Ex-MotoGP and current WSBK rider Danilo Petrucci was called up to MotoGP to replace the injured Enea Bastianini (Ducati). The French Grand Prix this past weekend was the 1000th Grand Prix in MotoGP history.
Petrucci previously described the weekend as “a mission impossible.” However his experience came through for him at the French GP. While he didn’t secure a podium Petrucci showed that he still has what it takes to race at the top level of motorcycle racing. Petrucci finished 11th on grid. Petrucci said, “The race turned out to be very complicated, but I was faster than on Saturday. I was trying to stay with the group in front where Franco Morbidelli was. The track was very difficult; I chose the medium front tire and I think I was the only Ducati with that. Maybe the hard one would have been better, but I’ve never used the tire before so I was a little bit afraid.”
He continued, “It was good, it was good. It was unbelievable, because to come back to MotoGP with this bike – the best bike I’ve ever ridden in my life – on this track where I’ve done some podiums and a win, it was really a gift and I’m very proud. I can only thank Ducati for this great opportunity.”
We don’t know how long Petrucci will fill in for the injured Enea Bastianini. We will report back when there is a more clear return date for Bastianini on record.
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