Danilo Petrucci will do it again this season in a World Superbike where he has taken up residence. The former Ducati MotoGP official who maintains close contact with the brand's top brass intends to play the outsider of choice this year in the category reserved for motorcycles from the series. However, having already shown a certain talent for being eclectic, this authentic motorcycle enthusiast mentions that he is already volunteering for the possible challenges that Ducati would like to take on at the Dakar and the 08:00 of Suzuka...
In an interview with GP One, Danilo Petrucci reassured about his level of form and his morale, showing an unfailing serenity which is the prerogative of all those who have found their place to better excel. On the next WSBK campaign which is coming up he says: “ for Petrux, the years pass, but we are still here, ready to face the new year with confidence. Now I spend my days doing gym, gymnastics. I also go to bed early in the evening and eat a lot of vegetables ».
He adds : " a year ago I was worried and nervous, because WSBK was something completely new, but now I am calm and aware of the challenge that awaits me. My dream is to win a Superbike race and at the same time try to be consistently in the top five at every round. I don't have a crystal ball in front of me, but I don't think this will be my last year in Superbike, because i love this world and the environment is very relaxing and familiar ».
Which does not prevent him from also looking elsewhere, having already demonstrated with his experience at Dakar Rally who made him go down in history as the first MotoGP rider to win a stage of this classic, that he could be the X factor of any new project. So when he sees Ducati throw a motocross project and think about 08:00 from Suzuka, he is not indifferent…” If they ask me, I'll go straight to the 08 Hours of Suzuka, but also to the Dakar ».
Danilo Petrucci: “ I was sad when I had to leave the MotoGP factory team, but ultimately the choice to focus on Bagnaia proved to be a winning one »
Then “Petrux” details: “ the 08 Hours is an exciting challenge and I would really like to race there. If Ducati is interested, I'm here. I think Suzuka is a very difficult challenge and we need to find more or less similar drivers to tackle a race like this. In addition, Honda is very strong and prepared. However, I am of the opinion that if they work in Borgo Panigale as they know they can earn in Japan ».
As to Dakar Rally ... " I feel a little melancholy. I would like to come back and I know that I will come back with the aim of preparing it as best as possible and not like it happened the other time with KTM. If I wanted, I could have done it with Fantic already this year, but I preferred to stay in SBK. So we'll see in the future and maybe I'd like to be the first rider to take the Ducati into the desert ».
Danilo Petrucci ends his remarks by paying tribute to Ducati : " I am forever grateful to Ducati for the relationship we have shared over all these years, the most recent being the 2023 MotoGP race. With Gigi there is a beautiful relationship that has linked us for a long time. I was sad when I had to leave the MotoGP factory team, but ultimately the choice to focus on Bagnaia proved to be a winning one. Gigi is a great person and with Ducati he does an amazing job, before everyone's eyes ».
