Source: Supplied.

Impressive Italian Danilo Petrucci had his contract with Octo Pramac Racing extended during the German MotoGP over the weekend, due to remain on Ducati’s Desmosedici in the premier class.

Petrucci has been ultra-impressive in 2017 aboard a factory specification GP17, finishing on the podium at Mugello and Assen to cement himself at the Pramac team for a third-straight term.

“I am very happy to stay with Octo Pramac Racing,” Petrucci said. “I am glad to remain in the team I consider my home. I am also proud to be the longest-serving rider in the history of such an important team.

“I would like to thank Paolo Campinoti, who welcomed me into the Pramac family and Francesco Guidotti, who believed in me. A special thanks also to Gigi Dall’Igna, Paolo Ciabatti and Claudio Domenicali for the support of Ducati and for providing me with a factory bike that gives me the possibility to obtain great results.”

Team owner Campinoti said it was a natural decision to re-sign Petrucci: “We are glad to have reached the agreement with Danilo Petrucci to continue a project that is giving us great satisfaction. We have great confidence in the rider’s skills and we are proud to have a fantastic person in our team.”

Petrucci suffered from rear grip in Sunday’s race despite qualifying on the front row of the grid, eventually settling for points and finishing 12th. He’s now placed eighth in the world championship standings entering the summer break.