Danilo Petrucci and the Barni Racing Team had an overall positive weekend at Donington Park, scene of the fifth round of the 2024 Superbike World Championship. Despite a deleted lap in qualifying which would have earned him fourth place, Petrucci performed well. races, finishing as best independent driver in both Sunday races.
The Saturday, Danilo Petrucci finished in a respectable seventh place in the Race 1. Despite the physical challenges caused by the after-effects of his injury dating from a training accident in April, the Terni driver showed his determination by fighting for positions in the top 10.
On Sunday, Petrucci finished ninth in the Superpole Race and achieved an excellent sixth place in Race 2. Despite a difficult start from the third row, he was able to fight with renowned drivers like Alvaro Bautista, showing himself to be competitive and resilient despite his persistent pain.
Petrucci expressed his mixed feelings about his performances at Donington: “ Starting from ninth didn't help much. I tried to stay with Bautista, we overtook ourselves several times, but Around the middle of the race I started to struggle. » On these physical difficulties he details: “ I pilot the Panigale V4 R with my back, instead of using my right arm, I force myself on the left side of my body to try to maintain balance. With all these changes of direction, it was really hard. I would have liked to see how I would have performed if I had started from the second row »
Danilo Petrucci: “ I especially tried to regain strength in my shoulder »
He mentions an unpleasant episode in SP Race: “ starting badly because of another driver doesn't give me much pleasure because I made an incredible effort. For God's sake, we took valuable championship points, but we're not fighting for who knows what. »
Petrucci also shared his thoughts on the entire weekend: “ a bittersweet weekend during which I especially tried to regain strength in my shoulder. I'm still saddened not to be on the podium, potentially achievable »
« Despite all the physical problems and adaptation to driving, I set my best lap on the penultimate lap. I should do it initially with new tires if we really want to stay ahead, but unfortunately I can't do it because I lack traction. That's probably my limit » adds Petrux.
Danilo Petrucci and the Barni Racing Team can be satisfied with their performances at Donington, despite the physical challenges and setbacks in qualifying. The Italian driver showed that he can stay competitive and fight for the top positions, which gives him confidence for the next races WSBK, as he continues to recover from his injury.
