Danilo Petrucci brilliantly showed that there can be life and new great opportunities after a career in MotoGP. Even if it was only honorable with an end imposed by the absence of proposals. Petrux went to recover his health in a Dakar where he certainly did not return in great shape but with a new notoriety. His journey with KTM is off the beaten track while he found his way back to Ducati, the brand with which he will attempt the MotoAmerica adventure. A brand which seems to have found a leader since its joint departure with that of Dovizioso, in the person of Pecco Bagnaia. He says what he thinks as the 2022 season enters its preliminaries…
Danilo Petrucci rebuilds after a trying Dakar Rally where he showed the full extent of his talent, his ability to adapt and his heart, both at work and in approaching circumstances, people and life. Jack Miller, who worked alongside him as a teammate at Pramac, identified him as a “ legend » on the evening of the last Valencia Grand Prix which also marked the final meeting for Petrux. A sincerity from the Australian which was surprising. But we now understand his assessment better.
It was also made by Ducati who went to look for his former official driver who brought him two victories in two seasons in red. A factory in Borgo Panigale which will take it across the Atlantic to conquer America. And who seems to have found a leader since the end of the 2021 season. It is about Pecco Bagnaia who didn't do things by halves at the end of last season: he won four of the last six races, and this score would have been increased to five if he had not crashed at Misano 2. He also subscribes to pole positions.
A journey that positioned him as 2021 world vice-champion, and he approaches 2022 with what the entire field already identifies as a lethal weapon: the GP22. Here he is in the shoes of a favorite. But Petrucci warns that this position does not only bring advantages…
Danilo Petrucci: “starting as a favorite is a problem that must be managed"
In an interview at the TV Journal, Petrux warns: “ I think Pecco can start as the favorite, considering last season's finale. Although Quartararo and Marc Marquez will be a big problem. But also Mir, Morbidelli and other strong drivers. Pecco has progressed in his mind and in his riding, he knows how to exploit the qualities of the bike. The negative aspect is starting as a favorite, it's a problem that must be managed ».
And this problem will be new for the academy prodigy VR46 who will also have to keep an eye on his distinguished companions, of whom there will be seven at least as well equipped as him. A situation which worries the competition, starting with Joan mir who openly regrets it.
By the way, if Petrucci will shine under the colors Ducati in 2022, he didn't get angry KTM despite his outspokenness on the Dakar Rally about his team. Pit Beirer, the sporting director of the Austrian brand commented on the now former driver Tech3 : " I don't know if he wants to start a career in rallying after seeing how dangerous it is with the Dakar. But he is a friend of KTM and in the future we will see each other to talk about it ". Certainly, Danilo Petrucci only has friends left.
