Due to complications following hand surgery for Cal Crutchlow, Yamaha had to find a new test rider: they have chosen Andrea Dovizioso
In a surprising move, Yamaha has announced that Andrea Dovizioso will return to a MotoGP bike. The rider from Forlì, who entered the “Hall of Fame” of the sport’s greatest last year, will replace Cal Crutchlow, Yamaha’s test rider who suffered complications after hand surgery.
In recent weeks, the “#04 rider” has already taken to the track with the Yamaha YZR-M1 at Mugello (pictured above), showing impressive pace on the Japanese bike. However, the Italian will be back on track tomorrow and the day after at Misano for private testing.
This will be an important physical test for the Italian, who was involved in a serious accident on April 9th, when a motocross crash required him to be airlifted to the Careggi hospital due to a head injury that initially caused a loss of consciousness. Fortunately, he was never in any life-threatening danger.
Dovi’s words:
“I am sorry that Cal is still not well, and I hope he recovers quickly “Having said that, I am happy and excited to have the chance to get on a MotoGP bike again, and I would like to thank Yamaha for this opportunity. I hope I will be able to make my contribution to the development of the bike”, he concluded.
Photo: Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP, Andrea Dovizioso
