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Danilo Petrucci made a two-year leap at Jerez, leaving the Ducati GP15 to get on the GP17. 2017 will be a new start for him, with a factory bike, and he took his first steps in this endeavour over these two days at Jerez. A new bike, as we said, and also a new hairstyle for Petrux, who shaved his head entirely. “I am complying with the new regulations. I took off my deflectors,” he laughs.
Is there a reason behind your new look?
“Actually everything started with a bet I made with my friends. If I earned the factory bike for next year I had to bleach my hair, but I am a police officer and I cannot do that, so I shaved it all off. For the Sepang tests I hope it grows out” (he laughs).
Did you do a lot of work over these two days?
“Mostly inside the helmet, in my mind, more than on the bike. I experimented a lot, fighting the bad feelings I had inside.”
What are you referring to?
“This was not one of the happiest years for me. I suffered two injuries and then there was the challenge for the factory bike. Some bad things happened, but I learned a lot and I matured, both on and off the track.”
And in any case, you earned the GP17…
“Yes, that was my goal. If I think about the fact that three years ago I was battling not to finish last, whereas next season I will have a bike with the potential to win races… it is a nice leap forward! I want to restart from zero.”
What is the goal?
“To start like I did in 2016, when I was the fastest. Then, I want to work on myself, on my riding style. My weak point is my speed in corners, which is very important with the Michelins, so I used these test days for myself as well.”
What did you discover?
“That I need to work hard to find that confidence that I lost after the accident during the Phillip Island tests. I feel very focused.”
Let’s talk about the Desmosedici now. What was your first impression of the 2017 bike?
“I don’t know if this is the definitive version, but I found it to be greatly improved in those areas that were critical on the GP15.”
Was it difficult to adapt?
“The other riders lapped on the GP16, a bike that evolved throughout the season, whereas I had a bike that needs to be developed. Also, since I had never ridden the 2016 bike, it was a bigger step. I took my time, but toward the end of the day I started having fun riding it. It is a fun bike.”
Where did you find that it has improved?
“It is a clear step forward, especially in braking which is one of my strong points and which I was not able to exploit this year, a bit because of the bike and a bit because of my own fault. With the 2017 you can brake very late. It also has a lot of grip coming out of corners.”
On the first day you ere 9th, the second day 5th in the MotoGP standings: are you satisfied with your times?
“I told my mechanics on both days: I am not taking any risks. I just want to understand the bike. I think that I am the rider who used the least number of tyres - 4 sets for the two days. I wanted to see how this Ducati would perform on completely worn tyres.”
Did you take it easy?
“No, but I did not put on a new tyre to try for a fast time. I did not risk any more than necessary. My injury at the tests on Phillip Island at the beginning of the year is still in the back of my mind. In the tests no points are awarded and I preferred thinking about finding a good base and understanding the bike.”
Photo © Alex Farinelli
