Andrea Dovizioso’s summer will be very busy because he seems to have taken his role as a tester for Aprilia very seriously. After first contact with the RS-GP in Jerez in April, two days in the rain-ruined Mugello and finally a test in Misano at the end of June, Dovi will be back on the Noale bike in July and August.
The first dates in the calendar are July 27th and 28th, when Andrea will be in Aragon, then two more exams await him in Misano in August: the first from 5th to 6th, the second starts on August 31st and ends on September 1st. An important program, like a real test driver, for an experience that arose out of curiosity and has since become something demanding.
Ultimately, this solution makes both sides happy. For Dovizioso, who has taken a break from his role as a racing driver (at least on the track, because he is involved in motocross), it means “to stay on the lap” and to stay in shape. Needless to say, a MotoGP bike is unique and it is important for every rider to use it regularly. Also, Andrea has always been very technical and curious and being able to give his advice on the development of the RS-GP is undoubtedly something he likes and motivates him.
On the other hand, Aprilia managed to solve a seemingly complicated situation in the best possible way. In fact, they found themselves in Noale without a test team, which is a serious flaw these days. With Savadori becoming a full-time driver and the end of his relationship with Smith, there weren’t many cards left to play, but the one who can solve the problem is there. Dovizioso is one of the ideal testers of experience and skill, and having him (as is happening now) continuously driving the RS-GP can only be a godsend for the Venetian engineers. That doesn’t mean that the improvements to the bike this year are thanks to him, but his contribution to future developments could be essential in order to take the further step that is still missing.
What is still unknown is whether all of this testing program will lead to something more in the future. Given the three tests in Misano over two months, the first thought to see Dovi as a wildcard at the San Marino GP is a home game all fans would surely enjoy.
Then there is 2022 to think about. Andrea would like to return to racing, but only on the condition that he finds a project that completely satisfies him. With that in mind, with Vinales’ vacancy on the official Yamaha team, a tempting opportunity has arisen, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it will happen. So Dovi could choose to follow in Pedrosa’s footsteps, just to name a driver, and take on the role of tester for Aprilia. It would be an ideal situation for Noale if they could also sign Vinales as a regular driver. Andrea as a tester (supported by Savadori) and Aleix and Maverick drivers would be a line-up that even the most optimistic observer would not have dared to dream of. Maybe reality will surpass fantasy, but we have to wait for that. Even the managers won’t have much vacation time this summer …