For the third time in three Grands Prix contested this season, Danilo Petrucci finished sixth. With an official Ducati, it's an average result. Especially since the same causes produce the same effects: Petrux must learn to manage his tires. In Austin, he played it cautiously so as not to find himself in difficulty at the end of the event. But it wasn't convincing...
Starting eighth, after qualifying seventh in Qatar and tenth in Argentina, Petrucci seems to be settling into a regularity which certainly earns him points, but in no way guarantees him his next contract within the factory team. During this time, Jack Miller, his rival for the position is more brilliant, starting with this Texan podium and his 13s lead over the teammate ofAndrea Dovizioso. Along the way, Petrux finished just over 21s behind the winner Kidneys.
On his journey, he comments: “ of course I can't be happy with this race. While I'm happy with the points we collected at the end, I'm not happy with my ranking. It wasn't easy at the start, because there was a bit of confusion in the first corner and I lost two places. I didn't want to put too much strain on the tires to overtake Pol Espargaró and Quartararo. I managed to overtake them and afterwards, I was able to get into a good rhythm ».
The Ducati rider rode with the KTM of Pol Espargaro who was the surprise guest at the top of the peloton. He observed her. And he warns: “ Pol is doing so well. He came from a good position on the grid, and they also have a good engine, so it was difficult to overtake him. I wasted time. I could have overtaken him a little earlier, but I didn't want to push too hard at the start, like in the other races, and end up having problems with the tires ».
« During the whole weekend, frankly, I didn't feel comfortable. The sensations were not perfect. But in the middle of the race the pace was good » analyzed the Italian, aged 28. “ In the last five laps, the front closed at times. Although I got closer to Morbidelli, the distance was too far and I had a bad feeling with the front tire ».
petrux precise : " once I almost fell, I was able to save the day. Then I said to myself, okay, it's better to keep the ten points and the championship position. So I decided that sixth place was okay. Friday, I was 13th in the 2nd practice session with two soft tires, we were in rather difficulty this weekend. At least I got points ».
« We are in fifth place in the championship standings, but this is only the third race. We must continue to work for the next races. Jerez, Le Mans, the next races are better for us and I look forward to them ».
