Andrea Dovizioso will call time on his MotoGP career following September’s San Marino Grand Prix, the Italian announced on Thursday afternoon – with Yamaha tester Cal Crutchlow to complete the season.
The RNF Yamaha rider has struggled to tame his M1 since returning to the premier class fold as a Yamaha-contracted rider with the Malaysian outfit at Misano in the latter part of last season, the three-time MotoGP vice champion currently sitting a lowly 22nd in the riders standings having failed to score a top ten so far in 2022.
Having failed to make any meaningful progress in improving his feeling and speed with the Japanese manufacturer’s machine – as well as having already made the decision to retire from the series at the end of the year before the summer break – Dovizioso has thus elected to bring forward his exit to the conclusion of his home San Marino GP, giving him three races to wave goodbye to the paddock.
Dovizioso hailed the support he received from both the RNF team as well as Yamaha as they tried to help get his comfortable with the M1, the Italian ruing the fact that MotoGP has “changed profoundly” since he last campaigned the machine back in 2012.
“Unfortunately, in recent years the MotoGP has changed profoundly,” said Dovizioso.
“The situation is very different since then: I have never felt comfortable with the bike, and I have not been able to make the most of its potential despite the precious and continuous help from the team and the whole of Yamaha.
“We did not reach the desired objectives, but the consultations with the Yamaha technicians and with those of my team have always been positive and constructive, both for them and for me.
“The relationship remained loyal and professionally interesting even in the most critical moments: it was not so obvious that that would happen.
“For all this and for their support, I thank Yamaha, my team and WithU, and the other sponsors involved in the project.
“It didn’t go as we hoped, but it was right to try. My adventure will end in Misano, but the relationship with all the people involved in this challenge will remain intact forever. Thank you all.”
RNF Team Principle Razlan Razali admitted that while he is “sad” to see Dovizioso call time on his career six races early, he was “honoured” to have been able to house such a “big name” within his squad across the past year.
“As we return to the paddock after a five week’s break, we were looking forward to work on turning things around for Andrea especially after some positive findings in the last two races,” added Razali.
“Nevertheless, he has made his decision to retire and we respect that.
“Indeed, we are sad to see a great and experienced rider like Andrea leaving the championship and not ending the season with us.
“But we understand, he has been clear of his struggle to be comfortable with the bike and to suit his riding style to the way the bike needs to be ridden.
“Though we did not manage to reach the desired results together, we are still honoured and pleased to have a big name like Andrea in our team.
“We would like to thank Andrea for his support, expertise and contribution and we will continue to give him the full support for the remainder of the three races.”
