Petrucci powers to maiden win
REUTERS - Ducati’s Danilo Petrucci claimed his maiden Motogp victory in front of his home supporters at the Italian Grand Prix in Mugello yesterday.
The 28-year-old, who started third on the grid, cruised to victory in 41 minutes, 33.794 seconds ahead of Honda’s world champion Marc Marquez and his teammate Andrea Dovizioso.
In a pulsating encounter, which saw the lead change hands on several occasions, Petrucci picked his moment in the final lap to deny championship contenders Marquez and Dovizioso.
Championship leader Marquez moved up to 115 points in the overall standings, ahead of Dovizioso (103) and Suzuki’s Alex Rins (88), who finished the race in fourth place.
French rider Fabio Quartararo, who started second on the grid, made a dismal start to the race and slipped down to eighth spot in the opening lap and could only finish 10th on his Petronas Yamaha.