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The gap from the impregnable Nicolò Bulega is approaching half a second, nonetheless Danilo Petrucci concluded the dress rehearsal in Australia with a smile, not so much for the third place he was able to claw out this Tuesday, but for the knowledge that he is ready in every respect for the start of the season scheduled for the weekend also at the Phillip Island track.
"I'm happy with these two days because I was quite worried. The last few months have been tough," he said at the end of the day. "I started training before the Dakar to come prepared for that race, like testing, but the rally raid was tougher than I thought on a physical and mental level. I was driving a vehicle that was new to me and it was very stressful, plus I was scared. Luckily at Jerez and Portimao we tested very little because I was really exhausted. Here, however, I got here in better condition and from the very first lap I was fast and often in the lead. I must say that I am happy with the feeling. I see a great battle for the podium, at least between five or six riders, although Bulega has shown from the beginning that he has an extra gear."
How do you come out of this last session?
"With the knowledge that I'm okay. Already yesterday, after the second run, I told the team guys that we could finish and go home to eat. We kept the 2024 setup and the bike immediately worked. The only thing I fear is the wind, which is always an unknown factor here, but I really enjoyed these two days and felt very good on the bike."
What do you think of the tyre change that was imposed over the Australian weekend?
"It's risky because it involves variables that you can't control as much and the grip is not as ideal as it was last year. In my opinion, 12 months ago with these temperatures we would have easily done the 22 laps planned. We will have to see when it gets warmer. The tyres brought by Pirelli are an evolution and in my opinion all the riders would have made it to the end. I myself was going to make the fastest lap today with a tyre that already had 18 laps behind it, that's why I'm satisfied."
What do you expect from the weekend?
"I expect a battle between myself, Iannone, Bautista, Razgatlioglu, the two Bimotas and Locatelli. Between doing tenth and third will be a matter of little, as by breaking the race in two you don't have to manage the tyres and it will be like doing two Sprints. I think we will all be bunched up, so just getting stuck will be enough to not be able to catch up with those in front. There will definitely be a big tussle. Personally I would have preferred a solo race like Bulega seems to be able to do. There will be bar brawl and I'm convinced that a great race will come out."
Are you satisfied with your winter?
"Yes quite a bit. We tried the old setups again and they all worked more or less. Let's say I have a little more confidence now. In 2024 I fought it out in front most of the time, consequently I know what to expect. In Race 1 I fought for the Top 3 and in Race 2 I was on the podium. Overall only Bulega made a real step forward, the others are all there. Is he a bit like Marquez in MotoGP? Yes, Nicolò set a 1'29"1 today. You can see he has it easy and I think he's the only one who can get away."
