"It's probably been my toughest season in World Superbike, and I honestly didn't expect it." Danilo Petrucci, speaking to Carlo Baldi for Moto.it at Estoril, makes no secret of his disappointment with a 2026 season that has fallen well short of expectations.

His move to BMW, a decision he insists he would make again, has proved much more challenging than anticipated. The M 1000 RR demands a very specific riding style, particularly under braking, which differs significantly from Petrucci's natural approach. Limited testing, injuries and Ducati's remarkable performance improvement have made matters even more complicated.

But the emotional impact has been just as significant. Petrucci reveals that he broke down in tears after Race 2 at Cremona, reflecting on his previous successes and the frustration of now having to fight simply to finish in the points.

So what comes next? The Italian confirms that he is considering a move to the United States with BMW, while playing down speculation about a possible WorldSBK return with GoEleven.

Above all, he admits to questioning whether he still wants to face the pressure of competing at the highest level. "I'm happy with what I've achieved," he says, although he acknowledges that he still feels he has more to give.

It's a revealing conversation with a rider who has won in MotoGP, at the Dakar Rally and in WorldSBK, but who must now decide where his next challenge lies.