Danilo Petrucci was back in action for day four of the Dakar on Tuesday despite the ‘cruel’ events of Monday forcing him out of the competition.
The KTM rider spoke on social media about the unfortunate events which curtailed his debut after an impressive start, even with a broken right ankle and heel from a training accident in early December. Petrucci admitted a loss of personal belongings during the second stage left him with no option but to request assistance from the rally organisers.
“Yesterday I was doing really good,” the ex-MotoGP star explained during a live video. “I felt a little bit tired but I started and I felt so good on the bike. Then I catch two riders in front of me, was very fast. They were starting quite far from me but I was feeling good and then at kilometre 115 I switch from the rear to the front tank and my bike switched off.
“Unfortunately was only a fuse that I was not able to change - was quite easy but I was not able. So I tried to call my mechanics, but discovered that my bag in my pocket, there was not anymore my bag with my phone, my passport, my driving licence and money. So no way to contact anyone except for the organisation and they come to pick me up with the helicopter.
“Unfortunately when I come back to the checkpoint they say that I was fighting for the top five and this was the most cruel thing, but it’s what it is.”
The Italian was back in play for Tuesday’s quest due to the trump card, completing the 255km stage in 22nd and eager for further action as the week progresses, despite the ensuing penalty adding 11 hours to his official overall classification.
“We are here not for results but for having fun,” Petrucci continued. “Today, I finished the stage in 22nd position and I’m so happy. I had a lot of fun. There was really deep, deep ruts with soft sand and was really, really good. I want to say thanks to my team that was able to put me again in the race.
“I’m really happy to be able to continue riding. Yes, I’ve lost one stage, but it feels good to be racing again. I really enjoyed the stage today, the goal was just to get to the end, but it was very fast and really good fun. There were a lot of lines in the sand, but I still tried to read the roadbook and learn more my navigation. I have nine more stages to continue learning and I’m looking forward to it.”
