Petrucci: “I was on top until the moment that counts…”

Danilo Petrucci (Octo Pramac Racing) got his career first front row in Barcelona and he almost followed it up with a first ever pole in the Dutch GP, on top for much of qualifying until the final efforts of Johann Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) and Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) pushed him down to P3. Disappointed to have missed out, ‘Petrux’ also recognises that being frustrated about “only” being on the front row would previously have seemed unimaginable – and is optimistic that he’ll have the pace for the top five to pair with a happier ending than that of the Catalan GP.

Danilo Petrucci, P3: “I’m very happy. Just a few months ago I couldn’t imagine I could be angry about a front row! But I was on top all the session until the moment that counts most at the chequered flag...and I was quite surprised. I checked the classification before the last lap but then I made a mistake because I was pushing too hard. I crossed the line and saw I was third I thought ‘no…it must be a mistake!’ But this is my second front row, almost third because I had a second fastest lap cancelled at Mugello…I just hope the race doesn’t finish like Barcelona. I need to stay calm. I don’t know what weather would be better tomorrow but I think I hope dry – maybe I don’t have podium pace but I could fight for the top five.”