Dovizioso returns to MotoGP with SRT Racing in replacement of Morbidelli
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Andrea Dovizioso has joined Yamaha Petronas SRT for the remaining of the current season and onto 2022, the team has announced this Thursday, September 16.

The Italian will be filling the vacancy left by Franco Morbidelli in the Malaysian team after the latter was promoted to the Yamaha factory team. Both riders will debut with their new teams this weekend´s San Marino GP.

“Racing with Yamaha has always been my dream, and that’s why when the opportunity arrived I did not think twice, although I know it’s going to be a tough challenge for me”, said Dovi.

“I’ve got many things ahead of me to learn: a new bike, a new team, a new working system. It’s a big challenge that starts at Misano, my home GP. This makes it even more exciting. I can’t wait to be aboard my M1!”, concluded the Italian rider.

At the Malaysian team, he will partner up with former enemy and compatriot, Valentino Rossi. Both Italians will be sharing a box starting this weekend at the San Marino GP, where Andrea Dovizioso will commence the second stage of his MotoGP career before his home fans.

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The 2017-2019 world runner-up returns to the MotoGP World Cup after a year-long sabbatical. The 35-year-old quit racing at the end of 2020 when his previous team, Ducati, offered him a less lucrative contract renewal, which he refused. 

He has, however, remained active during his time off, and has taken part in several motocross races, his other great passion, as well as in MotoGP, where Andrea Dovizioso tested for Aprilia during 2021.

 The team from Noale invited him to test their machines with the intention of convincing him to join them or at least to become their test pilot. 

Rumours then exploded about his possible return to the Championship this year but the relationship came to nothing after he tried the RS-GP. A few months after that failed attempt, however, the return of Andrea Dovizioso is now a reality.  

Morbidelli signs for Yamaha’s official team 

Franco Morbidelli, for his part, has made the leap from Yamaha’s satellite structure, Yamaha Petronas SRT, to the official Japanese works. The news was also revealed this Thursday by the team of the tuning fork.

“The main feeling right now is that I’m really looking forward to jumping on the Factory M1. I really want to start working with the team and start making laps with the bike because it’s been a long time that I haven’t been riding, and I’m starting to feel a bit uncomfortable”, said the Italian rider.

“So I’m really looking forward to riding again. Moreover, my comeback is going to be in such a great environment – Misano is a circuit I know well and like a lot – and on a great bike. I’m really looking forward to practicing my sport again!!, added Morbidelli.

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Initially, the Japanese team’s plan was to have him promoted next season but the hasty departure of Maverick Viñales has accelerated the signing of the Italo-Brazilian pilot.

In fact, it was only the knee surgery keeping him in the dry dock since late June that has prevented ‘Morbydo’ from piloting the factory M1 any earlier. 

As soon as he has been fully recovered, Morbidelli has joined his new team. Coincidentally, there he will meet again with his former teammate Fabio Quartararo, current leader of the standings, and with whom he partnered at Yamaha Petronas SRT. 

Like Andrea Dovizioso, Morbidelli will debut with his new team in just a few hours in Misano aboard the strongest machine in the championship and counting on the infinite resources of the Yamaha manufacturer.  At 26 years of age, this is a fantastic professional opportunity. 

Images of Andrea Dovizioso: Yamaha Petronas SRT.

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