It’s easy to see why Ducati rider Danilo Petrucci is a popular figure in the MotoGP paddock, and a favourite with Aussie fans. His laid-back personality means he is not shadowed around the MotoGP paddock by an overly protective PR representative, preferring a more chilled approach to his racing. We found the man who will be Jack Miller’s 2018 Pramac Ducati teammate, hanging out at the back of the team garage enjoying the afternoon sun. He enthusiastically talked about his love of the Australian lifestyle and his desire to one day live in Australia.
“I would like to live here one day,” He told AMCN. “My brother has a house in Melbourne. But for me, it won’t be until I retire because Melbourne is too far from Europe for the racing season.”
During the lead up to today’s first on-track MotoGP session, Petrucci, who turns 26 next week, got up close and personal with some Australian wildlife. He also answered questions about his permanent five-o-clock shadow “I have not shaved since before the Japanese Grand Prix”, and proved his laid-back demeanor is not a put-on, happily answering questions about that first MotoGP win which has seemed so close on numerous occasion this season.
“I’m not obsessive about the victory,” he said. “I think the win is going to arrive, the time when I’m not going to think about it. I think it is a normal progression so I’m happy.” Petrucci added that he was happy to be running at the front, and at events like the last round in Motegi, where he finished third, he said he had the best seat in the house to watch the battle between Marc Marquez and eventual race winner Andrea Dovizioso.
Asked if he would like a wet 2017 Australian Grand Prix, his smile widened.
“I think I would be one of the happiest guys if it’s going to rain on Sunday, but I prefer a dry weekend. I have nothing to lose, so I don’t have pressure on my shoulder, and I enjoy this track a lot.”
When asked if he will be helping fellow Ducati rider Dovizioso to win the title by letting him past during a race to score more points, Petrucci said Dovi did not require his help to secure the title.
Petrucci has scored four podium finishes so far this year, leading numerous Grands Prix. He presently sits in eighth position on the championship ladder on his Satelite Ducati, just five points behind Factory Ducati rider Jorge Lorenzo.
By Chris Dobie