Danilo Petrucci Returns to Sepang as Spectator and Delivers Stark Verdict: “MotoGP Has Become Extreme, I Don’t Envy the Riders”
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At the Sepang circuit, former MotoGP rider Danilo Petrucci made a rare appearance—not on the grid, but as an engaged spectator—offering candid insights into the current state of the premier class. Absent from competition this weekend, Petrucci embraced his new role, exploring the paddock, observing fellow riders trackside, and sharing his unfiltered assessment of the sport’s evolution.
I came here just as a tourist, Petrucci
“I came here just as a tourist,” Petrucci explained, recalling how the birth of his nephew Carlo coincided with his decision to attend. “My brother and I were watching the MotoGP sessions while waiting for the birth, and that sparked the idea to come to Sepang.” Despite not racing, he admitted a pang of envy watching the Sprint race, “Maybe I was a little envious watching those 10 laps, but I wouldn’t wish the 20-lap race tomorrow on anyone,” he stated bluntly. “In this race, you see monsters. When I raced in MotoGP, I dreamed about the whole season.”
Petrucci highlighted the sport’s radical transformation. “The explosiveness required now is incredible—you have to be young, agile, and very strong,” he said. “Previously, you could build your race, but nowadays so much is decided by the first corner. Riders brake so late that overtaking becomes extremely difficult. The speed in direction changes and how aggressively they brake—this wasn’t the case a few years ago.”
Identifying standout riders from the sidelines, Petrucci expressed admiration for Marco Bezzecchi’s riding style: “I have a soft spot for Bezzecchi; I really like how he rides.” He also noted Marc Marquez’s evolving approach: “Marquez is much calmer than before, seems to hold back a bit now, probably due to his age.” Regarding Ai Ogura, Petrucci likened him to Dani Pedrosa: “A samurai—essential in his riding and never makes mistakes.” Alex Marquez impressed with his daring corner entries, but Petrucci summed up, “There isn’t a single rider who goes slow.”
Turning his attention to Francesco Bagnaia, Petrucci speculated
Turning his attention to Francesco Bagnaia, Petrucci speculated on the Italian’s recent struggles. “Probably a technical issue threw him off, and then he had Marc on the other side winning,” he said. “But I’d never doubt a two-time MotoGP world champion. He seems to have lost his main weapon—the braking. It’s similar to what happened to Toprak; he can’t be as aggressive braking, and that means he hasn’t shown the phenomenal performance he displayed in WorldSBK.”
Petrucci also weighed in on tyre dynamics as MotoGP prepares to switch from Michelin to Pirelli next year. “It’s an easier transition because Pirelli gives immediate confidence and lots of information front and rear,” he explained. “Michelin tyres are very fast but feel like racing tyres—you have to push hard and trust them. I’m sure riders will like Pirelli more because they’re easier to interpret. With Michelin, it feels like skating on ice to a normal person.”
When asked about the championship, Petrucci refrained from judging Jorge Martin’s crash: “I can’t say it was a mistake. I broke my hand the same way in that corner; you tumble at 200 km/h. MotoGP is like a TV series—you never know what can happen.” He praised the thrilling title battle, expressing sympathy for Bezzecchi’s misfortune. “It would have been a fantastic three-way fight. It’s never over, and I hope I don’t jinx him, but I’m rooting for Bez. Right now, those three riders are the ones who make the difference.”
Regarding machinery, Petrucci singled out Aprilia
Regarding machinery, Petrucci singled out Aprilia for its impressive aerodynamics, akin to Formula 1 technology. “I rode the 2023 Ducati, the world champion bike with Pecco, and it was probably the best bike I’ve ever tried. After every corner, I thought I could go faster. I’d do a lap on both,” he revealed.
Looking ahead, Petrucci is weighing several options. “Yesterday, I received a British Superbike offer, which excites me since I’ve never raced there. But I’m quite advanced in talks to return to MotoAmerica with Yamaha. They also asked me to race Bagger bikes, but there are contractual issues. Additionally, a Chinese brand offered me to do the Dakar Rally on a bike. My manager, Alberto Vergani, is very happy right now. I have to think about it, but I’ll definitely do something.”
On the topic of World Superbike, Petrucci declared the chapter closed. “It was a wonderful cycle, but now you can only be competitive in certain teams. I no longer enjoy fighting for 12th or 13th place. It’s not like taking a casual ride—you must always put your heart into it. If you lose that hunger, you lose those crucial two or three tenths.”
Petrucci’s frank reflections underscore the brutal intensity
Petrucci’s frank reflections underscore the brutal intensity and relentless evolution of modern MotoGP, painting a vivid picture of a sport that demands extraordinary physical prowess and mental resilience from its riders.
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