Pramac Racing ruder Danilo Petrucci was once again close to winning his first ever MotoGP race at Misano, But the Italian just lost out to an attack from Marc Marquez on the last lap.
So close, and yet so far, it left the Independent Team rider with mixed feelings – but he had led the race for the majority, and took another impressive podium finish in second.
“Mixed feelings. I’m happy to be on the podium again in Italy but I led the race for I don’t know how many laps and was quite scared because we knew from this morning that the track was very slippery.” Said the Italian
“After Jorge crashed I tried a lot to push, but with eight laps to go I took a big risk in Turn 6 and thought Marc would pass me. But then after two minutes I realised Marc was too clever to do that and make the rhythm.”
“I thought about letting him past but I was scared of losing him, so I tried to stay in front and push with two laps to go…but on the penultimate lap he did a great last corner and passed me at Turn 1.” He added
“I tried at Turn 4 but my bike stayed up only because I’m very tall and used my knee! I thought ‘don’t think, just push’. I’m a little bit sad but I’m happy for this second place and he deserved this win today.”
“I’m disappointed, but I also say that my best race is the next, so we’ll try again in Aragon. I never thought it would be a flag to flag but when I was behind Marc I did hope he’d go in! I was hoping maybe Marc was thinking about the Championship and he wouldn’t attack me…but no”