DOVIZIOSO TO TEST APRILIA

Andrea Dovizioso has made a surprising announcement, he will take part in a three-day trial with Aprilia next month to evaluate the new Aprilia RS-GP.

Last year Dovizioso departed the factory Ducati team, he was unable to secure a seat on the grid for this season and was forced to take a sabbatical.

Notably the three-time MotoGP Championship runner-up turned down an opportunity to race with the factory Aprilia team, citing the fact that he wanted to ride up the front of the grid.

However, in pre-season testing at Qatar, lead Aprilia rider Aleix Espargaro impressed on the new Aprilia by setting the sixth fastest time and piqued the interest of Dovizioso.

‘Dovi’ will jump on the RS-GP at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto from April 12-14 as part of the trial with the Noale factory.

“I was pleased by Aprilia’s interest and when we spoke about the possibility of doing this test,” Dovizioso said.

“I gladly accepted the invitation to be able to ride a MotoGP bike again and to stay in form, giving the engineers my feedback. I wish to thank Aprilia Racing for this opportunity.”

Andrea Dovizioso to test Aprilia – Image: LAT

Dovizioso will get his chance to ride the Aprilia with a view of potentially becoming the test rider or even riding for the Italian manufacturer full-time.

“It was a pleasure to invite Andrea,” said Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola. “The days in Jerez will simply be a chance to get to know one another better, also on the track.

“It will not be a ‘trial matrimony’ but an opportunity to turn some laps together without any binding commitment for the future.

“We are well aware of all Andrea’s qualities and his contribution will be important, even for just one test.”

The Italian manufacturer is not getting carried away with the strong testing times, however the squad remains optimistic of a much improved 2021 campaign, in memory of team founder Fausto Gresini who passed away less than a month ago.

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