayward son is fighting to be fast again in MotoGP
Franco Morbidelli was long overdue a promotion to factory machinery when it finally came late last year, having finished runner-up in the 2020 standings on an old Yamaha package. But since then the Italian has been a shadow of his former self as he toils to adapt to the 2022 M1, and recognises that he needs to change his style to be quick on it
Why Honda and Yamaha have been left behind in MotoGP's new era
OPINION: The once all-conquering Japanese manufacturers are going through a difficult period in MotoGP this season. With Suzuki quitting, Honda struggling to get near the podium and Yamaha only enjoying success courtesy of Fabio Quartararo, Japanese manufacturers have been left in the dust by their European counterparts. This is why.
How in-form Quartararo is evoking Marquez in MotoGP 2022
OPINION: Fabio Quartararo has seized control of the 2022 MotoGP world standings after another dominant victory as his nearest rivals faltered. And he is very much heading towards a second championship echoing how the dominator of the last decade achieved much of his success.
Why Marquez's surgery is about more than just chasing on-track success
OPINION: Marc Marquez will likely sit out the remainder of the 2022 MotoGP season to undergo a fourth major operation on the right arm he badly broke in 2020. It is hoped it will return him to his brilliant best after a tough start to the season without a podium to his name. But it’s the human victory that will far outweigh any future on-track success he may go on to have