'Very interesting test' for Dovizioso, Aprilia decision 'soon' for 2022
After a debut at Jerez and rain-ruined outing at Mugello, Andrea Dovizioso and Aprilia enjoyed ideal conditions during a 'very interesting' test at Misano.
The former MotoGP title runner-up completed 126 laps over the two days, working on chassis, aerodynamics and electronic developments for both the remainder of this year and the 2022 RS-GP.
No lap times were released, but Aprilia stated that Dovizioso 'lapped at decidedly fast times, making a clear improvement from one day to the next although, as always in these cases, the clock is not the most important reference'.
“It was a very interesting test," Dovizioso said. "Testing on a third and different circuit was extremely important to understand the bike better and to see which points need to be developed.
"We tested and changed a lot of things in order to better understand many details which, in fact, we gathered more accurately, identifying how to improve and where, on the other hand, we lose something with certain changes.
"With the next scheduled tests, we’ll be able to make more comparisons and discuss our ideas better.”
Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola confirmed that Dovizioso remains a target for the team's remaining 2022 race seat, but added that 'valid and interesting alternatives' are also available and 'a decision must be taken soon'.
"Andrea has proven to be a great rider in terms of sensitivity and understanding the way the bike behaves," Rivola said.
"Parallel to testing, Aprilia Racing is taking measures to find the best solution in terms of the riders to put on the grid in 2022, without having to wait for the outcome of the next tests in July.
"Andrea is certainly included in the solutions we are assessing, but there are very interesting and valid alternatives on the table and a decision must be taken soon so we can properly plan the future strategy of the team.
"The Assen weekend will be extremely important in this regard.”
Even if Dovizioso declines the chance to return to racing with Aprilia, it is thought that he could opt to continue test riding duties in 2022.
Peter has been in the paddock for 20 years and has seen Valentino Rossi come and go. He is at the forefront of the Suzuki exit story and Marc Marquez’s injury issues.
