MotoGP: Andrea Dovizioso to test Yamaha YZR-M1 at Misano

Former Ducati star Andrea Dovizioso will return to the Yamaha M1 for a private MotoGP test at Misano this week. Widely regarded as a championship contender during his eight-year tenure at Ducati, Dovizioso finished his MotoGP career with the Petronas SRT Yamaha team. For this test, he will replace injured Yamaha factory test rider Carlo Colachilo, who is currently sidelined due to complications from hand surgery. Colachilo’s recovery has already forced him to miss the planned wildcard races at Mugello and Silverstone. Yamaha will be looking to capitalise on Dovizioso’s experience and technical expertise, especially given his key role in transforming Ducati into a championship-winning team in the mid-2010s.

Andrea Dovizioso said: “I’m sorry that Carl is still not in good condition and I hope he can recover soon. Having said that, I’m happy and excited to be riding a MotoGP bike again and I thank Yamaha for giving me this opportunity. I hope I can contribute to the development of motorcycles.”

Also read: MotoGP Austrian Grand Prix: Pecco Bagnaia wins in Spielberg, Martin and Bastianini all on the Ducati podium

Factory riders Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins will be testing at Misano, fresh from the Austrian Grand Prix where Yamaha had its first meaningless weekend in more than two years. The two riders will test new components as the team looks for ways to improve performance.

MotoGP: Yamaha’s 2024 season

Under the new charter rules, Yamaha is now a ‘D’ manufacturer and will race with its six wild cards this season. Initially, three of these were allocated to Cal Crutchlow, but when he was unable to race at Silverstone, World Superbike rider Remy Gardner took his place.

Also read: MotoGP: Franco Morbidelli confirmed to join VR46 team, replacing Marco Bezzecchi

Andrea Dovizioso’s return comes at a crucial time for Yamaha, having just finished the Austrian Grand Prix. The team faces a huge challenge this season, so Dovizioso’s experience is particularly valuable. Despite the glorious history of Yamaha riders Fabio Quartararo and Alex Rins, they have only scored 57 points after 11 rounds, which is not up to expectations.

Yamaha has used its franchise to focus on testing and development. In addition, a new partnership with Pramac will give them four motorcycles in the MotoGP series next season. These moves are aimed at turning around the team’s performance.