Andrea Dovizioso made his partial return to MotoGP by riding, for what was more of a contact than a real test, the Aprilia RS-GP in Jerez. Three days were reserved for the event, two were completed, the last day being ruined by the weather. For what assessment? The rider realized that he missed MotoGP, even if today he can devote all his time to his declared passion for motocross. And he found a certain charm in Noale's machine. However, he also clarified the difference between a pilot in a sabbatical year and another who has stopped his career to take up the cause of test pilot...
Andrea Dovizioso put himself in reserve MotoGP at the end of last season and he came out of it agreeing to do laps for Aprilia. A great opportunity for both parties who will meet again in May to bring things back to Mugello. They will then have the Ducati as box neighbors…
After having done balance sheet of his escapade in Jerez with the RS-GP, Dovizioso wanted to clarify his state of mind by emphasizing one nuance. So, if he takes the handlebars again, it is indeed to become a regular driver again. He's not yet ready to imitate Dani Pedrosa et Cal Crutchlow, now real test pilots for the benefit of KTM and Yamaha .
The three-time vice-world champion said thus, from the top of his 35 years : " my mentality is still that of a racing driver ". And he compares himself with Pedrosa et Crutchlow, starting with the Spaniard who serves KTM : " Dani became a test pilot. Would he then be able to make wild cards? Everything is possible. For several reasons, I see Dani more as a test pilot at the moment in terms of his approach. It's great for testing because it approaches things with the right mindset, which can be productive for the builder ».
Dovizioso: “the next step is to adapt to the demands of the bike”
Dovizioso also met another companion in Jerez: his former teammate Tech3 Yamaha and Ducati Cal Crutchlow, who is the new test pilot Yamaha since this season. “ I also had a little chat with Cal. As always he makes you laugh, it's nice to meet him in the paddock " said Dovi. “ I also saw that Cal's mentality changed a bit. When you change your mindset and start being a test pilot, it's a little different ».
The one who drove eight years on a Ducati also exchanged ideas with Crutchlow on ergonomics, which are so important to him. “ I talked to him about it because he had been on the Honda for five years and had already spent many years on the Yamaha. But it still takes time because you are influenced by the past. When you've been in this position for so many years, it's normal that you have to adapt first. There are two aspects: firstly, you have to feel good on the bike, depending on your physique. Especially if you are quite small. The next step is to adapt to the demands of the bike. It's a double job ". And Dovizioso got back into it with heart.
