Image: Supplied.

Andrea Dovizioso says he was ‘back into good shape’ at Misano’s MotoGP test last week, just days after being transported to hospital following a heavy first turn crash with Fabio Quartararo (Petronas SRT Yamaha) at the British grand prix.

The Ducati Team rider used the two-day test in Italy to ease his way back onto the bike, completing 37 laps on day one before putting in a strong 81 laps on Friday.

Despite not utilising the extra-soft rear tyre, the Italian ace set the 17th fastest time as he gained valuable data for the Misano grand prix in two weeks’ time.

“Luckily I managed to do a day and a half of testing, and physically I’m okay,” Dovizioso explained. “In the last few days we did a good job at home – I was able to get back into good shape and here I managed to lap on track, even though I still feel a bit knocked about.

“It was very important to test here, because we found a track that was quite different to last year, with not so much grip and because there were also all the other riders. We were able to do a lot of interesting tests in view of the race, both with the material available and with the set-up.

“I’m not entirely satisfied with our speed but it was important to get out on track in this test; we did it so now we’ll prepare well to get ready during the race weekend.”

Misano’s 13th round of the 2019 MotoGP World Championship is scheduled for 15 September.