While the MotoGP riders fight in full light in a dazzling season, there are some who continue their fight in the shadows. This is Andrea Iannone, whose appeal of his sanction for positive doping control has still not been processed by the Court of Arbitration for Sports. A deadline that feels like purgatory and a purge for the manufacturer Aprilia which must determine its plans for 2021. Cal Crutchlow is free and he has shown his interest in the RS-GP project. Aleix Espargaró, already within the walls, and who renewed his lease, also opened his arms. But the one in charge, Massimo Rivola brings everyone back into line…
As for the 2020 season, we are happy to see Aprilia a decent new RS-GP which brought back some Brno a top 10 with Aleix Espargaró which had positioned her in fourth place on the starting grid of the Czech Republic Grand Prix. Enough to redo the icing after two steps Jerez more complicated, where it was necessary lower the power of the new engine... The fact remains that the Noale manufacturer is only playing with a top driver, its second still awaiting the result of its appeal regarding an 18-month suspension imposed by the FIM Disciplinary Tribunal for a dark history of control positive anti-doping. Knowing that the same court recognized thatAndrea Iannone had not voluntarily taken the illicit substance, the latter logically wants to be exonerated.
However, the anti-doping agency took advantage of this procedure to request no less than four years of suspension... Since then, everyone has been waiting..." The anti-doping agency is doing everything it can to delay the procedure and it impacts us as much as Andrea » regrets the one who commands on the ground Massimo rivola. From our point of view, this expectation is completely unjustified ».
“The Cal Crutchlow signing is a lie”
Aprilia supports its pilot in the storm: “ the entire scientific committee formed by Andrea's lawyer is more than efficient. They are fully prepared to dismiss any charges against Iannone who, among other things, was partially acquitted in the first trial. These 18 months are not compatible with the concept of innocence », declares Rivola. " The feeling is that Wada, who has very significant political power, is doing everything possible to waste our time. This is the only way to make Iannone pay some sort of penalty. Personally, I am very confident that Andrea will win the appeal ».
For now, they have to wait. The results of this chapter should be known at the end of this month. However, if Iannone is not acquitted, Noale will have to get to work and look for his replacement. In recent weeks, the name of Cal Crutchlow sounded strongly as a new Aprilia rider. But Rivola excludes it completely, at least for the moment. “ Aprilia's signing of Cal Crutchlow is a sensational lie. We are waiting for Iannone but of course we will have to come up with a plan B if Andrea is not with us. It is obvious that such a long delay puts us in great difficulty. There is no date for his return. When we better understand the position of the anti-doping agency (Wada), we will better understand what the consequences will be », he concludes.
