SBK, paddock rumours: Danilo Petrucci is expected in 2022

Danilo Petrucci is fourteenth in the 2021 MotoGP standings, level with Alex Rins on 23 points. But unlike the Spaniard, who’s made too many mistakes while fighting at the front, the Italian hasn’t been able to seriously contend the podium positions, something he was often able to do with Ducati.

His move from the factory Desmosedici to the KTM managed by team Tech3 is proving rather tricky and the Italian is struggling to find the right set-up for his RC16, which means he’s forced to play catch-up in the races.

His performance doesn’t reflect his potential, considering his experience and his wrist. The French team has also elected not to exercise the option to renew his contract, meaning that Petrux’s future is still to be written.

The SBK would welcome him (back) with open arms

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Which MotoGP seats might be free for him in 2022? Without being harsh (in fact we think Danilo deserves the right chance, after his performance in Borgo Panigale colours), none. Offers from factory teams are not plausible, as they’re all full up.

There might be something on a satellite team, but would Petrucci accept such a ride? Or rather, might Aprilia still be open to talk? We hope so but, realistically, all doors currently look to be closed.

But our sources tell us that number 9 is ‘talking’ to, or is at least in the sights of, certain teams in the SBK paddock. And how good would it be to see Danilo Petrucci back in the paddock where it all began. He would clearly suit the environment, one he already knows from his Stock days.

Davies and HRC, Haslam in Alstare and Petrux… has 3 options on the table

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Let’s start by saying that Leon Haslam wants a change. Confirmed by HRC in 2020, the Englishman would like to compete for Alstare, currently on track with the Yamaha and Frenchman Christophe Ponsson. Both parties are equally interested, for a return to the good old days, alla 2010 with Suzuki.

Chaz Davies, strong at Estoril, less so at Aragón, is talking to HRC. The Welshman believes he deserves a factory ride and the sliding door is moving for him. If this were true, Go Eleven would need to take action. Tito Rabat doesn’t appear completely happy with Barni right now. Some sources put Petrucci in Ducati, in one of the aforementioned independent teams.

Other sources see Danilo in Honda factory colours. Two different scenarios then. A rider like him could be very strong on the ‘boorish’ V4 R, and if it’s true that the Panigale is similar to the Desmosedici, even better. With the Fireblade, a bike everyone is struggling with right now, greater sensitivity is required. But the Japanese also have the funds with which to negotiate.

Translated by Heather Watson

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