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MotoGP, Petrucci: “I am working in view of 2019, but it isn't simple”

Danilo: “The balance and chassis architecture are the most complicated parts. Today the Hondas scared me, but we are also in the mix”

MotoGP: Petrucci: “I am working in view of 2019, but it isn't simple”

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In the challenge between Honda and Ducati, Danilo Petrucci is right there in the mix, keen to grab his share of the limelight. After his second-place time in the morning session, in FP2, the Pramac rider had to settle for the sixth best time, trailing Marc Márquez by six tenths. However, the Italian rider prefers to see the glass half full.

“My performance this morning is the best thing I’ve managed to do for about a month – Danilo began – However, this morning Marc and Cal had not used the new tyre. I am also in the battle, but I am not 100% happy since this morning I was more competitive. The tests definitely helped me, and I expect a great battle between Honda and Ducati.”

In Aragón, Petrucci would like to leave behind his disappointment from two weeks ago.

“Unfortunately, in Misano we encountered various technical problems – Danilo recalled – so we focused on the bike’s chassis architecture and balance, in other words, the aspects that had the biggest impact on us, also looking forward to 2019. We worked mainly on the front end, but solving these problems is no simple thing.”

The second free practice session highlighted the Honda’s potential.

This morning Márquez and Crutchlow scared me, especially the way they started – he admitted – Among other things, they didn’t even do the tests. Jorge did a great lap in the afternoon. We are close to the leaders, but we still need something more. I have two bikes available and I need to figure out which is the best choice.”

Of the many obstacles, the heat is one.

“It is a disturbance – concluded Danilo - With 10 kg more than the other riders, I also feel 10 degrees higher temperature. As for the tyres, the hard proved to be the best in the morning, whereas in the afternoon the situation was slightly different. In any case, Jorge was able to manage it well.”

In the Pramac camp, the other side of the coin is represented by Jack Miller. After his third-place time in the morning, in the afternoon, the Australian did not make it into the top ten, finishing twelfth behind Franco Morbidelli.

It’s a pity the way the afternoon went – Jack said – Unfortunately, with the increase in temperature, I struggled a lot on turns, suffering throughout the entire session. If I compare my performance from the morning, it doesn’t even seem like me. Today I went out on the track with an old engine – he added – Unfortunately, I don’t have one here in Aragón, partly because they are saving them for the triple-header. Tomorrow I’ll try to take a step forward to improve.”

Translated by Jonathan Blosser
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