Between Aprilia and Andrea Dovizioso, a healthy relationship has been established from which both parties benefit. Win-win as they say. The manufacturer is delighted to benefit from the expertise of a driver with extensive experience and recognized speed. The rider, for his part, keeps in shape and in contact with a MotoGP that he has not decided to leave permanently. The duo discovered each other during tests in Jerez and now tests at Mugello are underway. Can we already talk about a couple and, therefore, a union soon to be formalized by a contract? The man at the helm of Aprilia Racing, Massimo Rivola, responds…
Massimo rivola is delighted with the current situation experienced with the last RS GP which opened up new perspectives. The performances of the new opusAleix Espargaro product on its handlebars does not leave you indifferent. And that’s good for one Dovizioso looking for a project to return to MotoGP. “ It's a win-win situation for both of us " remember Rivola. " If Andrea wants to race in 2022, he can't afford to sit still for a year. Our tests are therefore a good opportunity for him, while for us his feedback is useful for development ».
Because the added value of Dovi is certain: “ a driver like Dovizioso can help you take the final leap, not only in terms of performance, but above all for the information and work methodology it provides. Dovi is a very sensitive and meticulous driver and this helps to grow the team and lead the development, shortening times ».
Certainly, but we now have to think about what’s next. The foreplay is going well. Are we going to take action? “ Very soon, Andrea will have to decide to continue testing with us » explains the director ofaprilia-racing. " Since Jerez we have treated him like a factory rider and made the changes that were asked of us. Now Andrea must decide what he wants to do ».
Rivola gives the deadlines
And the Italian specifies: “ it is a question of whether he wants to continue the 2021 testing program also with a view to a return in 2022. Even if the rain will not allow him to understand our bike well in Mugello, Andrea has gotten to know us and understand our working method ».
So he knows enough. Rivola gives the road map on MOW : " the first thing to do is to understand if it will be part of our 2021 test program and this from the next tests scheduled in a month. This is a decision Andrea will have to make very soon. If he continues, in about a month he will have to decide for 2022 ". The man ofAprilia therefore does not prejudge anything, but still gives a feeling: “ I see a driver who still wants to give a lot. I haven't seen a test pilot or a pilot close to retirement ". And Dovizioso will have no other choice thanAprilia if he wants to do it again.
