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Not too much of a surprise, Danilo Petrucci was one of the protagonists of this first day of action on the Portimao circuit track. Restarting with the same flair that allowed him to take the podium in the last round in Most, the Terni rider of the Barni Spark Racing team ended Friday by setting the best time in FP2, with a lead of 23 thousandths over the factory Ducati of Alvaro Bautista, first of the pursuers.
"I was quite afraid of this track, because last year it was quite difficult for me. Although in the end Race 2 last year wasn't that bad and the tests in February this year weren't bad either ," Petrux commented, " Let's say that this season we have always been in the leading group and for me it's very important to be up there at the front on this track as well, because it's a very nice track, one of my favorites, but it hasn't always gone well for me since I raced there in MotoGP and Superbike."
Despite initial concerns and a still not perfect physical condition, Danilo managed to start the weekend on the right foot right from FP1, which ended with a 4th place.
"This morning I went well and this afternoon even better, because we used the new rear tire, which in my opinion is more consistent," explained the Italian, talking about the work done, "I didn't use any new tires at the end, so I got the best time with the same tire I used at the beginning. I am quite confident and happy, because I have a good feeling with the bike and we take a step forward every time we try to make some changes to it."
It must be said, however, that what helped Petrucci close Friday with the best time of the day, in addition to Bautista's crash in the closing minutes of FP2, was the technical problem that took out World Championship leader Toprak Razgatlioglu.
"He is definitely very fast. I passed him this afternoon, we had a chance to do a few laps together, and he had the same tire he used in FP1. I don't know if he changed anything at the end, but I'm happy because I was able to improve my benchmark and my speed with a used tire, even though I stopped in the pits," commented the 33-year-old. " I think Toprak is one step ahead of everyone right now, and he also has a very good bike. However, I cannot complain, because he is a great talent with a good bike, and I think he is the man to beat. I would be happy if I could create some problems for him tomorrow."
Petrucci however, is still not at 100 percent condition after the injury suffered in motocross.
"If I'm at 70 percent? I don't have a percentage, but I was quite struggling with my arm this morning. The fact is that I broke my collarbone and I have to do exercises to recover the shoulder that are contrary to the performance on the bike," he said, "I always train to try to open the shoulder and I feel really really good with 95 percent of my body, but I don't really have strength in my arm."
So what could be Danilo's goal for tomorrow's first race?
"Top 5 is always a good result, but I would like to be on the podium," he admitted, "There is a big drop in rubber here compared to Donington and Most, so tire management will be one of the keys at the end of the race. At the end we are going pretty fast, but the race is very long and this is a pretty physical track or at least I have to fight a lot with my bike. There are a lot of things to consider for the race, but it will be better to manage the tire from the first lap and stay calm."
The team's rider then had one last comment about the sunset races of this Portuguese Round.
"I like this schedule. For me who struggles to get up early, they should do all the races at this time! - he said smiling - The heat is about the same, however, I like it and I think it's better for spectators to see the races around dinner time. This is something of interest, which we could use for other races as well."
