Written by Owen Bradley, edited by Scar Stewart
Andrea Dovizioso is officially retiring from MotoGP after the San Marino GP in Misano, his final home Grand Prix.
Andrea Dovizioso, a 24-Time Grand Prix winner, won the 2004 125cc World Championship, and finished runner-up in the premier class on three occasions. Dovizioso took a sabbatical in early 2021, after he was replaced at Factory Ducati, by Francesco Bagania. However, in 2021 he was announced as a test rider for Aprilia, and later that year - partnered Valentino Rossi, in his final season in MotoGP, aboard the Petronas Yamaha YZR-M1.
Andrea “Dovi” Dovizioso is regarded in the MotoGP paddock as a legend, especially with his battles against 8-Time World Champion, Marc Marquez.
Lin Jarvis, Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Racing, had this to say:
“I want to start by saying that, of course, we are all sad that Andrea will be leaving the sport earlier than expected. He is a big name in MotoGP, and will be missed in the paddock.”
Andrea Dovizioso spoke on the announcement: “I thank Lin for his words, I totally agree with them. In 2012, the experience with the Iwata manufacturer in MotoGP had been very positive for me and since then I have always thought that, sooner or later, I would have liked to have an official contract with Yamaha. This possibility presented itself, actually in a somewhat daring way, during 2021. I decided to give it a try because I strongly believed in this project and in the possibility of it doing well.”
He continued, “Unfortunately, in recent years the MotoGP has changed a lot, and the situation has not been the same since, as I have always struggled with the bike, and I have not always been able to extract the maximum potential out of the bike.”
Cal Crutchlow is set to replace the Italian after the San Marino GP, alongside Darryn Binder.
Strong in 125 and 250 where momentum is key, Dovi had the best time when the bikes and tyres in Moto GP suited carrying corner speed, rather than the newer- stop, turn, pick up and gun it style. You never I think, see Dovi with an elbow down mid corner climbing over the tank on exit or using lots of rear brake going in. In essence his style is too 'good'... too smooth. Same sort of predicament Rossi had on pretty much the same bike actually and the same ending too... retirement, sad.