KTM would back Petrucci in post-MotoGP rally switch
KTM says it would “absolutely” back Danilo Petrucci if he does switch to rallying should he fail to secure a MotoGP seat for the 2022 season.
Petrucci’s place at the Tech 3 KTM squad looks in doubt after the Austrian marque confirmed it had signed current Moto2 points leader Remy Gardner for 2022.
Though yet to be officially announced, Motorsport.com understands it had also signed Gardner’s Ajo teammate Raul Fernandez to step up to MotoGP with Tech 3 next year.
Petrucci previously said he has not engaged in discussions with other MotoGP teams as he only wants to continue with KTM, while admitting a World Superbike move isn’t on the cards as he feels the problems he has with his weight and height in MotoGP will only be amplified on a Superbike.
Should he lose his place in MotoGP, the double race winner revealed to Motorsport.com last month that he would like to take up rallying and that tackling the Dakar was “my target”.
KTM motorsport boss Pit Beirer says the marque would be his partner in any rallying endeavours if that’s what he wanted.
“Absolutely,” Beirer replied when Motorsport.com asked if it would be interested in backing Petrucci in rallying.
“First, I want to tell him we still have a job to do here in this paddock, we are not done, we will not leave the stage and fail to perform together.
“It’s a big target from my side.
“But he’s such a good boy, we like him so much, we like to work with him.
“We like his father because we know him for many years when he was working already with KTM.
“So, if he wants to switch to rallies, we will be his partner for sure.”
Petrucci has struggled on his switch to KTM machinery after seven years riding Ducatis.
His best result after the first nine races was a fifth in the flag-to-flag French GP, with ninth at the high attrition Italian GP his best dry race result.
Petrucci’s main issue stems from the softer construction rear tyres from Michelin introduced in 2020 being too soft for him – the Italian the tallest and heaviest rider on the grid at 181cm and 80kg.
As a result, he struggles to get the best from the tyre in qualifying, while his size in turn is costing him top speed.
Share Or Save This Story
MotoGP 2025: Full rider line-up revealed
A year on from Marquez’s Germany MotoGP meltdown, has Honda improved?
What’s behind MotoGP’s right-hander chaos in Germany practice?
Petrucci extends World Superbike deal with Barni Ducati
Petrucci says WSBK harder than he imagined after first podium
Petrucci's Le Mans MotoGP return "a mission impossible"
Risky or good for the show? MotoGP riders divided on 2027 weekend format change
Pedro Acosta: “Strange” problem caused first tough MotoGP race in a “long time”
Pedro Acosta may not win a MotoGP race on a KTM - and that’s not a failure
Why Kimi Antonelli and George Russell are "test pilots" for Mercedes at Singapore GP
F1 Singapore GP live commentary and updates: Sergio Perez triggers red flag in SQ1
Jorge Martin “struggling” at Mandalika, says Marc Marquez’s pace is “better”
Toto Wolff hits back at “brainless” George Russell conspiracy theory
The contrasting tactics used by Ducati and Aprilia in MotoGP 2026 title fight
Five things we learned from MotoGP Japanese GP after tyre drama
How to make two MotoGP grids with a single qualifying session
What we learned from an emotional MotoGP Austrian Grand Prix
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments