Sepang, Malaysia – Andrea Dovizioso, the former MotoGP star and three-time championship runner-up, has made a surprise return to the paddock for the 2025 MotoGP shakedown test at the Sepang International Circuit. The 38-year-old Italian rider, who retired from professional racing in 2022, has taken on a new role as a test rider for Aprilia Racing, marking his first appearance on a MotoGP bike in over two years.
Dovizioso’s return has generated excitement among fans and experts, as he brings a wealth of experience and technical knowledge to the development of Aprilia’s RS-GP 2025. His participation in the shakedown test could provide valuable insights for the Italian manufacturer as they aim to challenge for the championship this season.
Dovizioso’s Surprise Return to MotoGP
Andrea Dovizioso’s return to MotoGP has been one of the biggest surprises of the pre-season. After retiring from full-time competition at the end of the 2022 season, the Italian had focused on other activities, including motocross and personal business ventures. However, his passion for racing and deep understanding of MotoGP machinery led Aprilia to offer him a test rider role for 2025.
In an interview at Sepang, Dovizioso expressed his excitement about being back in the MotoGP paddock:
“It feels great to be back on a MotoGP bike after so long. The level of competition is higher than ever, and the technology has evolved. My job here is to help Aprilia fine-tune their bike and provide as much feedback as possible. It’s a new challenge, and I’m happy to be part of it.”
Dovizioso previously had a brief testing stint with Aprilia in 2021, but it did not lead to a full-time seat. Now, in 2025, he returns in a more permanent role, working alongside Aprilia’s engineering team to improve the RS-GP ahead of the season opener.
Aprilia’s Ambitions for 2025
Aprilia has made significant progress in MotoGP over the past few years, with Aleix Espargaró and Maverick Viñales leading the factory team to podium finishes and race wins. However, the Italian brand is still chasing its first MotoGP world title, and the addition of Dovizioso as a test rider could be a crucial step in their development.
Massimo Rivola, Aprilia Racing CEO, commented on Dovizioso’s role:
“Andrea brings years of experience and technical expertise. His ability to analyze a bike’s behavior and provide detailed feedback will be invaluable for our engineers. We are confident that his input will help us take another step forward in 2025.”
The shakedown test at Sepang is an opportunity for manufacturers to gather crucial data before the full pre-season test begins. Aprilia, Yamaha, and KTM have all brought major updates to their bikes, and Dovizioso’s experience will be key in evaluating Aprilia’s latest developments.
How Competitive is Dovizioso After Two Years Away?
One of the big questions surrounding Dovizioso’s return is whether he can still match the pace of current MotoGP riders. While his role as a test rider does not require him to compete in races, his performance in the shakedown test could indicate how quickly he can adapt to the latest MotoGP technology.
Initial reports from Sepang suggest that Dovizioso was able to set competitive lap times, despite being out of MotoGP for two years. His smooth riding style and technical understanding allowed him to quickly get up to speed with the RS-GP 2025.
However, the Italian rider dismissed any speculation about a potential wildcard race appearance, stating:
“I’m here to help develop the bike, not to race full-time. I had my time in MotoGP, and now I’m focused on a different role. But of course, I still love riding these machines.”
What This Means for Aprilia and MotoGP
Dovizioso’s return as a test rider could have several important implications for both Aprilia and the MotoGP grid:
- Aprilia’s Development Gains: Having an experienced rider like Dovizioso provides invaluable feedback that could accelerate the RS-GP’s progress.
- Increased Competition: If Aprilia improves significantly, it could put more pressure on Ducati, KTM, and Yamaha, making the 2025 season even more competitive.
- Future Wildcard Possibilities: While Dovizioso has ruled out a full-time return, his presence as a test rider leaves the door open for potential wildcard entries in select races.
With MotoGP becoming more competitive each year, teams are looking for every advantage they can find. Bringing back a veteran rider like Dovizioso could be the key for Aprilia to fight at the front consistently.
Andrea Dovizioso’s comeback to MotoGP as Aprilia’s official test rider adds another exciting storyline to the 2025 season. His presence at the Sepang shakedown test signals Aprilia’s serious intent to improve their performance and fight for podiums.
While fans might hope for a wildcard appearance, Dovizioso seems focused on his new role, using his experience to shape Aprilia’s MotoGP future. With pre-season testing underway, all eyes will be on Aprilia to see if Dovizioso’s input helps them become a true title contender in 2025.
