Andrea Iannone will miss next week’s pre-season Sepang MotoGP test due to a verdict not being reached at his International Disciplinary Court hearing today.
Iannone has been provisionally suspended from all FIM activity since mid-December after being tested positive for a steroid at the Malaysian grand prix in November.
The factory Aprilia pilot requested that his B sample be tested in a bid to clear his name, but this was also found to have contained traces of the same steroid-thus leaving him provisionally suspended until at least after his appeal could be heard in an CDI hearing.
A decision on Iannone’s case will be heard in due course, but in the meantime the Italians team-mate Aleix Espargaro will have to conduct the bulk of the manufacturers running at the Malaysian venue alongside test rider Bradley Smith and ex-Aprilia World Superbike rider Lorenzo Savadori.
The FIM issued a statement regarding today’s court hearing, confirming a decision would come soon.
“The hearing of the International Disciplinary Court (CDI) took place today at the FIM Headquarters in the presence of a panel of three judges of the CDI where Mr Iannone had the opportunity to present his case.
“The proceeding is still ongoing until a CDI decision is rendered. Mr Andrea Iannone remains provisionally suspended until then and is therefore barred from participating in any motorcycling competition or related activity until further notice.”
Aprilia have made it clear they would be open to continuing their relationship with Iannone should his ban last only a matter of months, although longer disciplinary action would likely any further continuation between the two parties.
Smith looks most likely to take over from Iannone should he not make the start of the season.
