While Petrucci was unable to make a significant impact on ꦍhis return to MotoGP, the Italian was nonetheless one of the best options Ducati could have gone for.

A two-time MotoGP race winner, Dakar stage winner aไnd a title contender last season in MotoAmerica, Petrucci’s experience and ability to adapt to different machinery, was a clear reason for Ducati wanting to bring the former factory rider back into the fold as Bastianini continues to recover from his shoulder injury he suffered at the season-opener in Portimao.

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Petruc❀ci, who is currently riding for the Barni Ducati team in WorldSBK, has so far been competitive without flashing h🧜uge potential on WorldSBK machinery.

However, that’s not to sayꦚ🔯 the Italian won’t make big strides forward as the year develops.

But after claiming point♔s during the Grand Prix at Le Mans, and being aboard a machine he’s called ‘the best bike I h✤ave ever ridden’, it’s no surprise that the 32-year-old will miss MotoGP.

Speaking after the race, Petrucci told WorldSBK.com: "I’m really proud. It was like a big gift that I received from Ducati. Proud to be here with the factory Ducati, maybe the best bike I have ever rid😼den in my life! 

"I’m just sad it’s already Sunday and ෴we’ve already had the Sprint and ꧑the race. I would like to ride this bike many more times. 

"The race was quite diffꦕicuꦡlt because the track was not really grippy today, but I enjoyed it, I scored some points, I improved my pace lap by lap. 

"I want to say thanks to the fans. I have been on the podium three times here, won once, and the French crowd has been so nice with me.&n💮bsp;

"Also, the MotoGP paddock is really nice with me. Manꩲy thanks to Ducati for this big opportunity, I will remember it for the rest of my life."

Next up for Pe🎶trucci, who missed the recent WorldSBK test at Misano to focus on his MotoGP return, is his home round at the same circuit next month.