Former Ducati MotoGP factory rider, Andrea Dovizioso, is set for a possible sensational return into MotoGP this year, but not as a full-time rider (well, not yet anyway). The 34-year-old Italian will be taking part in a three-day test session in April on board the Aprilia RS-GP bike. It was actually an invitation from Aprilia, and accepting it shows that Dovizioso is still very much interested to be a part of the MotoGP paddock.

Those who are in know can recall that Andrea Dovizioso stated that he’ll be taking a sabbatical year in 2021 after parting ways with Ducati at the end of last year’s season. With the goal to find his ‘fiery passion’ again (as well as improve his riding skills by joining the regional motocross events in Italy), his acceptance to see what the latest Aprilia RS-GP machinery is made of piqued an interest despite falling out of initial discussions to ride with them as a full-time rider in 2021. But things could change in 2022 if both Dovi and Aprilia think that they can do wonders in 2022.

According to Massimo Rivola, Aprilia Racing CEO, “It was a pleasure to invite Andrea. The days in Jerez will simply be a chance to get to know one another better, also on the track. 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.”

As for “DesmoDovi”, Andrea Dovizioso said, “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.”

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