Matthias Walkner is impressed by Danilo Petrucci’s approach to the desert: the KTM driver making his debut at the Dakar in the tests was immediately fast, but taking too many risks. The Austrian rider of the Austrian manufacturer is satisfied with the preparation work carried out by the Italian for the raid in Saudi Arabia, although it was short.
In the autumn, the former MotoGP rider took part in a navigation course held by Jordi Viladoms in Spain which was followed by the first tests in the Dubai desert. The last outing of the KTM team was at the beginning of December, when Danilo was forced to stop work earlier than expected due to the Italian’s fall in which he injured his right ankle. Your participation shouldn’t be at risk. Nothing serious, so much so that participation in the Dakar is absolutely not at risk.
Danilo Petrucci, KTM Factory Racing
Photo by: KTM Images
Petrucci got to work with his new teammates, Dakar winners such as Toby Price, Sam Sunderland, Matthias Walkner and Kevin Benavides. He has received tips and tricks, but how do seasoned Dakar heroes rate him?
“I met Danilo a little earlier – Walkner told Motorsport.com -. In human terms, he is a very calm, nice and helpful guy, so he suits us very well. I already knew that Danilo can ride his bike very hard too. off-road “.
“He had already participated in one or two rally races in Italy and immediately challenged the Italian champion. So it was all too clear to him that he could be fast.”
But Danilo will have to keep in mind that in a raid it’s not just the speed that counts …
“During the tests, he also quickly learned navigation – continued Walkner -. I think that those who run at a high level in MotoGP know how to deal with anything else”.
“Petrucci surprised us all in an extremely positive way. But we stepped in to try to slow it down a bit. Because if you look at his tracks in the desert and the speed with which he faces them, perhaps he takes too many risks. Because despite being a rookie he is almost driving at our pace “.
The 31-year-old from Terni lacks experience in the long stages on the most dangerous terrains, a small mistake or inattention can have unpredictable consequences …
“There are 100 sand dunes that look exactly the same. And then there is one that hides pitfalls. On the last day of testing there was a ridge that almost all of us approached with caution. We saw that there were signs of an impact. There was a hole in the sand and I saw footprints everywhere. Then I asked who they were from and they told me they were Danilo’s. “
Petrucci had to go home for that accident, as Walkner confirmed: “Unfortunately he injured his ankle and had to go home, but I’m sure he has learned his lesson! Petrux will surprise many: if he can manage navigation he could end in the top 15 or 20 “.
# 52 Red Bull KTM Factory Team: Matthias Walkner
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
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