MotoAmerica arrives this weekend at Laguna Seca for the sixth round of the season, a circuit known in particular for its impressive elevation changes but also and above all for its famous corner, the Corkscrew. Unlike previous circuits, Danilo Petrucci has already raced on this track, twice in MotoGP, in 2012 and 2013. This track being spectacular, there is no doubt that we will once again witness one hell of a spectacle in a category where each race has in store for us its share of surprises!
Last year, Loris Baz reached the podium on this same circuit, a trophy gleaned at the cost of an impressive overtake on Cameron Petersen in the famous Corkscrew corner. “I don't know how many times we see someone pass us on the right when entering the Corkscrew. » The words of Cameron Petersen, defeated by Loris Baz during the first MotoAmerica round at Laguna Seca, say a lot about the movement made by the Frenchman to dominate the South African.
Not many riders have successfully passed around the outside at the top of The Corkscrew, but Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York rider @lorisbaz managed to overtake @CamPetersen72 in a move that even Petersen had to admit was very impressive. @DucatiUSA pic.twitter.com/3aYtFqbWkR
— MotoAmerica (@MotoAmerica) July 11, 2021
“When I saw Loris arrive on my outside, at that moment he had a lot of speed. I knew I couldn't let off the brakes and try to stay ahead. It took me by surprise. Honestly, it was just an unreal overachievement,” said Cameron Petersen upon arrival. “When he passed me and finished the move, I was like, ‘You know what? This one, you deserve it'. It was pretty darn impressive. »
This year, it was Danilo Petrucci who set out to conquer America by taking over the handlebars of the Panigale V4R left vacant by Loris Baz within the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati New York Team. The two drivers get along very well, and the Frenchman challenged the Italian on social networks: “Danilo Petrucci, I challenge you for the next race. I want to see something similar to this! »
At mid-season, the former MotoGP rider is in the race to become the first Italian to win the title in the history of the category. Indeed, with three victories and eight podiums in ten rounds contested, Danilo Petrucci leads the general classification ahead of the reigning champion, Jake Gagne, who is 11 points behind. The American got off to a bad start but has recently reduced his delay, becoming the Ducati rider's first rival. Third with 17 points, Matthew Scholtz is also still in the title race.