Danilo Petrucci compares MotoGP and WorldSBK race formats, but which is harder?

Danilo Petrucci believes MotoGP edges out WorldSBK when it comes to which is harder, despite Superbikes having one race more per weekend.
Danilo Petrucci, Ducati Le Mans MotoGP 2023
Danilo Petrucci, Ducati Le Mans MotoGP 2023

One of two riders that have experienced both formats since MotoGP added sprint races for 2023, Petrucci feels as though WorldSBK loses out▨ because in MotoGP ‘you always hav𒁃e to push’.

Petrucci joined Iker Lecuona in experiencing both formats when🍸 he replaced Enea Bastianini at the recent French Grand Prix at Le Mans. 

Now set for the first of two home rounds in WorldSBK, starting with Misano this weekend, Petrucci told wh🍃y MotoGP wins this debate.

Petrucci said: "In the Superbike World Championship we🎉 have three races in one weekend, the two on Sunday are more or less like a Grand Prix in MotoGP. 

"A Superbike race takes around 35 minutes, a MotoGP race takes seven or eight minutes longer. That is not much. But if you already have 35 m🌃inutes behind you, it's a lot.&nbs𒅌p;

"Then these almost ten minutes ꦆare very hard. The MotoGP sprint was okay for me, the long race at Le Mans was much more difficult. 

"Especially with the pace that is set. The tyres didn't degrade so we were able to pus🥃h the whole race. A MotoGP race is hard and long a🌠nd the rhythm is very high."

While both championships have at least one main race and a sprint, the differences are aplenty as WorldSBK use Pirelli tyres anꩵd MotoGP⭕ race with Michelin. 

Petrucci believes this also p🏅lays a key role as Pirelli tyres offer superb grip up front, but fade much quicker cღompared to the Michelin that are used in MotoGP.

"With the Superbikes, we can sometimes even use a softer rear tyre in the sprint," added the 32-year-old. "ꦆBut you also have to say that the tyres in the two championships are fundament♛ally different. 

"The Pirelli tyre offers an incredible amount of grip when it's new, but then it degrades. Wi𝓀th the Michelin you can push the entire distance. 

"It makes a big difference, so you alwayಞs have to push in MotoGP."

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