Pramac Ducati rider Danilo Petrucci came close to scoring a victory at Le Mans last weekend. The Italian rider finished second behind the champion Marc Marquez and ahead of Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi.
Petrucci admitted his battle with Marquez was not easy because the reigning champion had great motor bike since in Argentina and Austin Grand Prix.
“I know that the race would be very difficult because with this heat we have a lot of difficulties, especially with the front tire.” Petrucci told to Sky Sports.
“In any case I managed the back, I just followed Marc, I tried to keep his speed, I’m very happy. At the first corner I was fifth but I had already predicted yesterday. In any case, I thank the team for the work done because we work a lot.
“I thank Ducati, I had a hard time after Argentina and Austin, I am very happy and we are already excited about the upcoming race at Mugello.” Petrucci added.
Petrucci is currently sitting fifth place in the MotoGP standings with 54 points, 2 points behind Rossi and 4 points behind Johann Zarco, who failed to finish his race in hometown.
Danilo Petrucci earned his first podium at Le Mans, France. (Source:www.ultimatemotorcycling.com)
In the next race, the 27-year-old expects to face another fast and furious scrap with top riders at Mugello Grand Prix on June 3.
“I made a mistake in the second lap and I came off the track at turn 8. Vale then doubled me and I passed it again. I pushed to Marc, I took risks for that to hold on. It only remains for me to make another good result at the next meeting at Mugello to conquer the official machine.” Petrucci said.
“I don’t have a test at Mugello, so I’m going to put it a little at a disadvantage, but I’ll look at what others have done. But it’s a track that I like, we have to start from the third row like last year, but there are some Honda who are going very hard.” he added.
When asked about his chances at Ducati to replace Jorge Lorenzo, Petrucci said he believes the Italian manufacturer will choose between him and team-mate Jack Miller for the second spot next year.
“Ducati knows me very well. I hope that they will choose the rider in all the evaluation, in not five GPs of this year, but in the last maybe two seasons.” Perucci said.
