At Mugello last weekend, as part of the Italian Grand Prix, it wasn't just Andrea Dovizioso who wandered behind the scenes and on the side of the track to immerse himself in the MotoGP atmosphere again. . There was also Andrea Iannone. Banned and suspended for 4 years for doping, he kept a low profile. He went to see Romano Fenati, whom he manages with his brother, and for the occasion he wore a beautiful checkered jacket, like the flag that can no longer salute him since he is banned from all competitions organized by the FIM. But who knows, that could change...
Andrea Iannone came back on a circuit, and it was at Mugello last weekend. But as a VIP, which is not bad considering that the Italian Grand Prix was placed behind closed doors. But even without a license and sanctioned for 4 years by the anti-doping agency, Joe the Maniac was there. To remember the good things of a bygone time? Maybe not only... Because the colorful Italian is currently inhabited by a crazy hope which consumes him to such an extent that he has to talk about it.
What is it about ? Iannone is currently clinging to the idea of a resounding comeback with the help of the FIM President Jorge Viegas. According to Iannone, Viegas would not be against it: “ I am very happy with what Viegas said. I know what he's thinking. He said over and over he believed in my innocence ", declared the formerAprilia in an interview with GP One. " I went to Geneva and he is very sorry because he knows all the documentation and our process. It is impossible not to take into consideration all the scientific arguments presented and to speak of a receipt which is not proof. The dinner receipt is not attributable to any piece of meat, it is impossible to do so. They had already decided that I would take 4 years ».
« I hope the president of the international federation can do something for me ", said Iannone. " What happened to me could happen to another driver tomorrow. This is an incredible danger. We cannot allow WADA, the World Anti-Doping Agency, to have so much power and not be able to do anything ».
Otherwise, Andrea Iannone reveals that he still follows training worthy of a racing driver: “ I fly and I will continue to do so. I'm fast and happy. It seems like I never stopped », He specifies that he rides production motorcycles. “ In Misano I was faster than ever on a production bike. Motorcycles are my life and I will continue to ride. I can not live without it. Of course, it hurts a lot to enter the paddock and see my opponents continuing to ride and not me. What happened just isn't fair », annoys the Grand Prix winner, whose last performance in MotoGP dates back to November 2019.
Andrea Iannone: “Even though I’m no longer there, I feel like I’m part of the Aprilia project”
At Mugello he said he supported Ducati, but he was also delighted with the progress made by Aprilia : " I'm happy to see they're on the right track. ", Explain Iannone, who attributes some of the progress to his work. “ I am happy for Aleix Espargaró and for Aprilia. Even though I'm no longer there, I feel like I'm part of the project. Aleix has been there for many years. The situation has improved considerably with Massimo Rivola. Romano Albesiano is more dedicated to technique. I worked very hard with them and left a lot of information » recalls Iannone.
« They told me my direction was working. I am proud and I wish everyone that they go faster and faster », declared the Italian who will celebrate his 32 years in August. At the end of his sentence, he would have 34 years. Andrea Dovizioso, which is gradually merging into the RS-GP project in 35. But Iannone did not talk about his former teammate from Ducati...
