Petrucci doesn’t think Dovizioso needs his help in title chase

Pramac rider Danilo Petrucci does not think Ducati stablemate Andrea Dovizioso needs his help in his bid to become the 2017 MotoGP world champion.

Dovizioso comes into this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island trailing standings leader Marc Marquez by 11 points after beating him in a hard–fought duel at Motegi last weekend.

Petrucci – who finished third in Japan – was queried on Thursday in Australia if he moved over for Dovizioso during the race, though the Italian admits his compatriot made an easy pass because he made a mistake.

The Pramac rider also revealed team orders had not been discussed within Ducati, and doubts Dovizioso would even benefit from his assistance as he has typically been the faster of the two this season.

“No, sincerely, I don’t let pass Dovi in Japan,” said Petrucci.

“I make a different line, I brake harder and I see the laps later both Dovi and Marc brake a little bit later but both were on the inside. So (it) was a normal overtake.

“And, I don’t think Dovi needs really my help, even because 99 percent of times (he is) faster in both practice and races.

“We don’t have team orders at this moment. So I think Dovi can make things by himself and he is very fast.

“For sure, I don’t want to make mess with him, but (also) with all the riders, and at this moment we don’t have team orders.

“So we race for everyone, for each other.”

Dovizioso will not be able to rely on factory team–mate Jorge Lorenzo either, after the Spaniard admitted helping Dovizioso if he was leading a race was not an option for ‘the next two races’.

Lorenzo – who led in Japan briefly before dropping to sixth – concedes he may have to offer assistance come the final round in Valencia, and admits he may move offer if he and his team–mate are fighting for another position.

However, he believes it is still too early to give up an opportunity of a first Ducati win even if it means helping Dovizioso and the Italian marque to the title.

“Probably not for the next two races,” Lorenzo told Autosport.com regarding team orders.Lorenzo told Autosport.com regarding team orders.

“It would be different in Valencia for the last race, but for now, if I have the chance to win… normally (team orders) shouldn’t happen.

“It it was fighting for another position, maybe, but for the win maybe it’s still too soon.”