Let's talk MotoGP: Nobody talks about him, and yet, there's a lot to say.

It's prediction time! Every season, this column tries to guess what will happen in the coming months, focusing on all the drivers in the category. Then, at the end of each article, the author will make a prediction, but will also welcome yours in the comments! Today, it's time to talk about Fabio Di Giannantonio, who no one seems to be talking about.

Yesterday, we revisited the case of Maverick Vinales; click here to find the article in question.

 

A discreet pilot

 

Fabio Di Giannantonio is not often mentioned. Indeed, he was the author of a rather discreet 2025 season, much more so than I had imagined.Last year, I saw him as an explosive rider, someone who could regularly be an outsider, and therefore well-placed in the overall standings. For this, I based my assessment primarily on his form in 2024, his end to the 2023 season, and, of course, his equipment, as he was the only non-factory rider to benefit from a Ducati Desmosedici GP25 in 2025.

 

 

Clearly, I was wrong. "Diggia" never played that role, and perhaps I overestimated him. Nevertheless, I can't help but think he had mitigating circumstances, and significant ones at that. First, he started the year injured, then suffered a cruel run of bad luck upon his return, that is, mid-season. Ultimately, the GP25 wasn't such a wonderful gift after all. as the Bagnaia case proved throughout the season.

He finished 6th in the championship, not so far behind Pecco with equal bikes, it must be pointed out. He was even more consistent than the official Ducati rider in many respects.. So it wasn't a failure., far from there.

 

What I expect from it

 

Since the end of 2023, I have high hopes for this driverI maintain that, on a good day, he can beat anyone, including Marc Marquez in a head-to-head battle. In close competition, no one is better than him on the grid. The problem is that in 2025, I didn't see those highs, except perhaps in Italy, where he delivered a fantastic performance.

This is what I expect from him in 2026. Perhaps a little less consistency in performance. but more raw geniusof memorable actions. He is capable of winning races and that's the role I want to see him in, not as the sensible driver who secures a fifth or sixth place.

 

A motorcycle that lives up to expectations?

 

 

I'm not quite sure what to think about his situation, because the unofficial Ducatis are quite unpredictable, I believe. "Diggia" is supposed to benefit from the latest model, the GP26, just like the Marquez brothers and Pecco Bagnaia. But the links between GP24, GP25 et GP26 are very porous, which had given rise to a kind of imbroglio with the machine used by Bagnaia during the Misano tests.

Overall, I don't think the Ducati will be revolutionary compared to last year.The GP25 wasn't that good, but Ducati struggles to navigate strict regulations due to their concessions policy. And besides, with Marc Marquez as a key asset, I don't see why the red team would bother questioning their philosophy a year before a major regulatory overhaul.

I have many questions regarding Ducatis this year. They are not going to descend to the bottom of the hierarchyOf course, but I imagine Aprilia will be quite close, a bit like towards the end of 2025. Therefore, I don't know if "Diggia" will be able to take advantage of such good momentum at VR46.

 

Time for the prediction!

 

At best, the GP26 solves all his problems and he finishes fourth or fifth overall. At worst, I don't see him slipping below ninth place. I'm lowering my expectations a bit, but his potential isn't that low either. For Di Giannantonio, I unfortunately foresee a year much like the last, without any real standout performances, because I fear the pace at the front is too fast. I have three serious contenders on my podium and I rarely see them being dislodged.

So, for its final position, I've decided: in my opinion, "Diggia" will finish in 7th place in the overall standings. MotoGP, or, rather, between the 6th and 8th, ahead of Franco Morbidelli, and battling with Fermin Aldeguer.

I'm curious to hear your opinion about it. Tell me in the comments!

As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial team.

 

 

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport