It’s a bit like the classic last day of school. An opportunity to say goodbye to everyone, empty the locker and go home. Tonight a new chapter in life begins for Danilo Petrucci. In fact, his adventure in Ducati comes to an end with 16th place in Portimao and now the KTM is waiting for him.
In Portimao the rider from Terni hoped for a better end, but it didn’t quite go according to plan.
“We suffered a lot this weekend, so much that I even got out of the points – began Danilo – iIt was crazy, but there was nothing more I could do. I couldn’t find the right compromise with the Ducati and therefore had to struggle with the motorcycle all weekend. “
A film that was seen and reviewed several times in this crazy 2020 …
“I’ve never really found confidence with the bike this year, apart from Barcelona and Le Mans, where I’ve managed to be competitive. This race confirmed all the limits I had with the GP20 in terms of braking and grip . The bike has changed a lot compared to last year, but unfortunately the tires had a big impact as we saw. I’m disappointed that it ended like this, even if in retrospect I think I showed something great, as always doing my best ”.
But now it’s time to turn the page and start a new chapter in life.
“It’s a strange situation to leave Ducati. When Gigi Dall’Igna called to tell me I was no longer on the factory team, I felt like a failure because my mission with Ducati had failed. At the same time I thanked him, because thanks to him I was able to find a competitive reality like KTM. Maybe the KTM wasn’t a fast bike in the beginning, but now it has improved a lot and I’m happy with the choice for 2021 ”.
Too bad you have to wait until February to start this new adventure …
“KTM has lost the free test licenses and I will therefore only start in February. But I’ll be going to the wind tunnel next week to start work, especially on top speed. For the rest of the time, I’ll dedicate myself to motocross in winter, also because I can’t ride outside of Italy and finally don’t have to hide the brand of the motorcycle. “
In these years together with Ducati there is no lack of regrets …
“Of course there is. I could have won my first race before I made it. I remember, for example, Assen or the Sachsenring. But it’s easy to say now, even though I’ve always done my best. Inside, I’m satisfied and curious about the new adventure that awaits me with KTM. However, I would like to emphasize that I am satisfied with the path that Ducati has taken and the victories, because victory in MotoGP is every rider’s dream.
The Austrian motorcycle won today in Portugal. We therefore ask ourselves whether Danilo can adapt quickly …
“I hope so, even if it is complicated to say now. When I went to Austria to meet Leitner, I was told that a big step forward had been made, obviously thanks to Pedrosa. It’s a bike that can be ridden both calmly and aggressively and that was one of the useful aspects that won me over. But I just got on the KTM without switching it on (smiles). 2021 will be a crucial year, not least because I will be the third oldest driver on the grid. It will be kind of a double or it will cease as far as my career goes. I have to do it well, even if a change of scene is good for me “.
Poncharal has bet on him and Danilo does not want to reveal his expectations.
“I know Poncharal, a nice and friendly person, I know that I will have it Verbena as chief engineer. As I said, I’m curious to start my journey with you, even if I don’t know the team. I thank Ducati for all these years and for giving me this opportunity ”.