Petrucci 'great home memories', Lecuona Mugello debut

Fresh from a KTM top 5 at Le Mans, Danilo Petrucci heads to his home Mugello round, where he was victorious on MotoGP's last visit in 2019.

Peter McLaren

24 May 2021

Danilo Petrucci, French MotoGP race, 16 May 2021
© Gold and Goose

After matching KTM's best result of the season with fifth place in mixed conditions at Le Mans, Danilo Petrucci now heads to another circuit where he has been victorious in the past; his home round at Mugello.

Petrucci took an emotional debut victory in the 2019 edition of the event, beating both Ducati team-mate Andrea Dovizioso and Honda's world champion Marc Marquez in a final lap battle.

MotoGP skipped Mugello due to Covid-19 restrictions last season, meaning there have been no competitive laps at the iconic Italian track since Petrucci took the chequered flag.

But whilst Petrucci was previously able to count on Ducati power along the fastest straight of the season, acceleration has been one of his weak points on the RC16.

“I’m very, very happy to come back to Mugello, one of my favourite circuits. Last time I have been here, I won the race, which is a great memory," said Petrucci, who also finished on the Mugello podium as a Pramac rider in 2017.

"I like the track a lot, I rode there a lot in the past, so I know it very well. This could help us in order to improve the bike again.

"For sure, it will be more difficult than in Le Mans, as there’s a long straight where you need a good acceleration, but we suffer a bit in this area this year.

"So, it will be tough, but on the other hand, I can’t wait to race again in Mugello.”

Le Mans also gave a welcome boost to Tech3 team-mate Lecuona, who battled his way to ninth in the race, overtaking the Yamahas of Valentino Rossi and Maverick Vinales in the final laps.

However, he's never ridden a MotoGP bike at Mugello before.

“For this weekend, I expect to continue with my performance. I improved a lot in Le Mans and continued to learn. I felt fast in all conditions," said the Spaniard.

"Although Mugello is going to be quite difficult for me, as I will arrive there for the first time with the MotoGP machine and it will be just my third time overall at this track.

"It’s not going to be easy, but I think this is not an excuse to not fight for a top 10 again.”