While the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship enjoys a weekend off after the Dutch and Catalunya Rounds, one rider will keep himself busy by heading over to France to compete in the French Grand Prix. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) has been called up to stand in for the still-recovering Enea Bastianini at Le Mans as he returns to Ducati in MotoGP™ for the first time since the 2020 campaign.
Petrucci joined the WorldSBK grid in 2023 after a season competing in the United States, as well as taking part in the Dakar Rally last year. He has enjoyed a strong start to his WorldSBK career as he consistently fights in the top ten and has his eyes set on making history during his time in the Championship. However, he will return to the MotoGP™ paddock at Le Mans to stand in for Bastianini as the Italian rider continues his recovery from a fractured right shouler fracture.
Bastianini tried to make his comeback at the Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto recently but, after taking part in Friday’s action, withdrew due to his injuries. Petrucci will take his place on the Ducati machine, returning the #9 plate to Ducati for the first time since 2020. Petrucci has two MotoGP™ wins to his name which both came with Ducati including victory in France at Le Mans in 2020. His other win came on home soil at Mugello.
Petrucci raced full-time in MotoGP™ between 2012 and 2021 and scored ten podiums including his two wins for Ducati, and he raced as a replacement rider for Suzuki in 2022 at Motegi. By the time he takes to the grid at Le Mans, he will have four WorldSBK rounds under his belt as he fights for top Independent honours as well as looking for podiums and, potentially, race wins in the Championship.
Discussing his return to MotoGP™, Petrucci said: “I am thrilled to be back racing in MotoGP™, although I am sorry that Enea has to miss another race. In Le Mans with the Desmosedici GP, I won my last race in MotoGP. It will be an honour to be able to try the World Champion bike and wear the suit that I won with in the past. It is an indescribable emotion, and I can’t wait to get back on track with the Ducati Lenovo Team. Thanks to Barni for letting me take this opportunity and to Ducati for thinking of me!”
Team Principal Marco Barnabo added: “Ducati asked us about Petrucci’s willingness to replace Bastianini in MotoGP and we are happy to give him this opportunity. As Barni Spark Racing Team we are always happy to collaborate with the factory. I wish the Ducati MotoGP™ team and Danilo the best of luck on this adventure.”
Watch Petrucci throughout his rookie WorldSBK campaign in 2023 using the WorldSBK VideoPass!
Source: WorldSBK.com