Andrea Dovizioso decided to take a year off from MotoGP last year, months in which the Italian rider did not compete again until September. However, Dovizioso had close contact with Aprilia, as at Jerez, Mugello and Misano, the Italian tested the RS-GP.
Considering that Aprilia took its first MotoGP victory with Aleix Espargaró a few days ago in Argentina, and Viñales is also getting along better and better with the RS-GP, it begs the question if Dovizioso has any regrets in hindsight.
“I don’t regret it,” he assured. “It’s not because I don’t want to ride for Aprilia. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. I’m very happy for them and the results they’ve achieved.”
“In the short time I spent there I found a relaxed and productive work environment. I am very happy and I want to congratulate Aleix [Espargaró]”.
“There are numerous examples that show that good results require a combination of factors. When I rode for Ducati, I was the first to realize the potential of the bike. That was simply because the characteristics of this bike were too suited to my style.”
The reason Andrea Dovizioso has no regrets about his departure from the Aprilia project in hindsight is simple. He is not convinced that he himself would have been successful in the RS-GP.
“Just because the Aprilia is winning now doesn’t mean I would have won on the Aprilia,” he insisted, before making a comparison to his current situation on the RN Team Yamaha.
“If I thought like that, I would have to say that I am riding the world champion bike now. But that is just theory. If you look at the details, there is always a reason why things happen the way they do. .
“I repeat: I have nothing but joy that Aprilia have had a great weekend recently. They are strong and they deserve it, although when I was in Aprilia I could have stayed.”
“But [leaving] was my own decision and I can live with that,” he added.
“I don’t see the [Argentina] result as a disappointment, because I’m not someone who lies to himself. I just can’t say that I would have won if I had stayed in Aprilia. It’s that simple,” Dovizioso concluded.
