Danilo Petrucci may have been unimpressed by the lack of communication surrounding his exit from the Tech3 KTM team for 2022, following confirmation that Moto2 star Raul Fernandez has been given the remaining seat, but KTM then surprised the off-road fanatic with an offer to compete in the Dakar Rally.
“Then two days ago Pit [Beirer] called me and repeated what they more or less told me on Saturday. There is this option and I am taking in my mind. I would always like to race there.
“I always thought to stay in MotoGP for many years but yeah, let’s say, I’m too big for MotoGP! I weigh almost double Pedrosa. I’m like the puppet master of Pedrosa…and most of the other riders! It’s already a lot, what I’ve done in MotoGP, because a rider as big as me has not been competitive.
Asked for his opinion on Petrucci’s Dakar chance, factory KTM rider Miguel Oliveira said: “I actually talked during lunchtime with Danilo and asked him about that. He said that obviously it’s nice to have this opportunity but he needs a lot of navigation [training].
“It’s not just about riding skills on a heavier bike off-road. It’s about navigating and that’s the dangerous element about the Dakar. Of course it is something unique but I’m happy for him and happy for KTM’s attitude in embracing him to the family and keeping him in orange.”
Petrucci, 80kg and 1.81m tall, is currently 18th in the world championship with a best finish of fifth during his first ten races on the RC16.
Team-mate Iker Lecuona is also leaving Tech3 at the end of this season, when Fernandez and Moto2 title leader Remy Gardner will form an all-new line-up.
