Petrucci: “It’s hard to describe how touched I am”

When Joan Mir was injured at the Austrian GP, ​​Danilo Petrucci was already expected to take his place at the next meeting in San Marino, but it was ultimately Kazuki Watanabe who inherited the handlebars of the GSX-RR vacant; Sylvain Guintoli, test driver for the Japanese factory, was injured before the Suzuka 8h.  

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In Japan, Takuya Tsuda took over the interim role. For this Thai GP, “Petrux”, who has just finished second in the MotoAmerica championship with Ducati, was called in for reinforcements and the Italian did not take long to accept. “I got a phone call last week when I was in Alabama,” he said. I was still fighting for the title, so I told them to give me time to think about it, because I retired. The race in Thailand was already tough when I was in great shape, so as an older person, it will be even tougher (laughs). After the race, with all the media briefings from the last race of the season, I returned to my tent only at 18 p.m. My manager told me that I had to make a decision because time was running out to go to Thailand from the United States. I said: come on, let's go. From there, it's a bit like being put through a washing machine. I've just arrived and I can't wait to get on the bike (…). »

“I hope it will rain all weekend, until Sunday 16 p.m. (laughs)” – Danilo Petrucci

Petrucci may only have two victories in MotoGP, but the Italian is appreciated by the entire MotoGP paddock and has developed over the years the temperament of a nice, accessible and funny “guy”. On and off the track, he always struggles to hide his emotions on the track. Here again, the Italian says he is very grateful for the opportunity offered by Suzuki. “It’s difficult to explain how touched I am,” he emphasizes. Even Hitchcock could not have imagined such a scenario of riding the Dakar with KTM, going to the United States with Ducati and racing for Suzuki. I don't think anyone has done that. I think it's one of the greatest gifts I've ever received in my life. I want to thank the entire motorcycle community, because this is a gift that everyone in MotoGP has given me. From KTM to Ducati to Suzuki, everyone has been very kind to me. Apart from the brands, this paddock is made up of people and I'm very happy to have a good relationship with everyone. On a sporting level, it's the best thing I can achieve (…) When I walk in the paddock, I shake hands with everyone and I'm proud of it. »

No goal for Petrucci

Comfortable in the wet, Petrucci is hoping for rain this weekend to make his weekend a little less complicated, even if he admits to not having a goal. “I hope it will rain all weekend, until Sunday 16 p.m. (laughs), he jokes. At least the race would be less physical. I haven't had the chance to take a seat on the bike yet (…) I hope it will rain, a dry MotoGP race here, it's very hot. (…) I just want to enjoy and finish the race. It will be difficult not to finish last. But we'll see. Maybe the bike is very good and maybe I can stay close to the others. I will give my best, but I don't care about the result. I just want to go fast, as always. I said the same thing at the Dakar, my plan was to enjoy. You can't say no to this offer. I would have even swum to have the opportunity to ride this motorcycle (laughs). »