Yamaha signs Andrea Dovizioso as MotoGP test rider

Yamaha has announced the signing of Andrea Dovizioso as a MotoGP test rider as well as a rider performance advisor until 2027 ahead of the Italian Grand Prix.

The former factory Ducati rider makes an official return after retiring from the MotoGP grid in 2022. Dovizioso had been testing for Yamaha ad hoc, having joined the manufacturer at the Sepang shakedown test during pre-season preparations in February.

With Ducati MotoGP boss Davide Tardozzi once labelling him “Professor Dovi” due to his calculated approach to his job, the managing director of the Yamaha factory squad Paolo Pavesio remarked on Dovizioso helping boost Yamaha’s fortunes.

“Dovi is not only a MotoGP legend with superb riding skills, but he also possesses technical knowledge and can effectively give feedback to the engineers,” said Pavesio. “This makes him an ideal test rider, for sure, but we saw the opportunity to make further use of his talents within Yamaha’s MotoGP Project.

“Besides him signing on as test rider, which we believe is instrumental to our MotoGP bike development programme, we’re also excited to see him take on the new role of rider performance advisor. This will allow Yamaha to successfully gather crucial data and efficiently share insights between all four Yamaha MotoGP riders and the Yamaha engineers.”

Dovizioso is also largely anticipating his role in the Yamaha team as he aims to join the quest for performance.

Dovizioso said: “I feel completely comfortable in the role we’ve defined together with Yamaha aimed at maximising my contribution to this important project. In both capacities, as test rider and rider performance advisor, I see myself as a key link between the various players involved in the development process.

“My goal will be to create strong synergy between riders, team, and crew, drawing on my experience both on track and inside the garage.

“We’re well aware that this journey will be shaped by many small details that need attention, but we also have a clear vision of the result we want to achieve, and we know the level of dedication required to get there.”

In its announcement, Yamaha made no mention of Cal Crutchlow, who is contracted as a test rider until the end of 2026.