Image: Supplied.

Grand Prix winner Danilo Petrucci will return to the MotoGP World Championship in Thailand with Team Suzuki Ecstar to fill-in for the injured Joan Mir at the Chang International Circuit.

Petrucci left the GP paddock at the end of last year and competed in the 2022 Dakar Rally, taking a stage win in the prestigious desert race before contesting the MotoAmerica Championship with Warhorse HSBK Ducati and finishing runner-up.

The Italian has 10 MotoGP podiums to his credit, including two victories and will be the third rider to step onto the GSX-RR in place of Mir following stand-in appearances from Kazuki Watanabe and Takuya Tsuda in the San Marino and Japanese GPs respectively.

“Needless to say, I’m so happy for the chance to race in Thailand with Team Suzuki Ecstar,” Petrucci explained. “I want to thank the team for giving me this fantastic opportunity. I also want to thank Ducati and my current team management for letting me take this stand-in ride.

“I’m really curious to jump on the GSX-RR and try it, it looks very fast and we know it’s a winning machine. I’m also eager to work with the Suzuki crew, that I’ve known for a long time now and we have a wonderful relationship.

“I know it won’t be easy, so I’m not putting any expectations on the experience, I just want to enjoy it. I’m also excited to be one of the few riders in history jumping from a MotoGP machine to a Dakar bike, a Superbike, then another factory MotoGP bike!”

Round 17 of the 2022 MotoGP World Championship commences this Friday at the Chang International Circuit, with Petrucci to line up alongside team regular Alex Rins in Suzuki’s factory effort.