MotoGP: Der Schatten von Andrea Iannone wird an diesem Wochenende über Sepang und seinem Großen Preis von Malaysia hängen from

Shades Of Andrea Iannone Loom Over Sepang, Malaysian MotoGP

A Replacement, A Shadow, And A Moto2 Crash

The MotoGP™ paddock touched down in Malaysia wary of its most recent history on its Sepang International Circuit tarmac. Just over 12 months ago, the event was overshadowed by the high-profile fatal accident involving Jason Dupasquier. Now, the shadow of Andrea Iannone looms large over the track.

After the Italian was sensationally suspended for four years in 2020 for anti-doping violations, the latest chapter in the Andrea Iannone saga took place last week when the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that the original four-year ban was excessive and should be reduced.

This means that the 33-year-old is free to compete once again, and he was immediately linked with a return to MotoGP™ through a possible deal with the Gresini Racing team. However, those rumors were quickly quashed by the team itself.

A Late Replacement?

Razlan Razali, Team Principal of the WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP™ Team, admitted on Thursday that Italian rider Andrea Dovizioso could be replaced for the Malaysian Grand Prix. Dovizioso is still suffering from the effects of a heavy fall in the closing stages of the Thailand Grand Prix weekend, and although it is hoped he'll ride, he himself has cast doubt over his ability to do so.

Rumors immediately began to circulate that Andrea Iannone would be the late replacement for Dovizioso should this prove necessary. However, this has yet to be confirmed, and it remains to be seen whether Iannone will actually make his much-anticipated return to MotoGP™ this weekend at Sepang.

Moto2™ Takes Center Stage

Moto2™ will take center stage on Saturday at Sepang after a dramatic and tragic incident in the Thai Grand Prix that claimed the life of Thai rider Anuphap Samothong. The race will be restarted from the original grid, with Ai Ogura (IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia) starting from pole position.

Ogura has a 13-point lead over Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) in the championship standings, with Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) a further 10 points behind in third. The Malaysian Grand Prix is the penultimate round of the 2023 Moto2™ World Championship, and Ogura will be hoping to take a big step towards the title with a strong result at Sepang.