The former MotoGP rider made big steps forward on day one of the sea🅷son-opener at Phillip Island, following an up-and-down pre-season for the WorldSBK rookie. 

Petrucci finished ninth on combined times but was fourth fastest during FP2, a good sign given the second session on a Friday i♏s typically run around the same time as both Races 1 and 2. 

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“It was good,” said Petrucci about his first competitive day as a Superbike rider. “We are at the beginning of our process. The fact is I’m quite different to the other riders because of my size so we need a bi🍷t more time to learn the bike and the technicians need a bit of time to understand what I say. 

“But today everything worked and it was good. Was not something really, really exciting but it was a step forward and I’m happy, not [particularly] about the lap t🦂ime, but the feeling.”

When talking about the upcoming Superpole session and Race 1 on Saturday🐻, which will be his first in the series, the Italian couldn’t contain his excitement. 

Petrucci added: “I’m more or less everything. I’m nervous, excited, happy, curious and just really happy to be here. I must say the environment of the Superbike paddock is really nice.&nbs🥃p;

“The contact with the people, the paddock show and all the riders are friendly at the moment. Tomorrow༒ will be a big, big day.”

Petrucci is one of many WorldSBK riders who could make an impact, but who are the others?

While 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Alvaro Bautista was dominant during both practice sessions, particularly FP2, 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Jonathan Rea and 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Toprak Razgatlioglu were anything but that.

In fact, it appears as though the likes of 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Michael Ruben Rinaldi, 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Andrea Locatelli and others ♔could be in the mix for a podium alongside Rea and Razgatlioglu.𝐆 

Adding his name to that list of contenders was Honda’s 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Iker Lecuona, who was also strong throughout day one.

After struggl𒁃ing during the two day test earlier this week, Lecuona showed no signs of being unable to battle for a top position.

Speaking after FP2, Lecuona said: "It was better than we expected! After the test, we struggled a lot. This morning, on the first laps, I felt good with the new tyres straight away. I understood what we needed to change on the bike to 𒀰make a step. 

"We were alo𝔍neღ and the good thing is that I can produce this lap time when riding alone. It’s a good step for us. In the morning, I had a small crash at Turn 10 because we locked the front a lot and I missed some support. 

"In Free Practice 2, I𝓡 did a long run, a race simulation, and felt good and consistent. Alvaro surprised me because he and the Ducati have another step. His pace was unbelievable. I think we are not far away to fight at the front."