In view of the results which were so depressing that they were beginning to take precedence over his entire work, one wondered why Andrea Dovizioso continued to persist in continuing with a Yamaha M1 which he never stopped saying that it would never suit him. A question which ended up being shared by the 36-year-old Italian who announced before this weekend's British Grand Prix that he will stop paying for the San Marino Grand Prix in Misano in a month. His replacement is known and we change one veteran for another…
We swore at Yamaha that it wouldn't happen and Andrea Dovizioso was almost offended when the question was asked if it was really reasonable to continue such a season, already promised by the person concerned as the last of his Grand Prix career. And yet, the evidence, like reason, ended up imposing itself since it is official that the former three-time vice-champion of the MotoGP World, and each time on Ducati, will not see this campaign through to the end. So, Andrea Dovizioso will not end the 2022 season on its Yamaha . He will retire from MotoGP after the Grand Prix of Misano. The Forlì pilot, exactly one year after joining the project Yamaha , will leave the Maison des Trois Diapasons during the season. Before the summer break, he had already anticipated the news of not being on the squad in 2023.
The English who learned this news on their soil also had the pleasure of learning that it is the official Yamaha test rider Cal Crutchlow who will be the replacement rider in the WithU Yamaha RNF team MotoGP for the remaining six races of the 2022 season.
« In 2012, the experience with Iwata in MotoGP was very positive for me and since then, I always thought that I would have liked, sooner or later, to have an official contract with Yamaha » commented Dovi. “ This possibility presented itself, in fact somewhat fortunately, during 2021: I decided to try it because I firmly believed in this project and in the possibility of doing well. Unfortunately, in recent years, MotoGP has changed profoundly, the situation is very different since : I never felt comfortable with the bike and I was not able to make the most of its potential, despite the valuable and continuous help of the team and the entire Yamaha factory ».
« The results were negative, but beyond that, I still consider it a very important life experience: when there are so many difficulties, you must have the ability to better manage the situation and your emotions » adds the teammate Darryn binder. " We did not achieve the desired objectives, but the relationship with the Yamaha technicians and those on my team was always positive and constructive, both for them and for me. She remained loyal and professionally interesting even in the most critical moments : it wasn't so obvious that this would happen ».
Andrea Dovizioso: “ It didn't turn out the way we hoped, but it was right to try«
He finishes : " for all this and for their support, I thank Yamaha, my racing team RNF, WithU and the other sponsors involved in the project. It didn't turn out the way we hoped, but it was right to try. My adventure will end in Misano, but the relationship with everyone involved in this challenge will remain intact forever. Thank you all ».
The boss of Yamaha on the ground Lynn Jarvis added: “ I want to start by saying that, of course, we are all sorry that Andrea is leaving this sport earlier than expected. He is a big name in MotoGP and will be missed in the paddock. We considered ourselves very lucky last year when Andrea gave us his willingness to join our MotoGP program, after Franky joined the factory Yamaha team, creating the need for a replacement rider for the rest of the 2021 season ».
« The great skill, experience and methodical nature was of great interest to Yamaha and the RNF team. The project also included the entire 2022 season. Unfortunately, Andrea struggled to get the most out of the M1's potential and, as a result, the results were not there, which created understandable frustration for Italian talent. Later, during the summer break, Dovi confirmed his desire to retire before the end of the season ».
« After discussion, we agreed that Andrea would run his last race at Misano, in his home Grand Prix. Naturally, Yamaha will continue to give its full support to Dovi in the next three races. In the meantime, let's enjoy these last GPs together, ready to celebrate the end of a spectacular career in Misano ».
