Danilo Petrucci once apologized to Marc Marquez on the podium for the booing directed at him by Italian fans.
Petrucci secured victory at the 2019 Italian MotoGP in Mugello, finishing ahead of Marquez and Andrea Dovizioso.
Marquez faced a chorus of boos from the local crowd, who still remembered his rivalry with Valentino Rossi.
Earlier this season, Marquez was again booed after his win in Misano, prompting Pecco Bagnaia to come to his defense.
“It’s not right for this sport,” Petrucci remarked to MOW Mag regarding the booing. “It shows a lack of respect for the fact that a rider risks their life every time they get on a bike.
“I feel sorry, and it frustrates me a bit, that after all these years we still find ourselves in this situation. I understand the emotions involved, especially for the two main figures, as this rivalry will remain significant for them throughout their lives.”
“But I don’t understand those who were just bystanders in this situation. For some, that seems to be enough, right?
“The booing of Marc Marquez, or anyone else, is completely unacceptable—it’s really disappointing.
“When I won at Mugello with Ducati, Marc was on the podium alongside me.
“I’ll share a little behind-the-scenes moment: if you watch the footage, there’s a point where I lean in to speak to him.
“I was apologizing for what I felt in that moment. I felt ashamed, even though I was overwhelmed with joy.
“Yes, I did apologize to him. Those boos are the only thing I would change about that unforgettable day.
“This only happens in Italy; elsewhere, riders aren’t booed. It’s unheard of.
That negativity has followed Marquez in Italy, even though he now rides for an Italian team.
Bagnaia urged fans to stop booing him at Misano this year and later condemned the behavior.
“I truly appreciated Pecco’s gesture on the Misano podium, and I hope it’s the last time we see this,” Petrucci said.
“Because if they think they can intimidate Marc Marquez with boos, they don’t realize that it only fuels him further.
“When they boo, they’re just giving him an extra boost.”
