Why MotoGP will miss its gentle giant

Danilo Petrucci’s days in MotoGP appear numbered, as KTM looks to completely reshuffle the Tech3 team for 2022. Though the Italian's 2021 season so far hasn’t been standout, the giant Italian covertly became a top runner in MotoGP across the last decade and brought with him a personality that world sport sorely needs more of

It’s hard not be excited at the prospect of Moto2’s leading riders so far in 2021 stepping up to MotoGP in 2022 with Tech3 and KTM. Remy Gardner, current Moto2 points leader, had his promotion confirmed ahead of the summer break while rookie team-mate and main title opponent Raul Fernandez is set to join him, as Autosport reported last month.

Though the likelihood of two vacant Yamahas for 2022 leaves the door slightly ajar, it appears the grid next year will be without Iker Lecuona and Danilo Petrucci. The former’s ridiculous lack of grand prix experience and horrendous luck with COVID last year makes his axing a bitter eventuality.

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Author Lewis Duncan

Lewis Duncan is Autosport's International Editor and primary motorcycle racing reporter. A motorsport fan from a young age, Lewis became interested in journalism when he won the star letter competition in the February 2012 issue of F1 Racing Magazine. A member of the Autosport Academy from 2017, Lewis became a freelance motorcycle racing correspondent for Autosport in 2019 before becoming a full-time staffer in 2020 as International Editor.

While MotoGP coverage is his priority, Lewis also covers World Superbikes and road racing across the Motorsport Network, and hosts the Tank Slappers Podcast. He has also occasionally commentated on 750 Motor Club meetings. Away from motorsport, Lewis is a keen record collector with a collection unashamedly largely featuring Iron Maiden and Rush and an avid guitar player.