Danilo Petrucci secured his maiden podium at French Grand Prix as a factory Ducati rider and his first in almost a year. His podium comes after three sixth places and a fifth place in the first four races of the season.
The Italian rider missed the podium two or three times, including in Argentina and Jerez. He was in danger of being overshadowed by the satellite team Pramac Jack Miller over the first rounds of the 2019 season, but Petrucci bounced back at Le Mans to pick up his first podium.
This will be one of the 2020 transfer market records: the second Desmosedici of the official Ducati team. It is currently occupied by Petrucci, alongside Andrea Dovizioso. But Miller wants Petrucci’s place next season.
Before being in the Ducati team, Petrucci spent four seasons at Pramac Racing. He has notably obtained 6 podiums. His former team manager, Francesco Guidotti said Petrucci is doing well so far with Italian manufacturer.
“Danilo has a lot of experience with us, we are proud to have contributed to his progress and stresses that being on the official team today has nothing to do with.” Guidotti said.
“The context is new to him, more professional. In the factory team there are many more things to handle, technical details, and more pressure on the results. He’s doing well. Do not forget where it comes from: Superstock and CRT. It’s easy to judge now, but his career has been tough, he’s doing well and still has some margin.” Guidotti added.
Ducati continue to work hard to beat Honda’s Marc Marquez. (Source:www.motorsportmagazine.com)
Asked about Marc Marquez, Guidotti believes Ducati continue to work hard and try to beat Honda rider. Marquez entered the 2019 season as the reigning champion, with Repsol Honda being the reigning team champions and Honda the reigning constructors’ champions.
“I think, yes. The factory team has only one goal, and that is to win. They consider their options, and Miller is probably one of them, but I’m not sure.” Guidotti said.
“Ducati wonders how to beat Marquez. Dovizioso proved he could do it, duel and in the last lap, but it takes more to win the title. We must try and beat him. I do not know if we can, but that’s the goal: to finish in front of the MotoGP world champion.” Guidotti added.
