Danilo Petrucci mentioned he had an awesome day as a BMW rider at Friday’s WorldSBK within the Netherlands.
Petrucci stood on the World Superbike podium in Assen with the Barni Ducati Staff in 2025, however BMW failed to complete on the rostrum in both lengthy race final 12 months. However the Italian was the very best non-Ducati rider on the 2026 Dutch spherical on Friday, and fourth quickest general.
Opposite to feedback from teammate Miguel Oliveira, the Italian later mentioned he felt good on the bike from the beginning of FP1 and declared it his greatest day with BMW thus far, regardless of crashing on the last chicane within the last minutes of FP1.
“Lastly, since this morning I spotted that I’m driving the bike very properly. I’m beginning to get used to it,” he added, “I like this monitor very a lot and final 12 months I used to be on the rostrum. I do not know if will probably be attainable this 12 months, however I’m undoubtedly there.”
“As all the time, the important thing will probably be whether or not we will get a great lead to qualifying tomorrow and a minimum of the primary two rows may have a great outcome to struggle for the rostrum.
“I am fourth, however there are plenty of riders, so there’s not a lot distinction between us.
“Additionally, the tempo needs to be very constant as a result of there’s a lot tire put on, so we’ve to cope with that.
“However I could be comfortable. That is my greatest day in a BMW in the meanwhile.”
Petrucci’s sturdy begin to the weekend has him optimistic about his possibilities heading into the race and he hopes to be in competition for a podium.
“We’re nearer (to the rostrum) than ever earlier than,” he mentioned.
“We wish to struggle for inside the highest 5. We have now plenty of riders combating for the highest, so you may see that. Possibly there’s extra to Brega than that, however we’re kind of all the time there.”
“The hot button is to handle the tires correctly all through the race, as we discover it very tough to enter corners, particularly with used tires.”
“However general I felt actually good. I made some good strikes with the staff, so I could be assured going into tomorrow.”
Petrucci added that a lot of riders also needs to be among the many contenders for the rostrum. “It is all the time the identical riders. The 2 Ducati riders (Nicolo Brega and Iker Lecuona), the Lowes twins (Sam Lowes and Alex Lowes), after which there’s Xavi (Vierge), Baldassarri and possibly Bautista too.
“Sadly, there are plenty of riders!
“I definitely forgot somebody, however Ducati is actually sturdy and so is Bimota, so in the meanwhile we’ve to concentrate on enhancing a number of areas slightly bit, however then we will struggle for the rostrum.”
