MotoGP Le Mans: Danilo Petrucci returns to the front row for the first time since Mugello 2019

Danilo Petrucci has endured a tough 2020, however, has found his form once again at Le Mans, a track he has podiums on in 2018 and 2019.

Since his race win at Misano 2019, Danilo Petrucci has struggled on the Ducati, eventually signing with Tech3 KTM for 2021, being replaced by Jack Miller at Ducati.

Petrucci has had problems with braking and also the power on the straights and noted he was happy to ride at Le Mans due to the lack of straights, which is unusual for a Ducati rider to not favour the straights given their straight-line advantage.

This front row result could be what the Italian needs to get back to the top, before riding the KTM which is better suited to him and his riding style.

He has said he expects a 10+ rider battle for the podium tomorrow which will be a treat to watch, “I am very happy to be here, tomorrow will be tough because all the riders in Q2 can fight for the podium so we are one of 10 or 12, but for this reason, it’s even more important to start in the front row.” He said, if he can pull off another podium here following his 2018 and 2019 podiums with the Pramac and factory teams, this could be the confidence booster he needs to get himself back up to the front of the field ahead of his KTM switch.

“It’s a great result, it’s been a long time since I was on the front row, I am really happy because he managed to do great work, we already knew the bike would work and would get to Q2.” The confidence oozing out of the Italian. There are a total of 5 Ducati’s in the top 9 and all of them will be gunning for a taste of that podium champagne.

Featured image – www.motogp.com