Petrucci got 'tired of constant MotoGP pressure, I didn’t enjoy riding anymore'
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Danilo Petrucci has claimed the ‘constant pressure’ that comes with MotoGP was a big reason for his decision to call an end to his grand prix career. A two-time MotoGP race winner, Petrucci spent ten seasons competing in the premier class – six of which were with Ducati.However, after making the move from Ducati to Tech3 KTM for the 2021 season, the very likeable Italian was unable to make a considerable impact as he accumulated just three top tens results. This wasn’t as much a reflection on Petrucci, but more on KTM who took a step back compared to 2020. Related Danilo Petrucci open to racing in WorldSBK this season Oliver Bayliss to miss second day of Portimao test following ankle injuryNevertheless, the lack of results and enjoyment that came with his one and only season aboard an RC16 was enough for Petrucci to want a new challenge, something that came in the form of the 2022 Dakar Rally.Despite mechanical issues costing the 31 year-old on more than one occasion, Petrucci became the first rider in history to win both a MotoGP race and a Dakar stage after he sensationally took victory on stage five. Related Espargaro a second quicker with new RS-GP22, ‘but let’s see if it’s enough’ Espargaro: 2022 bike not a ‘revolution’, but ‘I like it a lot more than 21’Speaking exclusively to his race leather manufacturer Rev’it, Petrucci touched upon why he felt the time was right to leave MotoGP: “I had gotten tired of the constant pressure you face in MotoGP. I didn’t get the feeling of having fun riding bikes anymore, and I believed I could get that back in the Dakar. “But of course, I knew it was going to be a challenge with so little time between the end of the MotoGP season and the start of the Dakar Rally. “I had had a long and very nice career in MotoGP, but lately, I hadn’t been enjoying it as much as I used to. “4”MotoGP is really only fun when you’re able to fight for the podium. This new move came at just right time. “I needed something different altogether to try and find a nice balance between performance and pleasure.”Following his participation in the Dakar Rally, Petrucci is now set for a first stint in MotoAmerica after he joined the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati Team last month. “5Petrucci, who has not ruled out a return to world championship racing as part of wildcard appearance in WorldSBK, is hoping his decision to join the stateside championship, something another former MotoGP rider Loris Baz did in 2021, will pay off like the Dakar did. Petrucci added: “With the Dakar Rally, I felt like I had made the right decision and hopefully it will be the same for racing in MotoAmerica. “It’s hard to say right now, but I am feeling happy to take on this challenge. I really wanted to discover what America is like – I’ve always had a soft spot for that country.””6
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