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Doping affair: Aprilia anxiously search for replacement for Andrea Iannone

Confirmation that Iannone has also resulted positive in the counter-analysis now means that the Veneto manufacturer will have to activate plan B. Shortlist of candidates to replace him with a rider of equal prowess is small, almost non-existent, to the detriment of Aprilia's technical commitment

Doping affair: Aprilia anxiously search for replacement for Andrea Iannone

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With the predictable confirmation that Andrea Iannone’s second urine sample also proved to be positive, the doping affair now enters the second phase, following the FIM communication sent to the Aprilia rider for testing positive for Drostanolone on 17 December.

At this point, however, the paths of the rider from Vasto and Aprilia go in different directions. While on the one hand Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola has expressed solidarity for his rider, on the other he is now forced to activate a plan B to take account of the worst possible scenario: suspension or even a ban for Iannone that prevents him from taking part in testing or, even worse, all or some of the world championship.

The first option would certainly be a problem, given the fact that Andrea is seen as being the driving force behind the project even if on the track his performances have been inferior to teammate, Aleix Espargaro.

The fact is however that this is a minor problem, which can be solved simply by calling on test-rider Bradley Smith for the tests that begin on 2 February in Sepang.

The second option, a ban for the rider, is on the other hand, a much bigger fish to fry: it’s a question of deciding whether to 'promote' Smith to Iannone’s place, and search for a replacement for the test team – who might already have been identified – or find another rider. Karel Abraham, the only man currently available, has put himself forward as candidate, but right now the market options are pretty limited.

And yet this is the difficult task faced by Massimo Rivola, given that it usually takes ages for matters to be resolved in cases of doping. Plan B, therefore, must be found today, not tomorrow.

Aprilia can’t afford to wait for the elements for the defence to be collected by Andrea Iannone's lawyer, Antonio De Rensis, let alone wait for matters to go before the International Disciplinary Court, which must issue a first sentence within 45 days, inevitably followed by an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne. He has to decide NOW.

The Veneto manufacturer has done its part in being protective towards its rider, and it could not have been otherwise, but at this point Rivola isn’t left with many cards to play. And he must show his hand, because he can’t wait for Andrea to show his.

Especially in consideration of the technical and economic efforts which engineer Romano Albesiano is currently making.

The risk, given that results haven’t been forthcoming for a number of years now, is that the house of cards comes tumbling down. And Roberto Colaninno's patience is probably not endless…

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