Let's talk MotoGP: Does Andrea Iannone still have a future in MotoGP?

On the evening of the 2019 Sepang Grand Prix, Andrea Iannone tested positive for drostanolone propionate, an anabolic steroid. Faced with the inability to prove his innocence, the former Ducati official is banned from competition for four years, a sentence which will not be lifted until December 2023. However, in recent days, his name has resurfaced. In reality, no one has forgotten the Italian playboy. And conversely, a return is running through his head, as confirmed by Charles Pernat a few days ago ; a testimony that you can find on paddock-gp, by clicking on this highlighted link. But will he even be able to come back? Would a comeback at the highest level be relevant? This is what we are going to study, weighing the pros and cons.

I) Why it is a good option

Contrary to what one might think, Andrea Iannone remains an interesting option for some teams, or at least, should remain so. So of course, we are not talking here about the officials, who are already busy with drivers as talented as each other. To tell the truth, the overview of the grid is quickly done; there is no room anywhere. However, it must be kept in mind that the 2023 season promises to be the end of a cycle in MotoGP. Some riders will probably not renew, and it would not be impossible that a possibility opens up, perhaps in a Yamaha satellite team.

 

 

In the structures of the peloton, the signing of an Iannone would not be inappropriate. First of all, he is an experienced driver, who has always performed well. This is its great quality. Everywhere he went, the Italian scored good results and never had a season without outbursts. Even inactive for four years, Andrea could still, undoubtedly, shine for one or two Grands Prix during the year, and that is what many teams are asking for. Then he was a Ducati factory rider under Dall'Igna, then at Suzuki, and finally at Aprilia. Assigning him the role of test pilot would not be heresy, especially since those who appear occasionally during the year are starting to get old. Michele Pirro et Stefan bradl are showing serious signs of weakness, and are no longer performing as well as in the past. same for me Cal Crutchlow, who, if he made a rather good impression at the end of 2022, is at the end of his career.

With this in mind, it would not be uninteresting to bring in a former Grand Prix winner, who knew how to find speed regardless of his machine, as or even younger than the drivers mentioned above. A brand could well try it to see what it's worth, like what was done for Andrea Dovizioso at Aprilia; “Joe the Maniac” is not that far from a MotoGP handlebar.

II) A compromised return

As you can imagine, many parameters work against him in this story. First of all, this outspoken playboy look isn't as popular now as it was a few years ago. His image has seriously suffered from this doping affair, and there is no doubt that the firms involved in the world are reluctant to sign a profile like this.

 

 

Then, at 33 already, it's difficult to get back in condition to perform again. Current MotoGP requires flawless physical preparation, but above all constant mental training. The athlete that he is has not given up, and he still displays an impressive physique at the time of writing these lines.. On the other hand, we have some reservations about his determination: the development of his business, in the nightlife world but also in catering, may have cost him in this regard. Does he still have the competitive edge, like a rookie who has just arrived in the premier category? There is little chance. Let's also remember that throughout her career, Andrea has been plagued by injuries and this is a factor that can play a role. He now has much more to lose.

Finally, the possibilities of a return in 2024 are threatened by the emergence of new talents, particularly in Moto2. In the intermediate category alone, Arbolino, Acosta, Ogura ou López all have priority over him.

Conclusion:

A full-time return to MotoGP will be difficult, if not impossible. As confided Carlo Pernat, the Superbike box is undoubtedly more suitable for Andrea Iannone. However, we really believe that a driver of this caliber does not lose everything, no matter how long the absence. Numerous examples in motorsport prove that it is possible to retire, even over a long period, and return to a very respectable level. For this reason, we believe that “The maniac Joe” deserves, at a minimum, a test in MotoGP, for his career and because having a profile like his is not out of place.

What do you think? Do you want to see Andrea Iannone return to the premier category? Tell us in the comments!

 

 

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport