The FIM governing body has confirmed Andrea Iannone’s hearing at the International Disciplinary Court (CDI) has taken place but reveals the case is ‘ongoing’ with no decision set to be reached for at least 10 days.
The Italian attended the hearing to plead his case against a provisional drugs suspension beginning December 17 as a result of a failed test during the Malaysian MotoGP event on Monday 3 November.
Testing positive for the a banned ‘Exogenous Anabolic Androgenic Steroid’ called Drostanolone, Iannone’s B sample was also found to have contained traces of the substance, albeit in a small amount.
The hearing will determine whether he is forced to serve a formal ban – upwards of two years – or whether he will be cleared to compete with Aprilia in the 2020 MotoGP World Championship.
For now, the FIM has only confirmed the hearing is ‘still ongoing until a CDI decision is rendered’ and that his suspension remains in place.
However, GPOne is reporting his defence team has submitted a hair sample taken during FIM anti-doping tests which show no trace of the steroid found. It says a decision has thus been delayed by 10 days, meaning Iannone – as expected – will miss the second pre-season test at Sepang.
FIM Statement in full – 4/2/20
“Following a routine In-Competition doping test conducted at the round of the FIM Grand Prix World Championship held in Sepang, Malaysia on 3 November 2019, Mr Andrea Iannone tested positive for a WADA prohibited substance and is now provisionally suspended since 17 December 2019.
“Mr Andrea Iannone requested analysis of his B sample which also confirmed the result of the A sample analysis.
“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.
“Under the World Anti-Doping Code and the FIM Anti-Doping Code, the FIM is unable to provide any additional information at this time.”
