Andrea Dovizioso’s crew chief, Ramon Forcada, has decided to leave MotoGP after Misano Grand Prix 2022 on Sunday.
Forcada has worked with many big names in the sport over the past 30 years, such as Alex Criville, Alex Barros, John Kocinski, Carlos Checa, Jorge Lorenzo, Maverick Vinales, and Franco Morbidelli.
Firstly, after it was announced that Dovizioso would retire after Misano GP and Cal Crutchlow would take over as rider for the remaining six Grand Prix weekends of the season, Forcada was informed that it would not be he, but Silvano Galbusera who would guide Cruchtlow.
The second reason is that Forcada will no longer be a part of the new Aprilia RNF structure starting next season. Aprilia would rather have two of its own experienced crew chiefs join Razlan Razali and Wilco Zeelenberg in 2023.
Forcada has admitted that he’s happy working alongside Dovizioso so far. But he insisted to leave MotoGP at coming weekend Grand Prix.
“It’s fantastic how Andrea Dovizioso is able to analyse the situation and the characteristics of different bikes and riders just by following them. He knows what he needs to be fast – continued the crew chief – even when he can’t.” Forcada said.
“Dovizioso might be one of the best riders. Despite the results, it was a very nice experience to work with him, I will miss him.” Forcada added.
Last season, Forcada confessed that he would have liked to continue alongside Morbidelli, who had identified the Spanish crew chief as the most important key to his leap in quality in MotoGP.
“Of course I would have liked to continue with Morbidelli, but it wasn’t possible. That’s how racing is, there are a thousand factors at stake and no obligations.” Forcada said.
“In the things there are contractual issues, relationships, sponsorship relationships and in the end it was a political issue.” he added.
