Between Aprilia and Dovizioso, the speckled relations continue. There was a test in Jerez then another in Mugello but the latter was disrupted by rain. Two interesting approaches but which the incumbent driver Aleix Espargaró recognized as being insufficient to help him advance RS-GP. Rest assured, there will be new testing days at Misano in June. A revelation made by Dovi's manager, Simone Battistella.
In an interview at Moto.it, the manager of the three-time vice-world champion indulged in the confidence, thus revealing a positive trend with the idea of collaboration with the factory Aprilia. Before going into detail, Simone Battistella took stock of the last laps of the wheels at Mugello which have unfortunately been reduced to the bare minimum: “ unfortunately Andrea's test at Mugello was characterized by rain on Tuesday and Wednesday ", Explain Battistella. “ There was only one dry window on the first day, but it wasn't enough ».
« Of course the bike needed some checks even in the rain, but the timing was inconclusive, although positive. Too bad for Aprilia, also because they had also brought equipment during the post-GP tests in Jerez, but also the Spanish Grand Prix. The strong wind compromised the tests. But there will be other opportunities to ride the 2021 RS-GP », Reveals the manager.
It is at this moment that he opens up to the future: “ it will be in Misano, in June, hoping it doesn't rain. Then you will have to see the GP calendar. Aprilia, however, benefits from the concessions and will therefore be able to afford the tests more flexibly ". A plan that is welcomed by Dovizioso : " he has fun and rests. He can finally catch his breath after the tensions of recent seasons in MotoGP. He was relaxed and happy to ride the Aprilia tests, also thanks to the atmosphere created by the team ».
Aprilia and Dovizioso: “maybe we have already signed”
The question of the famous wild card was raised. And the answer is very nuanced: “ difficult, unless it's trying to race for a contract at the next World Championship. The “wild card” would only make sense if the driver was certain he would race in 2022. Otherwise, the race to the race is useless ". But how, precisely, can we end up with a contract for 2022? “ For this marriage, there must be the right conditions, both technical and budgetary. In fact, a lot of pressure would come from this union because it “must” be a winning combination for the history of Aprilia and Dovizioso. The 2021 bike showed in the first 4 races that the structure is healthy. The Noale technicians worked well ».
Moto.it then asks the key question: if the sun had been out at Mugello and Dovi had had a good time, would the contract have already been signed? “ Of course we would have had fun, it would have been interesting, but... maybe we have already signed » the manager responds half-heartedly…
