Dovizioso to make surprise MotoGP return with Aprilia

Andrea Dovizioso’s year away from MotoGP has ended months earlier than planned, with the Italian to ride Aprilia’s RS-GP in April.

While only a three-day private test, the ride nonetheless opens the door for Dovizioso to make an earlier return to the premier class than originally planned.

Aprilia invited the three-time MotoGP World Championship runner-up to take part in the test of their “much improved” RS-GP at Jerez this coming 12-14 April (between the Qatar and Portimao MotoGP rounds).

In the recently completed Qatar test, Aprilia’s regular rider Aleix Espargaro showed the RS-GP had indeed improved, finishing sixth fastest overall, ahead of many other factory machines.

"I was pleased by Aprilia’s interest and when we spoke about the possibility of doing this test, I gladly accepted the invitation to be able to ride a MotoGP bike again and to stay in form, giving the engineers my feedback. I wish to thank Aprilia Racing for this opportunity," Dovizioso said.

Massimo Rivola, Aprilia Racing CEO, welcomed Dovizioso to the squad, but stamped out any suggestion of the test leading to a more regular role. 

"The days in Jerez will simply be a chance to get to know one another better, also on the track,” Rivola stated.

“It will not be a ‘trial matrimony’ but an opportunity to turn some laps together without any binding commitment for the future. We are well aware of all Andrea’s qualities and his contribution will be important, even for just one test."

While Bradley Smith is the team’s official test rider, the one-off appearance by Dovizioso may lead to bigger things, especially if he outperforms Smith. As a concession manufacturer, Aprilia can enter their test rider as a wild card in up to six MotoGP races this season, meaning there’s a chance Dovizioso could race again this year.

This isn’t the first connection between Dovizioso and Aprilia, as the Noale manufacturer had sought Dovizioso’s services soon after he halted contract talks with Ducati last August, but the Italian resisted, electing to sit out of MotoGP instead.

But now, with Andrea Iannone out until the end of 2023 following the extension of his drug ban, there may be an opportunity for Dovizioso to replace Aprilia’s second rider, Lorenzo Savadori, who will be under pressure if he doesn’t perform this year.

Following KTM’s breakthrough victories last season, Aprilia is now the only team on the MotoGP grid not to record a race win or podium with their current machine. Dovizioso’s test invitation shows they are desperate to break that drought.

Dovizioso’s test session at Jerez will come a fortnight after the season-opening round for 2021 at Qatar on 26-28 March.