Andrea Dovizioso’s plans to return to Grand Prix racing action has taken another turn after announcing that he will continue as a full-time test rider for the factory Aprilia Racing Team in 2021.

Andrea Dovizioso will remain an Aprilia test rider for the remainder of the 2021 season following two successful tests with the Noale manufacturer in Jerez and Mugello.

Dovizioso, who was dropped after an eight-year stint with the Bologna manufacturer, joined the Aprilia team for a private test in Jerez and then again at a rain-hit Mugello circuit ahead of the French Grand Prix. Despite Dovizioso’s promising tests, the Italian has stated on numerous occasions that there are no plans to wildcard aboard the RSGP machine, however never-say-never to the Italian following suit of his fellow former Grand Prix racer in making a return to one-off MotoGP action soon.

Three times a premier class runner up, Dovizioso will be aiming for a return to premier class racing in 2022, possibly with Aprilia. But as we near the Italian Grand Prix, discussions are already well underway across the paddock, meaning there could be potential openings for the 35-year-old to return to MotoGP with Petronas Yamaha – should Valentino Rossi and Franco Morbidelli depart the team at the end of the season.

Since Dovizioso’s arrival to Aprilia, the Italian firm have claimed and matched their best premier class result to date, with Aleix Espargaro finishing sixth in the Portuguese and Spanish Grands Prix. Team-mate Lorenzo Savadori has shown signs of promise from the Aprilia machine but sadly joined his team-mate on the sidelines in Le Mans following a mechanical failure. The Aprilia duo lies seventh and 23rd in the 2021 standings.

Featured image: MotoGP.com