WSBK Superbike Phillip Island J2: Danilo Petrucci seeks a physiotherapist for his hip and the Barni Ducati team a welder for the swingarm

Danilo Petrucci did not strictly speaking have a bad end to his two days of testing at Phillip Island on his Ducati Barni. In terms of performance, this Australian stage fell between the enthusiasm of Jerez and the disappointment of Portimao. Eighth in today's FP2 and eleventh in the general classification combining the two days, Petrux would undoubtedly have been satisfied with this result if he had not been hit by Axel Bassani. An accident which will change his plans for the coming days which precede the launch of the season in Australia this weekend, like those of his team Barni…

Danilo Petrucci don't want one Axel Bassani who recognized his total responsibility in this collision, but it still has consequences… “ He's young, he's a good guy, let's hope it was the last time » commented Petrux on his compatriot who is also a distinguished companion. Then he assesses the damage: “ I hit the tarmac with my left hip pretty hard “, declared the 32-year-old pilot to speedweek. " Nothing is broken, but now I have difficulty moving my right leg. Something cracked and maybe I'll go to a physio on Wednesday to make sure everything is in place for the race weekend ».

**Danilo Petrucci: “ I would like to be in the top five«**

After the personal diagnosis, he assesses the material damage: “ twisted exhaust, broken swingarm…I was doing my 17th lap when Axel Bassani hit me from behind. He had already followed me for two laps before making a mistake braking on this hairpin bend. That being said, he apologized profusely! I hope something like this doesn't happen again. In a test, such an action is particularly superfluous ". And specifies: “ the problem is that it broke my swing arm. The team is now looking a welder to put it back in place and redo it… »

Otherwise, where does he think he will be in this WSBK 2023? “ I'm not very patient, I always expect a lot from myself. But of course it takes time. I would like to be in the top five » he said before paying this tribute: “ I followed Bautista on the trail. It drives exceptionally well. It's been a long time since I've seen a rider like him ride, with this confidence. He's got a great bike, but he's making the most of it and it's really nice to see him ride ».