Petrucci expects 10-rider Le Mans MotoGP podium battle
Ducati’s Danilo Petrucci expects “10 riders can fight for the podium” in Sunday's 27-lap MotoGP French Grand Prix at Le Mans.

Having had to come through Q1, Petrucci qualified his works Ducati on the front row for the first time since his Italian Grand Prix-winning weekend at Mugello last year.
Having been a podium finisher at the French GP in the last two seasons, Petrucci “knew I could do a good weekend” at Le Mans having “found something better” under braking with the GP20 last time out at Catalunya.
Starting from third, Petrucci says his front row has taken on further importance as he expects a mass battle for the podium on Sunday.
“I knew I could do a good weekend here,” Petrucci said. “But this morning [in FP3] in my last run I always found some yellow flags, so it was impossible for me to do any lap times.
“So, I had to pass through Q1. I feel good with the bike. I always liked this track since I joined MotoGP and during my past seasons here I always find a good feeling.
“Since Barcelona I found something better on the bike, especially on braking where I struggled the most during the year.
“And in Barcelona I lost a lot of time on the straight and at Le Mans there are not so many long straights.
“So, I think it’s a good thing to start in the front row because I think 10 riders can fight for the podium.
“At least start in front you can stay away from the problems and maybe manage better the race.”
Read Also:
Both factory team Ducati riders Petrucci and teammate Andrea Dovizioso have struggled all season to adapt to 2020 Michelin rear tyre, with most of their problems coming under braking.
But Dovizioso has also enjoyed an upturn in form at Le Mans this weekend, qualifying sixth having made several bids for pole position late on.
The Italian believes part of this is down to the layout of the track not having many straight braking zones, but is unsure whether the Ducati is just working better or its rivals are struggling more.
“I don’t have a clear answer for this,” he replied when asked why Ducati was stronger at Le Mans.
“Maybe the competitors struggle a bit more than us in these conditions or this track.
“About me, about the tyre, I think there is less straight braking and this maybe helps me with the negative points to manage the rear tyres on braking.
“And that’s it. I can’t know exactly why some of the bikes struggle maybe a bit more, I don’t know if that’s the case because the pace is really fast for a lot of riders. So, we will see in the race.”
Related video

Previous article
MotoGP on TV today – How can I watch the French Grand Prix?
Next article
Le Mans MotoGP: Petrucci wins wild wet race from Marquez

About this article
Series | MotoGP |
Event | French GP |
Drivers | Danilo Petrucci |
Teams | Ducati Team |
Author | Lewis Duncan |
Petrucci expects 10-rider Le Mans MotoGP podium battle
Trending
Repsol Honda Team - Pol Espargaró Q&A
Repsol Honda Team - Marc Marquez Q&A
Why Alex Marquez doesn't care about 'shutting up' MotoGP critics
Alex Marquez's form was one of MotoGP 2020's biggest surprises and, by firmly stepping out of his six-time world champion brother Marc's shadow, he proved a few people wrong. Not that he cares about this, as he tells Lewis Duncan
How Yamaha's new MotoGP era can unchain Vinales
After the electrifying start to his Yamaha MotoGP career in 2017, Maverick Vinales has struggled for consistency. Many anticipate that the arrival of Fabio Quartararo could spell disaster, but the departure of Valentino Rossi could be just the impetus he needs.
Does KTM really need 'super engine' for MotoGP title challenge?
Fears from rival MotoGP manufacturers that KTM would build a 'super engine' for 2021 have ultimately come to nothing with the revealation that the RC16 hasn't been radically changed over the winter. But does it really need that to win the title?
How Ducati's latest Aussie union can return it to MotoGP glory
Australians on Ducatis is an iconic partnership, the marque's last one yielding its sole MotoGP crown to date. But its latest Aussie union with the often underestimated Jack Miller can end this drought.
The "balls out" battle between MotoGP's true greats
Senna vs Prost is regularly cited as motorsport's greatest rivalry. But it can easily be argued Rainey vs Schwantz can stake that claim. That rivalry was in full swing during the 1991 500cc season, remembered fondly by both stars 30 years on...
The "warrior" MotoGP rookie KTM was right to back
The 2020 MotoGP campaign featured a standout pair of rookies, but one flew under the radar as he adjusted to a shock step-up armed with very little racing experience. However as his veteran team boss explains, the faith shown in him was not misplaced
Why Suzuki's Brivio replacement must come from within
With its charismatic leader Davide Brivio leaving for Formula 1, the Suzuki MotoGP squad he turned into a world championship-winning force in 2020 has a major recruitment headache that it needs to resolve carefully.
Why Alpine's latest signing could be its best hope of F1 glory
The return of Fernando Alonso to the renamed Alpine team is a sure sign of the team's ambition. But its latest appointment from MotoGP could be an even bigger coup as it seeks to end a barren run stretching back to Alonso's 2006 world title