Andrea Dovizioso to retire from MotoGP after the San Marino GP

Andrea Dovizioso will line up for just three more races before hanging up his helmet. The Italian has announced his retirement from MotoGP in a press release issued by Yamaha in the run up to the Silverstone GP. It confirms that his last appearance will be at his home round, the San Marino and Riviera di Rimini GP.

 The return with Yamaha has not brought results

---

Some may be surprised by the news, but the 2022 season has been nothing but an uphill climb for Dovizioso, who hasn’t been enjoying himself aboard the Yamaha M1 and has failed to score the desired results. The WithU Yamaha RNF MotoGP Racing rider comments: “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 doing well".

But time has run its course: “Unfortunately, in recent years the MotoGP has changed profoundly. The situation is very different since then: I have never felt comfortable with the bike, and I have not been able to make the most of its potential despite the precious and continuous help from the team and the whole of Yamaha”.

The real value of this adventure

---

To date, his best result has been an eleventh-place finish in Portugal: “The results were negative, but beyond that, I still consider it a very important life experience”. From a human standpoint, the results were more significant: “When there are so many difficulties, you need to have the ability to manage the situation and your emotions well. We did not reach the desired objectives, but the consultations with the Yamaha technicians and with those of my team have always been positive and constructive, both for them and for me. The relationship remained loyal and professionally interesting even in the most critical moments: it was not so obvious that that would happen”.

He finishes by extending his thanks: “For all this and for their support, I thank Yamaha, my team and WithU, and the other sponsors involved in the project. It didn't go as we hoped, but it was right to try. My adventure will end in Misano, but the relationship with all the people involved in this challenge will remain intact forever”. He will be replaced at the last six rounds by Yamaha test rider Cal Crutchlow. 

Jarvis: Yamaha accepts Dovizioso’s decision

---

Yamaha managing director Lin Jarvis admits: “We are all sad that Andrea will be leaving the sport earlier than expected. He is a big name in MotoGP, and he will be missed in the paddock". He then takes a step back to recall how this second opportunity came about: “We considered ourselves very lucky last year that he was available and willing to join our MotoGP programme. Andrea’s great expertise, experience, and methodical nature were of great interest to Yamaha and the RNF team”.

But the complicated situation was clear for all to see: “Unfortunately, Andrea has struggled to extract the maximum potential out of the M1 and thus the results have not been forthcoming, which has created understandable frustration for Andrea". Hence, Dovizioso’s decision: “Finally during the summer break, he confirmed to us his desire to retire before the end of the season. After mutual discussions it was deemed appropriate for Andrea to ride his final race in Misano at his home GP. Naturally, Yamaha will continue to give ‘Dovi’ its full support over the next three races. In the meantime, let’s enjoy his last three GPs and celebrate in Misano the end of a spectacular career.”

Traslated by Heater Watson

Fantic and Valentino Rossi: Moto2 partnership to begin at Silverstone