Thailand MotoGP: Danilo Petrucci to replace injured Joan Mir for Suzuki in Buriram

Danilo Petrucci will make his return to MotoGP this weekend for Suzuki as a replacement for the injured Joan Mir.
Danilo Petrucci, Valencia MotoGP race, 14 November
Danilo Petrucci, Valencia MotoGP race, 14 November

Petrucci, a two-time race winner in the premier class who left at the end of 2021꧟, will race aওt the Thai MotoGP in Buriram instead of Mir, who still has an ankle injury sustained in Austria.

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Petrucci said: “Needless to say, I’m so happy for the chance to race in Thailand with Team Suzuki Ecst🎃ar. I want to thank the team for giving me this fantastic opportunity. I also want to thank Ducati and my current team management for letting me take this stand-in ride. 

“I’m really curious to ▨jump on the GSX-RR and try it, it looks very fast and we know it’s a winning machine. I’m also eager to work with the Suzuki crew, that I’ve known for a long time now and we have a wonderful relationship. 

“I know it won’t be easy, so I’m not putting any expectations on the experience, I just want to enjoy it. I’m also excit🐽ed to be one of the few riders in history jumping from a MotoGP machine to a Da🌊kar bike, a Superbike, then another factory MotoGP bike!”

Danilo Petrucci , Moto America Superbikes, Grand Prix of the Americas, 9 April
Danilo Petrucci , Moto America Superbikes, Grand Prix of the Americas, 9 April

Livio Suppo said: "Unfortunately after a new MRI, doctors have confirmed that Joan’s situation is improving but not enough to allow him t💖o race in Thailand. Therefore, he will continue his rehabilit🐬ation in order to be fit for Phillip Island. 

“He will be replaced in Buriram this weekend by Danilo Petrucci. We would like to thank ওDucati for allowing Danilo to take this opportunity. We know Danilo is a "flagship" for them and we really appreciate it – it goes to show that passion and understanding is more important than anything else in our sport. We therefore welcome Danilo to our team, we will do our best to make this weekend unforgettable for him!"

Mir said: “It’s really nice to come back to Buriram, not least because the fans here are incredibly passionate about motorcycle racing and the atmosphere is always re𓂃ally exciting. As everyone knows, Motegi wasn’t a positive race for us, but I did get a huge boost from the Japanese fans and I want to take that suppo🦹rt into the remaining races.”

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