Skip to main content
Home

MotoMatters.com | Kropotkin Thinks

... that upgrading a website takes longer than you think

User Menu

  • Log in

Tools

  • Home
    • Contact
  • Subscriber Content
  • Round Ups
  • Features
    • Analysis
    • Interviews
    • Opinion
  • Photos
  • More
    • Search
    • Riders & Teams
      • 2023 MotoGP Rider Line Up So Far
      • 2022 Provisional MotoGP Rider Line Up
      • 2022 Provisional Moto2 Rider Line Up
      • 2022 Provisional Moto3 Rider Line Up
    • Calendars
      • 2022 Provisional MotoGP Calendar
      • 2022 Provisional WorldSBK Calendar
      • 2023 Provisional WorldSBK Calendar
    • Championship Standings
      • MotoGP Standings
      • Moto2 Standings
      • Moto3 Standings
      • MotoE Standings
      • WorldSBK Standings
      • WorldSSP Standings
    • Race Results
      • MotoGP Race Results
      • Moto2 Race Results
      • Moto3 Race Results
      • MotoE Race Results
      • WorldSBK Race Results
      • WorldSSP Race Results
  • Subscribe!
  • Patreon

Breadcrumb

  • Home

Andrea Dovizioso On Testing The Aprilia At Jerez: "My Passion Is Still MotoGP, I Want To Race Next Year"

By David Emmett | Wed, 14/04/2021 - 15:45

Four months after getting off the Ducati with no contracts signed for 2021, Andrea Dovizioso is riding again. The Italian has spent the past three days testing the Aprilia RS-GP at a private test at Jerez, sharing the track with Yamaha, KTM, and Honda, in between the sessions for the MotoE class.

On Wednesday afternoon, the final day of Dovizioso's test with Aprilia, the Italian spoke to the media about the test, his motivation for testing the RS-GP, his plans for the immediate future, and what he thought of the test so far. He was very cagey in his responses, not wanting to give away too much, but reading between the lines he still had plenty to say.

He did not want to enter into detail about how the bike felt, insisting that the first thing he had to do was to find the right riding position before he could be comfortable trying to push the bike to its limit. "You know, when you change the bike after 8 years, it's a big change, so the first thing is the position on the bike. That is the main point," Dovizioso said.

Being comfortable wasn't just about how he felt on the bike, but also finding the best position to get he most out of the machine, the Italian explained. "It takes time, because it's related to being comfortable on the bike, but also you have to understand which is the best position for you and which is the best position for the bike. Because every bike has a different characteristic, so we spent a lot of time on that, and it was impossible to fix these things in three days."

The weather on the final day brought that work to a premature end. "Unfortunately, today there is a lot of wind and we are not able to ride. We did some laps in the morning, but not that much, unfortunately," Dovizioso said. But he had enjoyed riding something other than the Ducati.."It's very nice, from a rider's side, to try a different bike, because every rider would like to try every bike in MotoGP, just to have a feeling, to understand a bit more from what you saw on the TV or on the track. So it was very nice and emotional, because as I said before, 8 years with a different bike, so it was really nice."

When asked directly about the pros and cons of the bike, Dovizioso was a little evasive. "Well, it's a bit difficult to answer, because you can feel immediately the difference to what you used to ride in the past, but to understand the details is very difficult, because you have to push really hard and you have to be comfortable on the bike to understand a lot of details," the Italian said. "I think every MotoGP rider is able to be fast and quite close to the fastest riders, but to be there and fighting for an important lap time or position is a different story. And to do that you need the right position on the bike. That takes time. So I have some ideas, but I don't think everything is clear."

This was to be expected, Dovizioso explained, given the level in MotoGP at the moment. "This is normal, because it takes time to push the bike to the limit, and to feel comfortable on the bike. But I'm speaking about the position, not about how the bike worked. And the position, especially in MotoGP, is even more important than the other championships, because you have to be very precise in the way you ride, and the bike is stiff, the tires are stiff, everything is very stiff and you have to be very precise. And the position affects the way you ride a lot."

For that reason, he didn't want to say too much at the moment, Dovizioso told us. "So I think it's too early for me to enter too much into the details, so I don't think it's a good idea to explain to the media. So like every bike, it has its positive and negative things, so this is normal. But I had a really good feeling."

The Italian was also clear on why he decided to accept Aprilia's offer of a test. "It's because my passion is still for MotoGP, and I would like to race next year," he said. "So I think it was smart to be on track, and I'm really happy because Aprilia gave me the possibility to do that, and in the right way. So I'm really happy about that, and I think it's positive in any case, whether I will race next year or not. The possibility to ride a MotoGP bike is always nice, and to be able to do it in a professional way, not just ride, is what I would like to do, is in the way I want to do it. So I wasn't able to say no, and everything was organized in the right way. So I think it was smart to do it."

The next steps were to test the bike again at Mugello, Dovizioso told us. "Next, I think we will do another test, because we want to work a bit more on the position on the bike, and that's the key to working on some other details. That takes time, so I think we will organize another test. Maybe it will be in Mugello in one month, more or less, and that is the plan." Aprilia announced that the Italian will ride the RS-GP at Mugello, on May 11th and 12th.

Dovizioso explicitly rejected the idea of replacing an injured rider, however, explaining that he only wanted to race if it was part of a structured, well put together project. "Normally, everything I'm doing, I'm doing in a clear way, in a good way. So I don't want to just make something like that," the Italian told us. That had been the reason to turn down a number of offers at the end of 2020. "I didn't take some options last year for that reason, as you know, so this is not my target. So in this moment, I'm completely open, because I'm living this year in this way, about everything. I'm enjoying my life with different things, and I'm still focused to try to see my future. I'm completely open, but in this moment, what we have on the table is just the next test in Mugello."

Although Jerez is commonly used for testing, it has its limitations when it comes to testing a MotoGP bike. But it had still been extremely useful from Dovizioso's perspective. "Jerez can be a good track to test on one side. Not the best, but at the end, when you change bikes, it takes time. So it's not too important which track you are at. Because first you have to create the right situation, and it takes time. It's impossible in one test to fix those things," the Italian said.

He hoped to learn more at Mugello, not least because Aprilia will have had time to produce the parts he needs to give him a better riding position. "To be able to be in Mugello is really nice, because Mugello is a completely different track than Jerez. It's a really nice track, and after one month, I think Aprilia is able to make some changes for my position on the bike, and I would be very interested to see if can be more comfortable."

Having new parts and a more comfortable riding position would be an important step in helping to evaluate and improve the RS-GP, Dovizioso explained. "As I said before, if you want to push really hard, you have to look at very small details on a MotoGP bike. And to see that and to understand clearly everything, you need to feel comfortable. Until you are in that situation, I think it's stupid to try to push somewhere."

That was one reason why Dovizioso didn't want to discuss lap times, he said (the other being that Aprilia will have forbidden him to). "I don't think it's too intelligent to speak about the lap times, because when you are not feeling 100% on your position on the bike, it's not important," the Italian told us. "As I told you before, the speed of MotoGP riders, MotoGP riders can be fast with any bike very quickly, the gap is small. But this is not the point. Especially if you look at the race, everybody is within one second, so this is not the point. So to be on top of the positions, you need different things."

Despite avoiding giving a direct answer to the lap time question, Dovizioso did manage to let something slip about it. "Well, I don't want to speak too much about the details, also because as I said before, I can have for sure some feeling and feedback, but until you ride in the way you want, it's not too related to the lap time, because lap time, it wasn't too bad," the Italian said.

He reiterated that what was important was having the right position on the bike, to be comfortable enough to test the limits of the machine, and be confident in how it would respond. That was more important than a single lap time. "It's more about how much you push and how much you can stay on the limit of the bike. Because when you don't feel that comfortable on the position, you are not able to brake, stay on the limit the entire braking, enter the corner, and exit. So you have to do that to understand every detail about the bike. So as I said before, there are for sure some things really nice, and some things have to be better, but everybody felt like that."


If you enjoyed this article, please consider supporting MotoMatters.com. You can help by either taking out a subscription, supporting us on Patreon, by making a donation, or contributing via our GoFundMe page. You can find out more about subscribing to MotoMatters.com here.

Aprilia
Andrea Dovizioso
MotoGP
Jerez, Spain
Aprilia Racing
  • Log in or register to post comments

To read the rest of this article, you need to sign up to become a MotoMatters.com site supporter by taking out a subscription. You can find out more about subscribing to MotoMatters.com here. If you are already a subscriber, log in to read the full text.


This is part of a regular series of unique insights into the world of motorcycle racing, exclusive for MotoMatters.com site supporters. The series includes interviews, background information, in-depth analysis, and opinion, and is available to everyone supporting the site by taking out a subscription.

If you would like to read more of our exclusive content you can join the growing band of site supporters, by taking out a subscription here. If you prefer, you can also support us on our Patreon page and get access to the same exclusive material there.

↑Back to top

Comments

spongedaddy

1 year 9 months ago

Permalink

I'd bet Dovizioso could

I'd bet Dovizioso could figure out the best riding position on the Aprilia this weekend at Portimão. 

Aprilia has a crush on Do-vi. K-I-S-S-I-N-G.

"Does the RS-GP feel like it could be your bike, Dovi? Just tell us what to do for you to be comfortable enough to wring it's neck for 20 laps."

Mugello is an awesome track for the next date. That could be a real test with more serious courtship. Maybe even a wedding proposal. 

Meanwhile there is the upcoming Marquez comeback to salivate over. And all the soon to be unfolding stories of Motogp.

Go Dovi! Say yes! Just say yes to the racing drug!

  • Log in or register to post comments

The old site was great!

TRIUMPH

Not happy - why have this area so big on the left here? Then the comment area stacked so thin on the right? It was so much better before. NOT HAPPY. And DISCORD?! Not sticking around.

Motoshrink

1 year 9 months ago

Permalink

If you remove everything but

If you remove everything but this, it says:

"I had a really good feeling. I think I will do another test in Mugello in one month." And (cherry picking alacart tests is all I want this year, enjoying the year off but want to stay on MotoGP bikes in general).

Mild stuff Andrea. 

  • Log in or register to post comments

spongedaddy

1 year 9 months ago

Permalink

In Mexico, street performers

In Mexico, street performers venture out into the intersection when the light turns red. Today, a rastafarian spun a soccer ball on his forefinger, placed it on the top of a very tall umbrella, balanced the umbrella handle end on his forehead and proceeded to juggle three machetes. No fail. I had to give him a propina.

Sign it, Dovi! Just sign the contract! Aprilia needs you on the RS-GP. We need you on the grid. Now is not the time to be thinky. Saddle up your dark horse and clip-clop on over to Noale. Go with your gut on this one, Andrea. You said it was an easy bike.  

I know. A feeble attempt at making this comment moto worthy...

Actually, after watching Dovizioso's press releases his method became more clear. The slow-and-steady Eddy process may be the way to go. He could do some tests on the RS-GP and fine tune it to his liking this year. He has the ear of the factory to make changes. He could spend the year dialling in the bike as they continue on their development path. Then he could charge onto the scene at the beginning of 2020 with a well sorted bike to his liking. Maybe his yet to be confirmed new boss will not be at all like his old boss and follow his indications. Could be a real score for both. Hope A. Espargaro gets a podium this weekend. Would really be the icing on the Aprilia cake.

  • Log in or register to post comments

johnjaundice

1 year 9 months ago

Permalink

MotoGP

Needs Dovi back on an Aprilia, the final manufacturer to be brought to the fore. Make it so, Dovi. Make it so. 

  • Log in or register to post comments

St. Stephen

1 year 9 months ago

Permalink

So, maybe it's the position?

Since Dovi mentioned it 793 times, can we translate? I assume, but he did not say, that it is his riding position on the bike. So...pegs, seat, clipons, front/rear weight %, etc. Is he saying that if Aprilia simply does a Lorenzo tank change all will be well? I would be interested to hear the collective Motomatters wisdom.

And of course I would love to see him on the grid at Portamao!

  • Log in or register to post comments

js290

1 year 9 months ago

Permalink

In reply to So, maybe it's the position? by St. Stephen

reading between the lines...

He went fast enough that he asked for ergonomic tweeks to try to find the last few tenths.  Aprilia seems happy to oblige.

  • Log in or register to post comments

twistedmember

1 year 9 months ago

Permalink

Audition for Aprillia

So you want me to ride for you?, ok since I formely worked for a motorcycle manufacturer who were allegedly unable/unwilling/incaable of giving me what I NEEDED to win the world title. So change a,b,c and I will test it again, fail ---Ciao, Pass ---change d, e, f, g and I will test again, Fail ---Ciao. Pass then change h, i, j, k, fail ---Ciao. Pass lets talk

  • Log in or register to post comments

Brian

1 year 9 months ago

Permalink

I Think

I think Dovi is saying that he or any of the top guys can ride fast, even very fast, on any bike but to get those last tenths the bike has to be developed around them. He has jumped on a bike AE has developed and he seems to think it may have potential but he's not looking to finish 12th or 9th, he wants to be at the front and to do that he has to explore the outer limits of the Aprilia's potential. And to do that the bike must at least somewhat be developed (fitted) to/around him.

  • Log in or register to post comments

spongedaddy

1 year 9 months ago

Permalink

Only Conjecture

A long courtship has its merits. Both sides get to see what it's like working with each other. This is not very common in Motogp. Contracts are signed based on verbal promises. Then the reality becomes something else. The Dovizioso/Aprilia tests are going both ways. And the one thing Herve really liked about Dovi back in 2012 was that he didn't act like a primadonna after being let go by HRC and moving to the Tech Trois satellite team. The guy likes to camp out in the dirt and roost mud in motocross. And life can be funny. Just when it seems there are no options left but one, that last option may end up being what a guy was looking for all along. Interesting times in Motogp.

Go Dovi!

  • Log in or register to post comments

The old site was great!

TRIUMPH

Not happy - why have this area so big on the left here? Then the comment area stacked so thin on the right? It was so much better before. NOT HAPPY. And DISCORD?! Not sticking around.

Motoshrink

1 year 9 months ago

Permalink

Video!

The video is here finally. A few mins of Dovi doing laps. Coming in and giving feedback with them. He is Testing/Developing. Don't mind the "just adjusting bars and pegs" talk. He has a clear plan for a 2022 attempt. Long interview of the Aprilia bike GETTING DEVELOPED with him. Then, see options in silly season. Why not? Once accepting that he isn't racing the Aprilia now, much appreciation for him being there as a Test rider. Great for Aprilia... watch.

What would P2 be about here? 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cybQXKAN6UY

  • Log in or register to post comments

spongedaddy

1 year 9 months ago

Permalink

In reply to Video! by Motoshrink

Good video. Fun to watch.

Good video. Fun to watch. Thanks for sharing.

  • Log in or register to post comments

ivanhoe

1 year 9 months ago

Permalink

In reply to Video! by Motoshrink

Excellent! Thanks for sharing

Excellent! Thanks for sharing yes

  • Log in or register to post comments

Dawg

1 year 9 months ago

Permalink

In reply to Video! by Motoshrink

around 1:18 there's P1

around 1:18 there's P1
so P2 may be "slower than previous"?

  • Log in or register to post comments

spongedaddy

1 year 9 months ago

Permalink

In reply to Video! by Motoshrink

Position 2 on last year's

Position 2 on last year's grid!

  • Log in or register to post comments

St. Stephen

1 year 9 months ago

Permalink

04 on the V4

Thanks for the video, great to see Dovi doing laps. Yeah, P2?

  • Log in or register to post comments

Biggerbirdie

1 year 9 months ago

Permalink

P2

Could "P2" be Aprillian for "Aleix is faster"?

  • Log in or register to post comments

Chuckracer

1 year 9 months ago

Permalink

The Old Switcharoo?

Dovi could also spend a year really improving the bike, then they hire a fast young man from Moto2 and Dovi gets the "Thanks So Much, There's The Door". Dangerous game, methinks.

  • Log in or register to post comments

Iamhbomb

1 year 9 months ago

Permalink

Helmet

Okay, I'm the weirdo who notices that Dovi has a Shoei helmet on instead of the Suomy he's long worn.

  • Log in or register to post comments

Log In or Register

  • Create new account
  • Reset your password

MotoGP.com latest

  • Yamaha top as rain effects testing schedules on Day 2
  • GALLERY: Sepang Shakedown Test 2023
  • Crutchlow fastest as Sepang Shakedown kicks 2023 into gear
  • Tech recap: a look back at the Valencia Test
More

Follow MotoMatters on Twitter


Mastodon

MotoGP Technology

Buy Neil Spalding's essential guide to the technology of MotoGP bikes, MotoGP Technology.

Recent comments

  • Forums?
    31 minutes 10 seconds ago
  • The many things you got right!
    1 hour 3 minutes ago
  • Thank you for keeping the…
    2 hours 9 minutes ago
  • Rins and Mir will give an…
    2 hours 45 minutes ago
  • Not keen on the yellow type
    2 hours 52 minutes ago

All content copyright of MotoMatters.com unless otherwise stated. MotoGP is a trademark of Dorna Sports s.l. and MotoMatters.com is not associated with it.

Site hosted by