Danilo Petrucci has revealed why he signed with Ducati this season. After agreeing to a one-year deal, the Italian rider will join Andrea Dovizioso in the Ducati MotoGP team to replace the outgoing Jorge Lorenzo.
Meanwhile, Lorenzo, the Spaniard will partner Marc Marquez in the Honda Respol MotoGP for a two-year contract (2019/20).
Petrucci has announced his departure from satellite Pramac team this month and has now decided which team he will join forces with for the next one-year.
He has raced for Pramac team since the 2015 season and has campaigned a works-spec Ducati Desmosedici since the beginning of last season.
“A one-year contract was offered to me with the possibility of renewal for another year. I preferred to opt for one year only for various reasons.” Petrucci told journalists.
“We will see after the end of the first year, as I have nothing to lose. If it works well I will be able to negotiate a better contract.” Petrucci added.
“I think my study phase isn’t finished yet, because next year at this point in the season I will find myself in the same situation, although I hope to stay at Ducati for many years.” Petrucci said.
“Maybe I’m playing a little bit for not having been at the top for a long time, and having arrived only recently.” he added.
Danilo Petrucci finishes eight at Catalunya Grand Prix. (Source:www.corsedimoto.com)
When asked about Catalunya Grand Prix, Petrucci said he ss not happy with the result as Pramac rider, who finished at eight in the end of the race on June 17.
“It was quite strange, we were checking the data, and for three laps I locked the front in Turn 10,” Petrucci said at Barcelona.
“I had some problems with the tyres. I missed losing the front three times. I quickly thought there was a problem. Of course it can happen, once OK, but three times no, knowing that in addition I almost hit Dani Pedrosa.
“It was scary because it happens not one time, three times in arrow, and now we have the pressure and temperature sensor on the tyre, and we have never been seen 95 degrees on the front tyre.
“On Saturday Michelin say 85 degrees was too much, today 95, I cannot stop for sure. Eight position is quite okay and for sure I cannot be happy, but I Score some points, I am in fifth position in the championship.” Petrucci added.
