Andrea Dovizioso moves to Yamaha after a long stay with Honda squad
The Italian former Repsol Honda rider, Andrea Dovizioso had to take the decision to move ahead of the Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) family for 2012 MotoGP season.
Following the addition of Casey Stoner in 2011 to Repsol Honda team, the project cost was raised significantly. Considering the economic crises, HRC had to pull a machine from the grid that counted on Dovizioso.
The HRC was hit by financial crises due the global economic downsizing. The financial hustle victimised Kawasaki in 2009 and Suzuki in 2011.
Both Japanese manufacturers took the decision to end their costly MotoGP projects. In 2008, Kawasaki ran with two riders. In terms to save cost, it turned down to single rider.
Same case was with Suzuki as the team ran two riders in the 2010 season and downsized to single rider, Alvaro Bautista in 2011 MotoGP season.
The HRC was running with three factory bikes under Repsol Honda livery and one more factory bike was given to San Carlo Honda Gresini team for late Marco Simoncelli.
In total four factory bikes and two satellite machines were supported by Honda that cost a lot to the Japanese manufacturer.
The addition of the third factory bike to Repsol Honda was done after Casey Stoner shifted to HRC for 2011 season from Ducati Team.
Stoner claimed the 2011 MotoGP World Championship title and held a contract for more than one season. On the other side, Dani Pedrosa had a strong base with HRC.
This left only Dovizioso in search for a new ride in 2012 premier class season. The Italian was also coming to an end on his contract with HRC.
Though he ended up his 2011 season in third place behind teammate and world champion, Casey Stoner and 2010 MotoGP Champion Jorge Lorenzo but it did not help him to save his position in the Honda squad.
Due his stunning consistent performance in the championship, he was targeted as the best rider to be signed for other teams.
Monster Yamaha Tech3 team manager, Herve Poncharal approached him with a deal. Poncharal gave him priority to sign a contract with Tech3 for next season.
Former Tech3 rider Colin Edwards left the squad to join a CRT team Forward Racing. The Texas Tornado spent a long racing era with Yamaha.
LCR Honda team manager, Lucio Cecchinello also offered Dovizioso a deal for 2012 setup. The Italian asked to be supported by a factory setup which cost a lot to the team.
It was also reported that Honda Gresini team owner, Fausto Gresini desired to take in Dovizioso for 2012.
However, with no Honda deals sorted for Dovizioso he had to shift to Yamaha for the 2012 season. Poncharal officially announced the signing of the Italian with Tech3 squad for the inaugural 1000cc MotoGP season.
Dovi tested the Tech3 M1 for the first time at the post race test held at Valencia. The official test outing was held at the Valencia circuit in Spain.
The Italian proved his mettle in the 2011 season by consistently taking podium places for his team. Though he could not take any win but he stood as a strong challenger to former world champion Lorenzo from Yamaha factory team.
He also took the charge ahead of his experienced Spanish teammate, Dani Pedrosa. Dovi held him off and took third place in the season for a strong season finish.
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