Former MotoGP rider, Andrea Dovizioso, has teamed up with Italian motorcycle manufacturer, Italjet, to develop their latest Italjet Dragster 125cc/200cc scooter. Quite an overkill to hire the former Ducati/Honda factory rider as the ambassador and test rider, but that's probably as Italian as things can get.

'DesmoDovi' will be using his talents with Italjet's technical team to develop their latest scooter offering, and they seem to have big plans (and hopes) for the Dragster's latest evolution. It may be just a scooter for most folks, but Italjet claims that it's more like a 'small superbike for the city'. Big words.

According to Massimo Tartarini, President and CEO of Italjet Spa, "When I designed the new Dragster, I imagined it as a small superbike to utilize in the city. A scooter capable of giving the feeling of a real motorcycle on the track. I desire that the Dragster can express all its potential and be the best in class: for this reason, I thought I have to rely on an undisputed protagonist of Motorsport, a famous pilot all over the world. I immediately thought of Andrea, a person that I’ve always admired, a professional and a man able to look beyond."

As for Dovizioso, he says, "The Dragster is a concentrate of energy. When I saw it for the first time, I was impressed. I’m delighted to contribute with technicians to the development of parts, braking systems, and the engine. The details make the difference, and the Dragster's details are very impressive, unlike anything else in this segment."

Will this be the ultimate scooter? We will just have to wait for the official launch of this 'urban superbike' to find out. The timeline is still unclear, but we can safely assume that the new Dragster will be launched and produced within this year. After that, it'll be made available in over 50 countries in stages.