Petrucci tops eventful second day in Sepang

Pramac Ducati rider Danilo Petrucci pipped MotoGP World Champion Jorge Lorenzo to top spot during the second day of MotoGP testing in Malaysia. 

Petrucci posted his best lap on the softer Michelin tyre, shortly before they withdrew the softer option tyre after Loris Baz’ horrific crash, wish saw his rear tyre blow out with the Frenchman travelling at over 180mph down the main straight, suspending the days testing action for over an hour. 

The Italian set a best time of a 2’00.095 which was just six hundredths faster than Lorenzo’s best time of the day, with the Spaniard managing his best time late in the day on the harder tyre. 

“I’m happy for this result. We were quick and we made the most of the situation considered what has happened with Loris Baz,” said Petrucci.

“It’s nice to set the fastest lap time although obviously it is not entirely representative. To end the day in first place, however, gives much satisfaction, even to the team who did a brilliant job. In the afternoon I could not go fast as hoped and this remains an important goal that we will try to get tomorrow.”

Petrucci impressed on the first day of testing and today continues to adjust to the new Desmosedici GP15, Michelin tyres and Magneti Marelli standard electronics. Despite starting his 2016 season strongly, Petrucci knows that the work is only just beginning. 

“Improvements? Yes, compared to Monday we have made progress. The confidence with the bike and the tires is growing and electronics is improving too But we are still far from the top riders: tomorrow we’ll try to get closer,” he explained.

Petrucci will be back on action for the final day of the first MotoGP pre-season test of 2016, starting at 3am CET.

Photo via Pramac Ducati