After a few days of freedom, Danilo Petrucci chats exclusively with motogp.com about his heroic British GP podium.

When you were riding CRT bikes when you first joined MotoGP™, did you ever think a result like this was possible?

“When you arrive in MotoGP you have one dream: to win. I saw a result such as Sunday’s very far away; I had not imagined it for this year, maybe next season with a more competitive bike. But deep down I knew if it was a wet race I could show my potential.”

At the end you were gaining on Rossi. Were you satisfied, or did you wish you’d pushed to catch him?

“Honestly, I would not have pushed. For me, the whole thing was a surprise, especially gaining on Rossi. I wanted to remain standing in front of Dovizioso at all costs and I was happy with how the race played out. I tried my best and handled the situation as well as I could, I’m content. On the last lap, in each corner I told myself if I fell I would not even come back to the box: I would go straight to the airport and catch the first flight!”

Can you defend eighth in the World Championship standings from Pol Espargaro and Cal Crutchlow?

“It will be very difficult. I have been close to them on a few occasions but they are always faster. I hope with the GP14.2 we can make a small step. If I look at the standings I think I can defend Viñales, but I will have to be very strong.”

What do you expect from the GP14.2 in Misano?

“I’ve already tried the bike in Misano during some private testing. In that test I only had my teammate’s bike and settings and the asphalt on the track was new. There was more grip than before and the track is faster.”

You said you’ve never passed Pedrosa and Lorenzo before, only on the Playstation. But who do you choose when you play?

“I don’t play very often, but when I get the chance I try every kind of bike on all the circuits to understand the differences and if it’s reflected in reality. But yes, I admit it, It’s very cool to play as yourself!”

What is the goal going forward?

“To continue on the same path, to continue to grow. I don’t like to talk about numbers, but I hope that this Sunday is not the only podium of the season. Realistically, for Misano, the goal is the top ten again.”