Dovizioso signs as Rossi’s Ducati replacement

MotoGP News
Date: 22/August/2012

Andrea Dovizioso has taken a tactical gamble by opting to replace Valentino Rossi at the factory Ducati MotoGP team next season, rather than continue his successful partnership with Tech 3 Yamaha.

After just two podiums in 28 races, seven time MotoGP champion Rossi has chosen to return to the Factory Yamaha team alongside Jorge Lorenzo next season.

Rossi’s return also blocked Dovizioso’s hopes of gaining the Factory M1 ride. Dovizioso has enjoyed an impressive debut season at Tech 3, claiming five podiums and holds fourth place in the World Championship.

Tech 3 were naturally been keen to keep the former 125cc world champion, but Dovizioso made clear his main goal was a return to factory status. ‘Dovi’ has thus turned down the competitive Tech 3 seat in the belief that Ducati can turn its struggling motorcycle into a frontrunner once again.

Ducati President Gabriele Del Torchio said: “It is with great pleasure that I welcome Andrea, as we marshal our best efforts in confronting the MotoGP World Championship.

“Along with Nicky Hayden, with whom we have renewed a working agreement, we are confident that we will be able to proceed with our development program, to compete, and to obtain the results and rewards that will repay our efforts and the faith that our partners, sponsors and fans have never failed to demonstrate."

Filippo Preziosi, General Manager of Ducati Corse, added: “Andrea’s technical sensibility and test-riding abilities are of great value, as are his talent and determination.

“I’m pleased that he has chosen to be a part of our team. He is aware of the work to be done, and he approaches it with enthusiasm and confidence, which are fundamental requirements for achieving success and for competing in this challenging championship.”

Dovizioso will ride alongside Nicky Hayden, who recently signed a new one-year deal.

All six factory rides have thus been decided for next season: Lorenzo and Rossi at Yamaha, Dani Pedrosa and Marc Marquez at Honda, Dovizioso and Hayden at Ducati.