Best Ducati rider at Saturday’s World Superbike Championship race in Most: Danilo Petrucci explains the limitations he has been struggling with since his crash
Big liberation for Danilo Petrucci: In the first race of the Superbike World Championship in Most (race report), Petrucci crossed the finish line in second place, making him the first runner-up to WSBK series winner Toprak Razgatlioglu. The podium was a very emotional success for Petrucci, as the Italian suffered a serious injury in April and did not know whether he would ever be able to get back on his Superbike (which happened).
“It was definitely one of my best races in the Superbike World Championship,” said a delighted “Petrux”. “I’m so happy, because three months ago I almost died in my motocross crash. I wasn’t sure at the time whether I would be able to race again. Then I recovered very well.”
But the many injuries have left their mark. Petrucci admits that the return was not as easy as it looks from the outside: “I lack the strength in my right arm and that’s why I’m struggling. I have to compensate with my back and legs.”
“I have to change my riding style two or three times in the races,” revealed the Barni-Ducati rider, who beat compatriot and Ducati brand colleague Andrea Iannone (GoEleven-Ducati) on Saturday.
Best independent rider and second overall in Race 1
Bravo @Petrux9 CzechWorldSBK pic.twitter.com/jrKzEZmsdQ
– WorldSBK (@WorldSBK) July 20, 2024
The summer conditions in Most were no help to Petrucci. “I always struggle in very hot races because I always sweat a lot. It’s been like that since I was a child,” admits the Italian.
Fair exchange of blows with Ducati brand colleague Andrea Iannone
Petrucci enjoyed the duel with Iannone for second place. “Andrea was faster towards the end of the race, but I was very strong at the entrance to the corners,” said Petrucci. “It was a great battle with Andrea, who is a friend of mine. He is a special rider, especially in the final laps. But I was able to close the door. “
At the start of the race, Petrucci rode in a group of three together with Iannone and Ducati factory rider Nicolo Bulega. He made his maneuvers in turn 15. “They were faster under acceleration,” said Petrucci. “At a certain point, I told myself that I had to overtake. I sensed that Nicolo was having problems.”
When Petrucci took over second position, Razgatlioglu had already escaped. The Turk celebrated his eighth win in a row. “He has a good bike and is a top rider,” Petrucci commented on the world championship leader’s success.
“He has a better bike than last year,” Petrucci noted. “He is very fast on the straights. His acceleration is really good. I’m not so strong when accelerating. I don’t know if it’s because of my weight. When I open the throttle, the bike slides too much. It has no weaknesses at the moment.”
Thanks to the 20 points for second place, Petrucci has overtaken Iannone in the riders’ standings and is now sixth in the world championship. This makes the Italian the best independent rider. It is currently unclear what will happen to Petrucci next year. The most likely scenario is a contract extension with Barni, but a move up to the Ducati works team is also conceivable
