MotoGP | Dovizioso Surprise: Rides in Yamaha’s Private Test at Misano!

Sometimes they come back. A few weeks ago, Andrea Dovizioso had opened up to the possibility of getting back on a MotoGP bike, even if only as a test rider, and it came to fruition much more quickly than one could have imagined.

For the moment it should be a “one-off”, but the rider from Forlì will be busy with the Yamaha test team in the two days of private tests that will take place on the Misano track in Romagna, between tomorrow and Wednesday.

Unfortunately, the Iwata manufacturer has to deal with the continuing physical problems of its official tester, the British rider Cal Crutchlow, who is unfortunately experiencing complications following surgery on his hand.

While waiting to recover Crutchlow, Yamaha has therefore asked the availability of the three-time world vice-champion, who had interrupted his full-time career right after the 2022 San Marino GP, when he was racing with an M1 of the satellite team managed at the time by Razlan Razali. But previously, in 2012, he had also raced with Yamaha under the colors of the Tech3 team.

Among other things, a few weeks ago there was already an initial contact with the 2024 bike, during another private test at Mugello. Therefore, the hope is that Andrea can help collect data to try to get the Japanese brand out of a very deep crisis, highlighted yesterday by the first GP without points in two years.

“I’m sorry that Cal is still not well and I hope he recovers quickly. Having said that, I’m happy and excited to have the chance to ride a MotoGP bike again and I would like to thank Yamaha for this opportunity. I hope I can give my contribution to the development of the bike,” said Dovizioso.

Team director Massimo Meregalli also thinks Dovizioso could be a good solution: “First of all, let me say that we all wish Cal a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on track with our test team soon. However, in the meantime we cannot afford to remain inactive. We are therefore pleased to confirm that Andrea has agreed to replace Cal and take on the role of Yamaha Factory Racing MotoGP test rider at the private test in Misano.”

“Andrea and Yamaha have had a close relationship for many years. Dovi is a highly skilled and precise rider, who also has a clear understanding of the technical side of MotoGP. Furthermore, in addition to his experience in the MotoGP championship, he also knows Yamaha’s MotoGP project well, so we are looking forward to continuing our collaboration with him. We think he will help us collect valuable data and give us good feedback,” he concluded.