DOVIZIOSO CONFIRMS SECOND APRILIA TEST

Andrea Dovizioso has spoken for the first time about his test on the 2021 Aprilia RS-GP machine and confirmed that he will test for the Italian manufacturer again.

After departing the factory Ducati team at the end of 2020, Dovizioso turned down several offers to race this year, instead electing to take a sabbatical.

One of the offers late last year came from Aprilia, but due to the manufacturer’s uncompetitive season ‘Dovi’ politely declined.

However, after a strong start to the season for lead rider Aleix Espargaro, the Italian was lured back to test for Aprilia at Jerez and confirmed that he will ride again in Mugello next month.

“Next, we will do another test so we can work on some other details,” Dovizioso said. “I think we will organise another one at Mugello in one month more or less. At this moment, all we have on the table is this next test in Mugello.

“It was nice to have this chance for me and I think also for them and be able to do it, at two tracks I think would be nice for both, so we will organise.

“It was a really nice three days with professional people. To be on the podium and top five is not easy, but I think they have a good base.”

The three-time MotoGP Championship bridesmaid explained that he felt quite comfortable on the bike and is hopeful that the Italian team will make the changes he requested after the test.

“Like every bike, it has positives and negatives, which is normal, but I had a really good feeling,” he said.

“After one month, I hope Aprilia can make some changes to help with my position.

“If you want to push really hard, you have to look at the small details and to understand everything clearly you have to feel comfortable.

“Until you have that situation, I think it’s stupid to try to push. When you don’t feel comfortable, you’re not able to be on the limit during braking, entry and exit and you have to do that in order to fully understand all of the details.”

The Italian refused to open up and talk about a potential future with the team other than reveal the Mugello test next month, however he signalled his intentions to be back on the grid full-time in 2022.

“MotoGP is still my passion, and I would like to race next year,” Dovi said. “I think it was smart to be on track and I’m really happy because Aprilia gave me the possibility to do that in the right way.

“I have my idea, I’m trying to work for next year but I’m open minded at the moment because the situation is not easy to understand, what is the best thing for me for next year.

“I was happy to be here and have this chance, thank you to Aprilia because they give me the opportunity to be on a MotoGP bike again and stay close in this work.”

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