Having only had his first race of the year in Le Mans, Danilo Petrucci is showing incredibly well upon his return from injury. The Italian started in ninth, his best Qualifying result since Aragon in 2015, and was competitive throughout the weekend. His speed carried into the race, which got off to a less than ideal start after contact with Pol Espargaro (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) and sent Petrucci back down the order. The Italian found his feet quickly and began to close in on Bradley Smith (Monster Yamaha Tech 3), who was the leading Independent Team rider. His charge through the field saw him pass the factory machine of Aleix Espargaro (Team Suzuki Ecstar) and set his personal best lap of the race towards the end. The Octo Pramac Yakhnich man was unable to pass Smith who had a half second advantage in the closing laps.
Eighth place is a great result for Petrucci and the team, but he was not satisfied. Petrucci had wanted to end as the top Independent Team rider and once again Bradley Smith stood in his way. Petrucci missed qualifying as the top Independent Team rider, Smith just 0.014s quicker. But Petrucci is planning his revenge at round seven in Barcelona where he’s ready to go toe to toe with Smith in the battle for parc ferme.
Danilo Petrucci: “It was a good race. My team always did a great job, giving me the best bike and finding the best solution for every little thing. I struggled in the first 4-5 laps, then I started to push to catch Smith. I tried to do my best and I set the best time with four remaining laps. I am very happy with how the bike goes and how competitive it is. My regret is to have not been the best Independent rider, as Bradley passed me yesterday and he did it again today by very little, but I'm happy. I will take my revenge in Barcelona!”