MotoGP: Petrucci ‘always has the same problem’

Danilo Petrucci was quick to laugh off his ‘usual problem’ after Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi, where the Italian was once again denied his debut Grand Prix victory by championship contenders Andrea Dovizioso and Marc Marquez.

Racing a repeat performance of the San Marino Grand Prix last month, Petrucci was able to make his way to the front of the fight only to be sharply overtaken by the chasing pair – and swiftly left in their wake as the upped the pace and cleared off.

“I’m really happy, even though it’s the second time I’ve been able to start thinking about my first win. But there’s always two problems – Dovi and Marc! But I’m still much happier than Misano and Assen, because at least this time I didn’t lose it on the last lap. It was impossible on the last lap for me though, because I gambled before the race on the extra soft rear tyre.”

However, despite the result, the Italian policeman is able to head to Phillip Island this weekend delighted with his work. Marking his fourth visit to the podium this season, he’s confident that he’ll soon be able to ditch his tag as one of only two riders (along with Aleix Espargaró) in the premier class never to have won a Grand Prix in any class.

“I’m here for that reason, to try and win. It’s been a good season with very good results, but unfortunately I’ve had a lot of zeros in some races too. Sometimes I crash and sometimes the bike is broken, but that’s all part of the game. We’re preparing well for next season, and perhaps we can fight for a better championship position then – but there’s three races I like left this year too!”