Aprilia MotoGP star Andrea Iannone remains provisionally suspended from any competitive motorcycle activity after a panel sitting in Switzerland was unable to come to any decision.

Iannone’s legal team presented evidence that a hair sample was tested by the Bertinaria Centre in Turin. The test is used by criminologists to establish the presence of substances in the body months before any other tests are carried out.

Both Iannone’s A and B samples confirmed the presence of anabolic steroids after a test at Sepang 2019.

A decision is expected in 10 days.

A statement from the FIM reads:

Following a routine In-Competition doping test conducted at the round of the FIM Grand Prix World Championship held in Sepang, Malaysia on 3 November 2019, Mr Andrea Iannone tested positive for a WADA prohibited substance and is now provisionally suspended since 17 December 2019.

Mr Andrea Iannone requested analysis of his B sample which also confirmed the result of the A sample analysis.

The hearing of the International Disciplinary Court (CDI) took place today at the FIM Headquarters in the presence of a panel of three judges of the CDI where Mr Iannone had the opportunity to present his case.

The proceeding is still ongoing until a CDI decision is rendered. Mr Andrea Iannone remains provisionally suspended until then and is therefore barred from participating in any motorcycling competition or related activity until further notice.

Under the World Anti-Doping Code and the FIM Anti-Doping Code, the FIM is unable to provide any additional information at this time.