At Aprilia, an additional imperative was added to the already significant one of the development of a completely redesigned RS-GP. This is the case of proven doping of Andrea Iannone, their official driver, teammate of Aleix Espargaró. In all likelihood, given the current procedure, Iannone should not be available for the back-to-school tests in Sepang. We must therefore develop a plan B… Like Bradley Smith. But also like Biaggi!
To Aprilia, it's already back to school. A premature end to the vacation due to this case of doping now proven by their pilot Andrea Iannone. The latter must now defend himself to risk the least serious sanction possible. But he is indeed, in the meantime, suspended by the FIM.
Certainly, the tests which will begin on February 7 in Malaysia to continue until the 9th, are organized by the IRTA, and not under the seal of the FIM. Aprilia could therefore mobilize Iannone to run this unique RS-GP. But the image of the firm, thus ignoring a case of doping in its ranks, could be damaged. So Joe the Maniac has every chance of not being on the Sepang trip…
But then who in his place? Massimo rivola has already cited Bradley Smith who is the designated test pilot. However, the tests will begin with a warm-up on February 2, with, in fact, the test pilots. And it's hard to imagine the Englishman rolling for six days straight in this furnace!
So what would be the solution? Romano Albesiano, the technical man responds. And he surprises! “ It is clear that this is a problem that worries us a lot. At this point it is very likely that Andrea has not yet resolved his issues before the Sepang test, so we will use Aleix Espargaró and Bradley Smith. From there we will have to see how the situation evolves. Honestly I focus on the technical aspect. Nobody knows how it will evolve: it's a new event for motorcycling »
He also adds on GPone: “ in fact, we may reach someone in Bradley Smith. Abraham contacted us after the news about Iannone, and obviously he would be eager to return to MotoGP. We talked about it but nothing was decided. It is also a possibility to use Biaggi and Savadori. Yes, both are in plan B ».
Max Biaggi back at 48? There is definitely no reason why Valentino Rossi think about retiring at 40… “ Max Biaggi is so awesome we'd love to see him everywhere at Aprilia. It would also be great to see him in MotoGP " finished Albesian...
