Former MotoGP title runner-up Andrea Dovizioso will return to a Yamaha M1 during today🌌’s private Misano test.

The Italian, who spent his final premier-class campaign on a satellite RNF Yamaha in 2022, is𝓀 replacing injured factory test rider Cal Crutchlow.

The Englishman is♉ still recovering from ‘complications’ following hand surgery, which have already seen him miss two planned wild-card appearances, at Mugello and Silverstone.

WorldSBK rider Remy Gardner recently t﷽ook over Crutchlow's duties, riding in place of the injured Alex Rins at Sachsenring and then th༺e British Grand Prix wild-card.

However, the Australian, 26, made clear his focus is on racing and Dovizioso, 38, will be on track alongside Fabio Quartararo and Rins at his local track o🉐n Tuesday and Wednesday. 

"I am sorry that Cal is still not well, and I hope he recoveℱrs quickly,” said Dovizioso, who won 14 MotoGP races for Ducati a🍰nd 1 for Honda.

"Having said that, I am happy and excited to have t🍸he chance to get on a MotoGP bike again, and I would like to thank Yamaha 💛for this opportunity.

“I hope I will be able to make my contribution🎶 to the development of the bike.”

Dovizioso rode his last laps as a full-time rider at the same Misano circuit🦩 during the 20😼22 San Marino MotoGP, after which he retired and was replaced by test rider Crutchlow for the remainder of that season.

Monster Yamaha team director Massimo Meregalli s💛aid: “First of all, let me start by saying that w🌳e all wish Cal a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on track soon with our test team.

"However, in the meantime we can't afford to b൩e idle.♕ 

"We are therefore delighted to confirm that Andrea has agreed to fill 🐈in for Cal and take on the role of the Yam꧙aha Factory Racing MotoGP Test rider at the private Misano test.

"Andrea and Yamaha have had a close relationship for many years. Dovi🤪 is a highly skilled and precise rider who also has a clear understanding of the technical side of MotoGP.

“Furthermore, besides his experience in💟 the MotoGP championship, he is also familiar with Yamaha's MotoGP Project, so we are greatly looking forward to continuing our partnership wit🎃h him. We think he will help us collect valuable data and give us good feedback.”

Repsol Honda race riders will also be on track at Misano th⛎is w🅺eek, before heading to the Aragon Grand Prix at the end of this month.