Sand already yesterday, after Race 1, the feat of Danilo Petrucci had been very clear to enthusiasts and professionals, today one can do nothing but watch and applaud. What the Terni superhero did, because he is a superhero, is one of those feats that only true sportsmen can perform. And it is proof that, as they say, not all evil has a silver lining. “The injury made me understand what matters in life. The importance of small things, of having a body that ‘works’ well.”
Danilo, how do you feel?
It was a very emotional weekend. After the pain I felt yesterday, today I didn’t know how I would cope with the fatigue of two races. Everyone told me to forget it. But how could I? The affection of the stands, the fans and my friends who surprised me by coming to see me gave me a strong extra motivation. I couldn’t have withdrawn: I had decided to get to the finish line at all costs, and that’s what I did.
Yesterday ninth, today sixth. Stoic!
During the deployment lap I felt a very strong pain in my shoulder. I thought I had to retire, but then it turned out differently. I started well and immediately took advantage of the strength of my legs to take the bike where I wanted. I learned to drive practically without an arm, but making great use of my legs. I also managed to overtake Bassani with four laps to go, but then I ran out of energy. When I crossed the finish line it was as if I had been stabbed in the shoulder.
How did you manage to run like that?
I honestly don’t know, I found a strength in myself that I didn’t think I had. Now I’m a block of concrete, I can’t even move my arm. I’m really happy. Seeing the marshalls with the flags and the number 9 was touching. I thought back to my accident two months ago, when the doctors told me that motorbikes were a closed chapter for me.
by Luca Tealdi
