The Grand Prix de France has a bitter taste for Octo Pramac Racing. Scott Redding and Danilo Petrucci are protagonists of a big race but both are forced to retire due to technical problems with their Ducati Desmosedici GP.
After superb Saturday’s qualifying and an excellent warm-ups (6th quickest) Scott started well from the seventh position and from the first laps he managed to find a good race pace. Unfortunately his race ended on the seventh lap due to failure at the gearshift.
Danilo Petrucci’s comeback is spectacular. Following a positive warm up (5th quickest) The Italian rider starts from P19 and at the end of the first lap he is already in 11th. The race pace allows Petrux to stay easily behind Jorge Lorenzo. On lap 16 Danilo is ready to attack Jorge but a leak of oil forces him to retire when he was in 8th position.
DNF – Danilo Petrucci
“I was unlucky this weekend. The qualifying did not go well and I had to start from P19 but I managed to start very fast. I was behind Lorenzo and I felt I had a good feeling with the bike. I tried to push and felt I could overtake him. Unfortunately I had a problem with the bike and I had to stop to save the engine. It’s the second time this year and I’m very disappointed. I want to make a great race at Mugello”.
DNF – Scott Redding
“It’s a shame. Feeling were very good. It was a great weekend. I had so much confidence after Jerez tests and in free practice and qualifying I’ve done very well. The race start was good although in the first laps I had some grip problems. But I managed to keep my position as the race pace was very positive. It may seem strange but if I have to be honest I’m glad with this weekend because I found a great feeling. See you at Mugello!”.
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