P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Danilo Petrucci thinks he can profit from the “pressure” of replacing Toprak Razgatlioglu in BMW’s WorldSBK team.
Italian rider Danilo Petrucci believes that replacing the only rider who has secured a dry weather win for the factory BMW team since 2019 is a beneficial opportunity for him. Petrucci’s transition to the BMW team for the 2026 World Superbike season came amidst Toprak Razgatlioglu’s move to Yamaha for the 2026 MotoGP campaign. With 73-time race winner and current WorldSBK championship leader Razgatlioglu potentially ending the 2025 season with more than 80 wins and three titles, the pressure is on for Petrucci to fill those shoes. Despite feeling the weight of expectations, Petrucci views the pressure as a motivating factor that enhances his performance when on the bike. Both Razgatlioglu and the BMW team have supported the decision to have Petrucci take over the seat, with the Italian expressing gratitude for the opportunity to join the factory team. This move marks Petrucci’s first venture with BMW in WorldSBK, signifying a significant step in his racing career after his time with the Barni team.
