Ducati: Why Dovi was allowed to race motocross

Ducati Corse sporting director Paolo Ciabatti has explained why the factory gave special permission for its triple MotoGP title runner-up Andrea Dovizioso to take part in a motocross race.

The Italian went on to fracture his left collarbone in Sunday's event at the Monte Coralli track, in Faenza.

After undergoing surgery to plate the bone that evening, Dovizioso now has just over two weeks to recover as best he can before riding his Desmosedici in the Official Jerez test, followed by the season-opening race weekends on July 19 and 26.

"Although we know that motocross is an activity that presents several risks, we had still allowed Andrea to participate in this regional race, because he had explained to us that he needed to rediscover those stimuli and sensations that only a real competition can give," Ciabatti said.

"On the other hand, motocross is also the discipline with which many of the MotoGP riders train regularly. So, in the end, we must be relieved that the injury did not have serious consequences and that Andrea will be able to [participate] at the start of the 2020 championship in Jerez."

With track time on MotoGP machines heavily restricted, motocross is a popular method for grand prix riders to stay physically fit and sharpen their bike skills. Like any two-wheeled activity, there is an element of danger - especially from big jumps, which arguably have the least relevance in terms of MotoGP preparation. 

Dovizioso's team-mate Danilo Petrucci, also a big fan of Motocross, did not participate in Sunday's race. Ducati told Crash.net that they did not prevent Petrucci (moving to KTM next season) from riding and that it had been his own decision.

The non-Concession MotoGP riders (from Honda, Ducati, Yamaha and Suzuki) have not been on a grand prix machine since the end of the Qatar test, in February.

Meanwhile, Dovizioso is now doing all he can to be ready for Jerez.

"[Dovi] is already at home and will start immediately with physio and training," his manager, Simone Battistella, told Crash.net.