“I would like to race in MotoGP next year” said Andrea Dovizioso

Andrea Dovizioso has completed a three-day MotoGP test for Aprilia in Jerez. Is this a sign of things to come?

Andrea Dovizioso makes his long-awaited return for Aprilia at Jerez, with a test at Mugello expected.

Onboard the 2021 RS-GP bike, the Italian rider made his first appearance for Aprilia since his 125cc World Championship debut in 2001, and it was his first return to MotoGP machinery since November.

When it was announced last month that Dovizioso would be testing in Jerez, many thought that this may mean a full-time return or a return with wildcards was imminent. Despite the fact that nothing has been confirmed, this is a situation worth watching.

With Aleix Espargaro securing two top -10 in Qatar, the 2021 season has been Aprilia’s finest start to a MotoGP campaign yet.

Given Aprilia’s progress this year, as well as Dovizioso’s experience and winning pedigree, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all sides.

“It’s because my passion is still MotoGP,” Dovizioso explained when asked why he chose to test the Aprilia in Jerez.

“I would like to race next year, so I think it was smart to be on the track and I’m really happy, because Aprilia give me the possibility to do that and in the right way. 

“I’m really happy about that and I think it is positive in any case whether I will race next year or not.”

Dovizioso has been one of the most consistent riders in recent years, which would be invaluable experience for Aprilia, who are still the only manufacturer without a win on the grid.

Because to the windy conditions on the final day of testing, Dovizioso was only able to finish half of the day.

While it’s still too early to judge the RS-full GP’s potential, the 35-year-old hinted that the main focus of this test would be positioning on the bike, with “some ideas” regarding the bike’s strengths.

“I think every MotoGP rider is able to be fast, but to be there and fight for the important lap time is a different story. I have some ideas, but I don’t think everything is clear which is normal as it takes time to push the bike to the limit and feel comfortable on the bike,” added Dovizioso. 

“I am speaking about the position, and not about how the bike worked, because the position especially in MotoGP, I think is even more important than the other championships, because in the way you ride you need to be very precise. 

“The position affects a lot the way you ride. Like every bike, it has positives and negatives, but I had a really good feeling.”

It’s unclear whether Dovizioso will race for Aprilia in 2021, but it sounds like another test in Mugello is in the works.

“Next will be to do another test as we want to work more on the position of the bike and on some other details which takes time,” said the former Ducati rider. 

“I think we will organise another test and it will be at Mugello in around one month probably, so that is the plan.”

The uniforms of MOTOGP racing drivers are currently available at the following websites for a reasonable price: