MotoGP Sachsenring: Danilo Petrucci, “I didn't expect to be so fast”

Danilo Petrucci MotoGP 2016 GP Germany Pramac Racing – A satisfied Danilo Petrucci spoke at the end of the first day of testing for the German Grand Prix. The rider from Terni of Team Pramac was constantly among the first, he has the say.

“It was a special day, but we were fast, always in the Top Ten. We could have done a little better, but it wasn't easy on such a particular track and with these temperatures. There were many crashes and it's not easy to warm up the tires in these conditions, especially on number 11, the Waterfall. Tomorrow we will look for something better in terms of traction but there is always the "short" deck, if you improve one side you risk worsening the other. It will be a good battle to get into Q2.”

Michelin brought asymmetric tires to both the front and rear, how did you find it?

“Good on the front, even if you always have to tread carefully. I personally always wait an extra lap to warm it up, because it was very cold. The Waterfall is a corner that in MotoGP is taken in full gear at over 200 km/h and has caused many crashes, so you have to be careful. The rear, however, is a little too soft on the left, but we will try to do something tomorrow to get back into the Top Ten."

The forecast is uncertain, would you prefer a dry or wet race?

“I would prefer the dry, because this year I missed the first four races and I need to ride as much as possible. Also for a safety factor I would prefer to ride on slicks.”

After this race there will be tests in Austria. Stoner considers the track dangerous, what idea did you have?

“In fact it would seem that there are some walls that are too close. This was also seen in the Formula 1 race. With these tires it will be very particular, there are three full sixth straights and three big braking sections, all on the right and then two very fast left corners. The most dangerous thing is that there are only two left-hand corners and before you get there there are two long open-throttle straights where the tire cools down.”

On paper it is a favorable track for Ducati.

“Definitely yes as far as the internal team Ducatis are concerned, but we're not doing badly either, given that we're doing like the other official bikes.”