MotoGP: VR46 Announces Andrea Iannone as Fabio di Giannantonio's Replacement for 2024

Iannone’s MotoGP career ended on a low note after he tested positive for Drostanolone following the 2019 Malaysian GP, resulting in an 18-month ban that damaged his reputation. Now, he’s set to make a comeback, joining the VR46 team for his return to the sport.

Former MotoGP rider Andrea Iannone is making a surprise comeback to the Grand Prix circuit. He will replace the injured Fabio Di Giannantonio at the upcoming Malaysian Grand Prix, riding for the VR46 Ducati team. Di Giannantonio, who dislocated his shoulder at the Austrian GP, was forced to end his season early to undergo surgery. His final race, the Thai GP, saw him achieve a strong fourth-place finish. With Di Giannantonio out, Iannone's name emerged as a top contender to replace the Italian and the VR46 team has now confirmed his participation in the upcoming Malaysian GP. Whether he will also race in the season-ending Valencia GP remains uncertain.

Andrea Iannone said: Riding the world champion bike is thrilling. MotoGP is the most technological and high-performing motorcycle; I am honoured that they thought of me, and I felt compelled to seize this opportunity as soon as it was offered to me. The challenge is definitely crazy, complex, and important, as I haven’t ridden a bike of this category for years and haven’t done any testing.

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'I am excited to work with Ducati and the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, both for the very high level and for the friendship that has linked us for years. I would like to thank Valentino Rossi, Alessio Salucci, Pablo Nieto, Gigi Dall’Igna, Claudio Domenicali, and Mauro Grassilli.'

MotoGP and Andrea Iannone

MotoGP VR46 Andrea Iannone 1

Andrea Iannone had a promising MotoGP career cut short due to a doping scandal. In 2019, Iannone, then riding for Aprilia, tested positive for a banned substance. He claimed that the positive test was a result of consuming contaminated meat while in Malaysia. However, this defense was rejected, and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) successfully appealed to extend his ban to four years.

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This lengthy ban effectively ended Iannone's MotoGP career. After years of absence, he will be making a comeback, participating in a single race as a replacement rider. This short-lived return sparked discussions and debates within the motorsport community.