There have been some incredible races for Danilo Petrucci (Octo Pramac Racing) so far this season, but the Italian rider - despite leading - hasn't quite been able to crack the top step. Losing out most marginally at Assen and then now again at Motegi after leading for half race distance, Petrucci says it's what he's racing to achieve.
“This is what I’m here to achieve,” said the Italian when asked if he’d been thinking about it – and he had. “I was starting to think about my first win but there’s always the same problems: Dovi and Marc! But they had an incredible race, pushing until the last lap, and it was fun to watch from behind.”
Despite the recurring problem of Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) and Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), the Italian was pleased with the podium – and knew the extra soft rear tyre would be a gamble.
“I decided to gamble before the race to put on the extra soft tyre,” says Petrucci. “At the beginning the bike was very good, and I wasn’t pushing 100%. Then I got a lot of spinning at the rear and the conditions were critical – I couldn’t open the throttle fully on the straight. But I’m happy about my result.”
Next up is Sepang, where the weather can always be a question, and Petrucci eager to give it another shot.