One of the most highly anticipated aspects of the Thai GP was indoubtedly the (re)appearance of Danilo Petrucci as a Suzuki wildcard. The Italian returns to MotoGP almost a year after his last race and at the end of a 2022 that has seen him competing on various fronts. First in the Dakar, where he became the first rider to have won both a stage of the historic rally and a world championship race, and then in MotoAmerica, a series that concluded just a few days ago and in which Petrucci finished second overall! The Italian has spoken to Sky Sport about how it feels to return to the MotoGP paddock: "I really appreciate people’s warm welcome; I could already feel the affection last year at Valencia. It’s been great to realise how many people are pleased to see me".
A 2022 to frame: “I’m grateful to KTM, Ducati and Suzuki"
It’s been a very intense year of racing for Danilo Petrucci, who has gone from the Dakar to MotoAmerica to the Thai GP, in which he’ll ride a Suzuki while standing in for injured Joan Mir. The Italian had this to say: “I can say that I’ve ridden the best bikes that these manufacturers produce. In 2022, I have many tales to tell. I’m grateful to KTM, Ducati and Suzuki, all of whom have allowed me to ride their best bikes, in the Dakar, in MotoAmerica and now in MotoGP. Last year I wasn’t happy, while this year the motorcycle world has given me a real gift. Not many riders can say they’ve done what I’ve done this year”.
At the end of free practice, Petrucci explains how the agreement that sees him competing as a wildcard in Thailand actually came about: “I can still barely believe I’m here. Livio Suppo called me before the MotoAmerica race. I had to decide right away because there wasn’t time, I left Atlanta immediately and arrived in Thailand. My leathers arrived today so it all’s gone perfectly. The Suzuki is fantastic, now I understand why everyone wants to ride it. I immediately felt comfortable and was also fast on used tyres, just a second slower in terms of pace than the quickest guys".
Danilo Petrucci and the future: "The Dakar? I want to prepare well for 2024"
The Italian goes on to admit: "I was meant to do an enduro race, I’d even paid the entry fee but then I realised that I might not get another chance to race in MotoGP with Suzuki”. Many ask where the rider’s future lies, Danilo himself admitting that he has various options: "I don’t know what I’ll do next year. I have options but I don’t know what I’ll do. The Dakar could be a goal for 2024, I’d want to prepare well next year”.
Traslated by Heather Watson