Danilo Petrucci pens new Barni Spark Ducati deal for 2024 WorldSBK

09/15/2023 07:41 AM

Danilo Petrucci has confirmed his place on the 2024 WorldSBK Championship grid after agreeing terms to remain with the Barni Spark Racing team.

The experienced Italian is currently in the midst of his rookie WorldSBK season, a campaign that marked a return to the paddock 12 years on from when he competed with Barni Racing in the 2011 Superstock 1000 Championship.

In between Petrucci carved out a successful MotoGP career, one that began with minnow CRT/Open teams but went on to include a six-year tenure at Ducati, two of which were spent in the factory set-up. 

After a spell racing Superbikes in the United States, Petrucci reunited with Barni for the 2023 WorldSBK season and has steadily established himself as a reckoned force towards the front of the field.

Claiming Barni's first podium since 2018 at Donington Park, it's a feat Petrucci has gone on to repeat on two further occasions, placing him sixth in the overall standings with three rounds of the season remaining.

As a result, Barni and Petrucci will continue together in 2024 with a clear target of victories and the independents' title.

"I'm so happy. This year was a big challenge for me to race in a World Championship again, at the highest level. It was tough at the beginning. I was not sure whether it was a good move to come here but then, after a few races, we found a good feeling with the team and we had some good results. 

"Both sides, me and Barni, want to go again for another year with an even better bike and more support from Ducati and, especially, more experience with this bike, the tyre and this team. We are aiming for a big, big challenge. 

"I think it's possible to step on the podium as many times as possible at the end of the season. I can't wait to finish this season and start the new one with a lot of challenges. It's important to always be there, like we are doing this season in the second part. 

We are always in the top five so it's good. We are missing just a small step to be consistently in the middle to fight with the 'Titanic Trio'. I'm convinced that, with one more full year of experience, we can do even better next year. I want to score a win because it's my biggest challenge. 

"It's my dream to become one of the riders who has won a race in MotoGP™ and WorldSBK."

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