Petrucci: Sachsenring not ideal for Ducati but I like it

Danilo Petrucci accepts Sachsenring isn’t a circuit suited to his Ducati but is focusing on the podium having missed out by a tiny margin 12 months ago.

The Italian rider has moved up to third place in the MotoGP world championship following his sixth place at Assen, coupled with Alex Rins’ DNF for Suzuki, which marks his highest standing in the riders’ championship since joining the premier class back in 2012.

Looking to build on his recent momentum, including his maiden MotoGP victory which came back at Mugello, Petrucci feels confident of leading the Ducati charge in Germany despite the Italian manufacturer’s indifferent results at Sachsenring - a circuit requiring quick changes of direction and high corner speed which Ducati has struggled with so far this season.

“Sachsenring maybe isn’t the most ideal track for our bike, but personally I’ve always liked it,” Petrucci said. “Last year I was the first Ducati rider on the finish line, only half a second off the podium [in fourth place], so I feel fairly optimistic heading into the weekend.

“Weather conditions are often mixed there, but managing the rear tyre is the most important thing because it stays for more than thirty consecutive seconds on the left shoulder each lap.

“Our goal is to finish on the podium because only by confirming our competitiveness and racing constantly at the front we can keep holding the top spots in the rankings. Also, it’s the last race before the summer break and a strong result would allow us to go on holiday happy. We are ready for another battle.”

While Ducati’s last win in Germany came in the 2008 wet race with Casey Stoner, the Italian manufacturer has secured just two podiums over the past decade at Sachsenring with Stoner taking third in 2010 and Andrea Dovizioso also taking third in 2016.