P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Danilo Petrucci says he is anticipating close racing in Phillip Island WorldSBK but expects Nicolo Bulega to come out on top.
Ahead of the opening round in Australia this weekend, Petrucci finished third in testing. Despite his worries about the physical and mental toll following his participation in the Dakar Rally in January, the Italian racer showcased excellent form over the two days. Petrucci expressed his happiness with his performance, especially after the tough months he experienced leading up to the test. He mentioned feeling better prepared than before due to improved physical condition, enabling him to be fast and often in the lead from the very first lap. Anticipating a closely fought battle for the podium, Petrucci identified Ducati’s Bulega as a strong contender, capable of performing exceptionally well. He is looking forward to a challenging and exciting race with multiple riders vying for a top spot, emphasizing the intense competition expected at the upcoming event.