'I like the machine a lot' says Petrucci ahead of MotoGP opener

After a long winter break, and five days of Official testing in Qatar, MotoGP is finally back this weekend for the first of two Grand Prix races in Doha. 

It will also see Danilo Petrucci make his competitive debut with the Tech 3 KTM team. 

With just a few days of testing experience aboard the KTM RC16, Petrucci will be looking to use the first race as a chance to further adapt to the RC16 bike, after spending six seasons with Ducati. 

Speaking ahead of the season opener, Petrucci said: "I’m obviously very happy to begin this new adventure with KTM and Tech3 Racing.

"Finally, we start this new season with two races in Qatar. We had some tests there some days ago and realized that the way is long, as the bike is new for me.

"I feel alright, I like the machine a lot, but I still need to discover it a bit more. Anyway, I want to be competitive from the first race, so I’m looking forward to continue my work together with my crew to setup the bike.

"For sure, it will not be easy, but it’s hard for everyone. I feel ready and can’t wait to ride my KTM again."

On the other side of the garage will once again be Lecuona who goes into his second season with the team and in MotoGP. 

The Spanish rider had a lengthier time away than most riders this winter, after missing the last three rounds of the 2020 season due to a positive Covid test. 

And after a difficult five days of testing for KTM riders in general, Lecuona is hoping to finish the race first and foremost. 

"For the first GP in 2021 my goal is to finish the race. I want to continue to improve my performance from these five days testing here in Qatar," added the 21 year-old. 

"I was struggling a bit and didn’t ride the MotoGP machine for a long time after these final three races last year, which I lost.

"I think that ideally, I can finish the race, progress and enjoy riding my KTM RC16 again.

"Maybe we can finish close or inside the top 10. It’s obvious that we all can’t wait to kick off the action!"