Jakarta –
Andrea Iannone can smile broadly again. The 34 year old racer from Italy successfully climbed the podium in the first race of the 2024 WSBK opening series which took place at the Philip Island Circuit, Australia (23-25 February). This marks the return of the racer nicknamed The Maniac after serving a four-year racing ban.
For information, Iannone was suspended because he was caught consuming meat containing anabolic steroids, a substance that is classified as doping in the world of sport. Iannone was initially not allowed to race for 18 months, even though he stated this was not intentional.
Iannone then filed an appeal, but the sentence was actually increased. Iannone cannot compete for four years, according to the request of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). He has been serving this sentence since December 17 2019. Iannone also left the MotoGP team he was defending at that time, Aprilia Racing.
Four years into his sentence, many predict that Iannone’s career in the world of motor racing will be over. But Iannone broke that view. The racer who has also bought the Suzuki and Ducati MotoGP teams can prove that he still has the edge on the race track.
Andrea Iannone while still defending the Aprilia Racing MotoGP team Photo: Mirco Lazzari gp / Getty Images
Marking his return to the track, Iannone joined the independent GoEleven Ducati team in the WSBK (World Superbike) racing event. The racer who was born in 1989 immediately proved his ability on the race track by winning three podiums in the first race of WSBK Australia 2024.
Four years absent from racing in the highest caste, Iannone has proven that he is still fit and can compete at the highest level, with younger racers. This is a good start for Iannone.
“I’ve been reliving all the moments, including the bad moments I experienced during my four-year hiatus. I’m lucky to have a good life, but you can’t live well when you lose everything you love. I just want to get my bike back and “after I get it back, I want to enjoy it. I’m happy. I’m here, I’m back, maybe stronger, and I want to enjoy this moment to the fullest,” Iannone was quoted as saying Motosan.
“This is a magical moment and I want to enjoy it, without thinking or stressing too much, also because I am here (again) after a long time (absence), I have returned with extraordinary results,” added Iannone.
In the second race of WSBK Australia 2024 which was held today (25/2), Iannone again achieved positive results. Even though he didn’t get on the podium again, Iannone managed to secure fourth place.
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2024-02-25 11:18:28
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