Can Iannone's MotoGP career be saved?

Having been handed an 18-month ban for testing positive for a banned anabolic steroid, Andrea Iannone's MotoGP days look increasingly numbered. Although his Aprilia team are steadfastly backing him, Iannone will be out of contract soon. Can he save his MotoGP career?

Published Apr 1, 2020, 3:00 PM

In the 1970s, motorcycle racers were no strangers to drugs. But rather than using them - and you can bet a fair few partook - riders, generally privateers, would often find themselves smuggling drugs across continental Europe.

Riders would tour from race track to race track to make a bit of money, largely to keep their (legitimate) speed habit ticking over in the days when race organisers were just as corrupt and steadfastly neglected to cough up any meaningful start money.

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Author Lewis Duncan

Lewis Duncan is Autosport's International Editor and primary motorcycle racing reporter. A motorsport fan from a young age, Lewis became interested in journalism when he won the star letter competition in the February 2012 issue of F1 Racing Magazine. A member of the Autosport Academy from 2017, Lewis became a freelance motorcycle racing correspondent for Autosport in 2019 before becoming a full-time staffer in 2020 as International Editor.

While MotoGP coverage is his priority, Lewis also covers World Superbikes and road racing across the Motorsport Network, and hosts the Tank Slappers Podcast. He has also occasionally commentated on 750 Motor Club meetings. Away from motorsport, Lewis is a keen record collector with a collection unashamedly largely featuring Iron Maiden and Rush and an avid guitar player.