The opening day of Danilo Petrucci’s MotoAmerica career started in exquisite style as the Italian superstar finished third overall after two qualifying sessions today at Circuit of The Americas.
Former double MotoGP race winner Petrucci completed a mammoth 34 laps across three official timed sessions in Texas for round one of the 2022 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship. They steadily closed the gap to Yamaha’s Jake Gagne and Mathew Scholtz to finally end the day 0.338 seconds off the leader.
The result is exceptional for Petrucci. The Warhorse, HSBK Racing Ducati NYC team as Petrucci, gets used to the control of Dunlop tires and the demands of the factory-backed Ducati Panigale V4 SBK after a career essentially spent on prototype machinery in MotoGP.
Qualifying 2 Results—Top 5
- P1 – Jake Gagne (Yamaha) 2:08.450
- P2 – Mathew Scholtz (Yamaha) 2:08.484
- P3 – Danilo Petrucci (Ducati) 2:08.788
- P4 – Cameron Petersen (Yamaha) 2:09.724
- P5 – Hector Barbera (BMW) 2:09.999
Danilo Petrucci (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati NYC – Ducati #9):
“I am thrilled because today was the first real day on the bike, and everything is new for me, even down to the format for qualifying and the soft tire,” Petrucci said. “We suffered a little with chatter, so we are searching for the right feeling from the bike’s rear, but I think our pace is perfect. Enjoying the challenge. The bike is nice to ride, and for sure, I want to enjoy it tomorrow. The track conditions will be pretty good, so I cannot wait to go racing.”
“It’s similar to when I made my MotoGP debut back in 2012,” said Petrucci in an interview with Speedweek. “And I am very excited and can’t wait to start the season. I like circuits that have character, and Austin is one of them. I think we will have a great first race weekend, for sure!”
Race one of the 2022 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship season from Austin, TX, will commence at 5:15 p.m. CDT.
via Ducati, Speedweek, Roadracing World
