Fabio Di Giannantonio recently expressed his admiration for the VR46 Racing Team, describing the Ducati satellite team led by MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi as being “on another level” and comparable to a factory team.
The VR46 project, which began in Moto3 in 2014 and expanded to Moto2 in 2017, made its official premier-class debut in 2022. In just three seasons, the team has achieved remarkable success, including grand prix victories with Marco Bezzecchi. By 2025, VR46 will become an official Ducati factory-supported team, replacing Pramac, which moves to Yamaha.
Di Giannantonio, who ended the 2024 season as VR46’s top rider, credited the team for reviving his MotoGP career after a turbulent 2023.
A Career-Best Season for Di Giannantonio
Recovering from a shoulder surgery that cut his season short, Di Giannantonio reflected on his performance in 2024:
“This was the best season of my career because I’ve never been this consistent or reached this high level. I’ve never performed like this across a full season in MotoGP.”
Despite facing challenges—including injuries and a competitive grid—Di Giannantonio remained a strong contender. One of his standout performances came at Silverstone, where he finished just behind Pecco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez.
“We were always fighting, and before the injury, we finished just behind the best. It could have been a fantastic year for us, but we have to focus on the positives,” he said.
The VR46 Factor
Central to Di Giannantonio’s success was the exceptional support from VR46 Racing.
“I’ve grown a lot, both as a rider and a person, and it’s thanks to the team. This team is amazing. Trust me, they’re on another level. It feels like being part of a factory team,” he shared.
The Italian rider’s career trajectory appeared uncertain at the end of 2023 when Gresini Racing signed Marc Marquez for the following season. However, a victory at the Qatar GP and consistent performances in 2024 solidified his standing in MotoGP.
Despite missing three races due to injury, Di Giannantonio emerged as the second-best performer on the GP23, trailing only Marc Marquez for much of the season.
A Journey of Resilience
Reflecting on his unconventional journey to securing factory machinery for 2025, Di Giannantonio described his determination:
“When I was young, I never had a plan B. I always wanted to be a MotoGP rider. When I got here, I trusted myself and the work we were doing.”
The rider emphasized his goal-oriented mindset:
“From last year, we started setting clear goals. First, it was to improve as a rider when I almost lost my seat. Then, to find a seat for the next year. For 2024, the goal was to perform consistently at a high level, and we achieved that.”
Looking ahead, Di Giannantonio is ready to aim even higher:
“I believe anything is possible. You set a goal, work hard, and reach it. That’s how I live my life.”
2025 and Beyond
With a GP25 Ducati and the full backing of VR46 Racing, Fabio Di Giannantonio is poised to capitalize on his growth in 2024. His journey from uncertainty to stability serves as a testament to resilience, teamwork, and the power of setting clear objectives.
As MotoGP 2025 approaches, all eyes will be on Di Giannantonio to see if he can continue to deliver at the highest level.
