Ducati Team’s Danilo Petrucci believes Phillip Island will provide him a ‘good opportunity’ to make steps forward in the MotoGP World Championship after coming off two difficult outings.

Acknowledging the Australian venue requires a particular riding style, the Italian ace is confident the circuit will play into his favour this weekend.

“Phillip Island is a special circuit that requires a specific riding style,” Petrucci explained. “In the last two races I’ve had some problems with the temperature of the tyres, but in Australia I think things will be a bit different. I’m not far off third place overall, which remains my objective and which I think it will be possible to achieve.

“Obviously I can’t be satisfied with my result in Japan and I want to improve here at Phillip Island because it’s a circuit that I like. It’s a good opportunity for me to make a step forward.”

Petrucci is currently ranked fifth in the championship standings, seven points shy of third position.