The former MotoGP Ducati factory rider and currently unemployed Andrea Dovizioso is said to be in a prime physical and mental state to step up for the injured Marc Marquez in Repsol Honda. That is if HRC wants him to do so, rather than their current test rider, Stefan Bradl.
Dovizioso’s manager, Simone Battistella, state that his rider is well enough to take the task should Honda’s world champion is unable to start the season next month in Qatar. It’s going to be a gruelling month for riders and teams and they have to undergo one shakedown test, two official test sessions, and two rounds within a short period of time at the same track.
So far, Dovi’s manager has confirmed that HRC has not approached them just yet, but they’re ready if the situation comes into play. According to Battistella, “If (the call) arrives, Andrea is really ready. He is training with motocross at an amateur level, but he is doing it with such intensity as if it were in full pre-season MotoGP. We will work this year to fully return in 2022.”
“As for Honda, of course, first of all, I’d like to say that both Andrea and I are very sorry about what is happening to Marc, it is clear that they are evaluating exactly when their rider can return,” added Battistella. Stay tuned for more updates.
