MotoGP: Danilo Petrucci to replace Enea Bastianini in Le Mans

Danilo Petrucci will replace Enea Bastianini at the French GP in Le Mans.

Danilo Petrucci will make his MotoGP return in 2023, replacing Enea Bastianini at the French GP. Petrucci will join the reigning MotoGP World Champion, Francesco Bagnaia at the Ducati Lenovo Team.

Enea Bastianini will continue to recover in Italy, after attempting to ride at the Spanish GP in Jerez. The 25-year-old decided to retire from the Grand Prix on Saturday due to pain and lack of strength.

Bastianini was injured at the opening round of the championship, in the MotoGP Sprint at Portimao. The Italian made contact with Luca Marini in the opening laps, leaving Bastianini with a broken shoulder blade. Currently, Bastianini aims to return for his home round at the Italian GP.

Michele Pirro is unable to replace Bastianini, due to Pirro racing in the Italian Superbike Championship (CIV). Pirro will be racing in the CIV at Mugello on the same weekend as the French GP.

Danilo Petrucci has a long history with the Ducati brand, racing for the currently in the WorldSBK Championship. Currently, in WorldSBK, Petrucci is racing for the Barni Spark Racing Team, sitting in seventh position in the standings.

Petrucci is no stranger to the MotoGP paddock, racing in the series for 10 years, before joining MotoAmerica. He has also experienced great success at the Le Mans circuit, winning the MotoGP race in 2020.

Enea Bastianini said: “I am sorry that I will not be able to participate in the French GP in Le Mans, where I took a fantastic victory last year, but, unfortunately, I am still not fully recovered. After Le Mans, the World Championship will have a three-week stop during which I will do everything I can to recover in time for my home round at Mugello, scheduled for June.”

Danilo Petrucci said: “I am thrilled to be back racing in MotoGP, although I am sorry that Enea has to miss another race. In Le Mans with the Desmosedici GP, I won my last race in MotoGP. It will be an honour to be able to try the World Champion bike and wear the suit that I won with in the past. 

“It is an indescribable emotion, and I can’t wait to get back on track with the Ducati Lenovo Team. Thanks to Barni for letting me take this opportunity and to Ducati for thinking of me!”

Image credit: motogp.com