MotoGP: Petrucci ‘second but sad’ at Misano

Danilo Petrucci was left not elated but downhearted on Sunday despite taking in incredible second home podium finish at Sunday’s San Marino Grand Prix, after spending most of the 28-lap race in control only to lose out in the final corners to a hard-charging Marc Marquez.

And despite the elation of the result for him and his Pramac Ducati team, the down-beaten part time policeman admitted afterwards that he was struggling to be pleased at being denied his debut Grand Prix victory after looking so strong.

“I have mixed emotions! The race was very tough, and I set my rhythm but I knew marc was behind me because there’s a big screen at every corner at Misano! I just tried to stay up, to see if he could pass, and then tried to push with just two laps to go. I tried to pass him back when he overtook me, but I almost crashed and had to settle. I’m a little bit sad, but he was stronger than me and he beat me so I have no regrets. He deserved to win.

“I tried to attack him in turn four and nearly crashed, and then just tried to stay with him in case he ran wide. He did run wide at turn eight, but he was able to hold the line. At the end, I don’t know how he set the fastest lap at the end, but he was stronger than me.”

However, despite his disappointment in the result on Sunday, Petrucci was able to once again demonstrate just how strong he is in wet conditions, by leading for 20 of the race’s 28 laps in fine form despite the treacherous conditions – and despite getting both a first-hand look and a warning of his own about them.

“I saw Jorge crash, in what I think was the most difficult corner of the whole track, and I nearly lost the rear myself there too – it was a big moment! But I had nothing to lose, and I was just hoping that Marc wouldn’t attack me in the last laps because he’s fighting for the title. Wrong thought, though!”