Danilo Petrucci, the Italian MotoGP rider, has opened up about his feelings regarding the booing of Marc Marquez by local fans, expressing his disappointment and anger over the ongoing negativity directed towards the eight-time world champion. Petrucci, who celebrated victory at the 2019 Italian Grand Prix in Mugello, recalls a moment on the podium when he felt compelled to apologize to Marquez for the hostile reception he received from the crowd.
During that race, which saw Petrucci finish ahead of Marquez and Andrea Dovizioso, Italian fans jeered at Dovizioso for his rivalry with Valentino Rossi. This season, Marquez faced similar treatment after his win at Misano, prompting reigning champion Pecco Bagnaia to step in and ask fans to stop booing.
“It’s not part of this sport to do this,” Petrucci stated in an interview with MOW Mag. “Because it means forgetting that a rider is risking his life when he gets on a motorbike. I’m sorry, and it makes me a little angry that, after so many years, we still go back there.”
Petrucci expressed empathy for the ongoing rivalry between Marquez and Rossi but questioned need for spectators to perpetuate this negativity. He added, “The fans’ booing of Marc Marquez, like anyone else, is unacceptable.” “When I won at Mugello with Ducati, Marc was on the podium like me. I felt ashamed, even though joy intoxicated me at that moment. I apologised to him; those whistles are what I would erase from that unforgettable day for me.”
The booing of Marquez has been a recurring theme in Italy, despite his representation of an Italian manufacturer. Bagnaia’s gesture to quell the boos at Misano received praise from Petrucci, who hopes it marks end of such behavior.
“I really appreciated Pecco’s gesture on the Misano podium, and I really hope it was the last time,” Petrucci said. “If they think they can intimidate Marc-Marquez with whistles, they don’t understand that you just charge someone like that more. They give him a few tenths while whistling…”
Petrucci’s comments shed light-on need for greater respect among fans and a reminder of risks riders take every-time they race.
