Andrea Dovizioso will test Aprilia’s MotoGP challenger in a private test held between the 12th and 14th of April as he weighs up a possible test role at the manufacturer.
The Italian held talks to join Aprilia as a race rider for the 2021 season after electing to leave Ducati early during the Covid-19 shortened ’20 campaign, though he ultimately elected to turn down the marque’s offer and take a year’s sabbatical from racing instead.
Aprilia have made several wholesale changes to the RS-GP over the winter following a subdued first season of competition for its newest machine last year, Aleix Espargaro scoring its best result of eighth in the term-ending Portuguese Grand Prix on his way to a lowly 17th in the riders rankings.
The upgraded bike impressed during the recent pre-season test days in Qatar, Espargaro a permanent fixture in the top five throughout-his best time netting him sixth in the combined standings to boot.
Dovizioso says he is “pleased” that Aprilia invited him along to Jerez, the three-time MotoGP vice-champion keen to use the test as an extension of his training to try and stay fit for a potential ’22 racing return.
“I was pleased with Aprilia’s interest and when we talked about the possibility of doing this test I gladly accepted the invitation, to be able to ride a MotoGP again and keep me in training by giving my feedback to the technicians,” explained Dovizioso.
“I want to thank Aprilia Racing for this opportunity ”.
Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola added that it was a “pleasure” to give Dovizioso a chance to sample the latest evolution of the RS-GP, though added that the test would not be a “marriage rehearsal” but rather an opportunity for the 15-time premier class victor to give feedback on the manufacturers latest creation.
“It was a pleasure to invite Andrea, the days of Jerez will simply be an opportunity to get to know each other better, even on the track,” said Rivola.
“It will not be a marriage rehearsal but an opportunity to shoot together without any obligation of commitment for the future.
“We all know Andrea’s value and his contribution will be important, even for just one test ”.
Espargaro will be joined by Lorenzo Savadori for the full ’21 season this year, the ex-World Superbike racer making his full-time MotoGP debut after replacing Bradley Smith for the final three contests as a reward for securing the Italian Superbike crown.
He notched up a best result of 18th in the Valencian GP across his three starts, though a strong run to the top six during practice for the Portuguese GP incites promise for a solid first full year in the premier class.
