Dovizioso's collarbone recovery causing no issues on MotoGP return at Jerez
Ducati MotoGP rider Andrea Dovizioso says he is suffering "no strange pain" in his collarbone at Jerez just weeks after breaking it in a motocross accident
Dovizioso crashed heavily onto his left shoulder in a motocross race late last month in Italy and underwent surgery on a broken collarbone in order to be fit enough for the opening round of the 2020 season at Jerez.
Putting 49 laps on his shoulder during Wednesday's two test sessions, Dovizioso says the only pain he is experiencing is his leathers pressing against the incision made in his shoulder during the operation.
"My physical condition is really good," Dovizioso said on Wednesday.
"In two weeks, we worked in a perfect way. The people around me did a perfect job. I moved the collarbone already one day after the surgery because I could adapt.
"I don't have any strange pain while riding. I was a bit curious, because MotoGP, the stiffness of the bike, the power we have, you never know until you are one the bike.
"But everything worked well.
"I'm struggling a bit more about the pain where the cut is, where the leather pushes in that point.
"But not the collarbone. So, pretty happy about that to have that confirmed."
Dovizioso finished the test 15th overall on the combined timesheets, almost a second off the best pace set by Yamaha's Maverick Vinales.
The Ducati rider says he is still struggling with Michelin's new rear tyre, an issue which extends back to winter testing, and thinks the tyre "can affect a lot this season".
"About the tyre, it's just different," he added.
"So it's not just a small change, because when you change the casing, it's not about the rubber - it's bigger.
"And the way Michelin built that tyre, I think the potential is more but it's different.
"But still, I'm not that happy. My lap time was not too bad, but not that good like the fastest.
"Still we have a lot of work to do, but to make the test today helped us a lot because in Qatar we were ready to fight for the podium, or something more, but every track is different - especially when you have 58 degrees on the ground.
"Still this tyre I think can affect a lot this season. We have to try to find a way as soon as possible."
Be part of the Autosport community
Join the conversationShare Or Save This Story
Marquez “comfortable” on Ducati MotoGP bike “but not ready for podium”
Brivio: Trackhouse offers 'great opportunity' for MotoGP and NASCAR worlds to collide
Can anyone stop "changed" Bagnaia as Ducati tightens its grip on MotoGP?
Retiring MotoGP ace Dovizioso "really didn't expect" Yamaha struggles
Why Marquez’s toughest MotoGP foe is stopping at the right time
The Honda problem Yamaha is now facing in MotoGP
Nicky Hayden: Remembering motorsport's much-loved "one-off" five years on
Morbidelli/Rossi relationship won’t change as MotoGP team-mates
Why Alex Marquez doesn't care about 'shutting up' MotoGP critics
Ocon wants set-up changes after China F1 sprint as "performance left on the side"
MotoGP schedule: When is the next MotoGP race and where will it be held?
Honda MotoGP boss "confused" by "good improvements" not working
Friday favourite: Why Herbert prefers a car he had to wrestle above his F1 winners
Can anyone stop "changed" Bagnaia as Ducati tightens its grip on MotoGP?
The signs that MotoGP's Japanese powerhouses are changing for the better
The other Suzuki signing that could transform Honda's MotoGP form
How the MotoGP paddock has offered refuge to Suzuki's former team
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments