Italian rider Andrea Dovizioso will not finish the 2022 season in the MotoGP World Championship, with British racer Cal Crutchlow stepping in for the remaining races after the San Marino Grand Prix on September 14, as confirmed by the factory.
The 36-year-old from Forlì, competing with the satellite team of WithU Yamaha RNF, will conclude more than two decades in the championship. He first appeared in the sport with Honda in 2002 in the 125cc class.
Often dubbed a giant of the sport, his career has seen him win 24 world championships across different classes, including 15 premier class titles, 4 in 250cc, and 5 in 125cc, with the pinnacle coming in 2004. He also finished as runner-up in the MotoGP world championship in 2017, 2018, and 2019. [Yamaha statement]
The Italian took a year off in 2021 and returned to race for the Yamaha satellite team in the latter part of the season after Franco Morbidelli was promoted to the official squad. That campaign yielded just 10 points.
Dovizioso has said he would have preferred to stay with Yamaha in 2021. He spoke of his faith in the project and hoped for solid results, but noted that MotoGP had undergone profound changes in recent years and he never felt truly comfortable with the bike. [Yamaha statement]
He also stressed that the relationship with Yamaha remained loyal and professional, even in difficult moments. He announced that his adventure would end at Misano, while stressing that his connections with everyone involved in the challenge would endure. He expressed gratitude to all involved in the effort. [Yamaha statement]
“Possible Disappointment”
Lin Jarvis, Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Racing, admitted feeling sadness at Dovizioso’s departure, acknowledging that the rider is a well-known name in the sport. He said the decision came after it became clear that the M1’s maximum potential was not being unlocked and that results were elusive. The decision to retire before the season’s end was confirmed during the summer break. [Yamaha statement]
Jarvis noted that after mutual discussions it was deemed appropriate for Dovizioso to race his final Grand Prix at Misano, in his own home round. Yamaha pledged continued support for him over the next three races, and invited fans to enjoy the last three grands prix while celebrating the end of an extraordinary career in Misano. [Yamaha statement]
Wilco Zeelenberg, RNF Team Manager for WithU Yamaha RNF, called the decision understandable and said Dovizioso expects more from his return. He explained that the team supported him in every possible way until the end, but ultimately it was the rider who decided to stop after Misano. [RNF Team statement]
Zeelenberg added that the team accepted the rider’s choice, recognizing it as a personal decision. He emphasized that their mission would continue: to push hard and chase results in the remaining races, with the team ready to adapt as needed. [RNF Team statement]
The replacement rider for the upcoming rounds, Cal Crutchlow, brings a wealth of experience to the RNF squad as he steps into the seat for the rest of the season. The move is aimed at maintaining competition level and providing continuity for the team and its partners as they head toward the next events. [Yamaha statement]