Danilo Petrucci

Born in Terni, Petrucci began racing in 1998 with mini-trial and mini-cross bikes, achieving some national trophies. In 2006 he switched to road racing entering the CBR600 Cup where he emerged as the best rookie. In 2007 Petrucci competed in the Yamaha R6 Cup and made some appearances in the European Superstock 600 Championship. His runner-up position in the R6 Cup granted him official support from Yamaha Motor Italia for the following seasons. In 2008 Petrucci contested his first full international season in the European Superstock 600 championship, scoring two poles and earning seventh place overall in the final championships standings. In 2009 he won three races and earned fourth place overall in the European championship; in the same season he became runner-up in the Italian Superstock 1000 championship and won the Under-23 class. In 2010 Petrucci entered the FIM Superstock 1000 Championship riding for Team Pedercini, while competing also for the Italian Superbike Championship. In the latter championship, he finished in third place overall and won the Under-25 title. In 2011 he again competed in the FIM Superstock 1000 Championship, riding a Ducati 1098R entered by the Barni Racing Team. With four victories and six poles, he ended the season as runner-up behind Davide Giugliano. He also contested the Italian Superstock 1000 championship, winning the championship title.