At the end of 2023, a magnificent rider revealed himself in MotoGP. At the Indonesian Grand Prix, we discovered Fabio Di Giannantonio, and since then, he has only progressed even if it is not really perceptible through his results. From future retiree to future rider on a factory Ducati, his completely atypical journey should generate more passion. The opportunity to return to a story that we should not forget anytime soon.
Linsanity
Before the 2023 Indonesian Grand Prix, there had rarely been a more discreet, insipid and self-effacing rider than Fabio Di Giannantonio. Promoted in 2022 to Gresini Racing, he had not made a single splash in almost two seasons, apart from a surprise pole position acquired in the rain at Mugello. "Diggia", who was not one of the best in Moto3 or Moto2, was honest, but without ever being able to rise to the level of the best, starting with his colleagues at Ducati. He was the worst of the eight drivers from the Borgo Panigale firm, for sure.. Besides, since the summer, rumors were sending him to WSBK, and even then, because he hadn't even proven enough to interest the best teams in the championship.
Then came Mandalika. With sheer force of will, Fabio Di Giannantonio created a magnificent opportunity, finishing fourth for the first time in his career in MotoGP. Present in the parc ferme (because the best satellite driver, Jorge Martin having fallen), his tears betrayed his passion which had not been able to express itself until then. He knew he was threatened, in an environment quite hostile by nature which had undermined his mental health at the end of the 2022 season. He was not running to win, but to save what animated his existence..
A fourth place was good, but it wasn't enough to secure a seat for the following year, especially since everything was already taken - or almost. But he didn't give up, and climbed onto the podium in Australia, at the end of a race that was as quagmire as possible. After two additional top 10s, He made his dream come true by winning the Qatar Grand Prix, and in what wayYet another XXL performance in Valencia concluded a season that was, all in all, average, but marked by a period that all drivers dream of.
Fabio Di Giannantonio did not win by chance, it was not a combination of circumstances. I still remember his precise overtaking. – the one on Zarco in Valencia was crazy –, his pace management, his cleanliness. And finally, his efforts paid off. Thanks to the crisis at Honda, he was able to benefit from Luca Marini's extremely late departure for the Japanese team, and thus take his place in the Ducati VR46 team.
This season, therefore, he had to face Marco Bezzecchi, third overall last year. The Italian pair had something to be afraid of, and even if the results are surely not up to expectations, "Diggia" has nothing to be ashamed ofHe was more than convincing at the start of this season, better than Marco Bezzecchi in every way and ahead of him overall before this injury, which we will talk about again in a few moments.
This slow but sure progression coupled with the departure of the "Bez" for the official Aprilia team in 2025 allowed him to get the second best handlebar on the grid: Diggia, well surrounded by the VR46 family, will find himself aboard the only factory Desmosedici not used by the reds. Only one private GP25, and it's for him. Can you believe it? He will have the opportunity to fight for victories only a year and a few months after his last-minute rescue. Clearly, this is one of my favorite stories of recent years, and you know that I have never stopped praising the guy in this column.
Stained painting
Unfortunately, not everything is rosy.. Fate has many trials in store for its most honest soldiers. In Austria, Fabio got injured, quite seriously. In the current MotoGP, this is probably the worst possible punishment. With these overpowered machines now used to their full potential three times a weekend, falls hurt, and many have been squatting in the infirmary for a few years. Alex Rins and Miguel Oliveira, two splendid riders, are having a lot of trouble coming back full-time, for example. One mistake can ruin your career.
Fortunately, Di Giannantonio's shoulder is not destroyed, of course, but it is severely injured. This caused him to miss a Grand Prix. Since his return, "Diggia" has struggled a lot. His injury did not heal, and the successive Grand Prix held in extreme weather conditions did not help him get back into the swing of things.. And yet, he doesn't give up.
The idea of doing this little retrospective came to me after the Indonesian Grand Prix, because I saw the Italian fighting on equal terms with Marc Marquez, even though he only had one arm that worked. Fabio was making a lot of approximate overtaking moves, but it's impossible to blame him given his condition. It all ended with a retirement on Sunday, okay, but we must emphasize these battles against oneself.
A five-star battle between these two! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐@marcmarquez93 and @ FabioDiggia49 titanic fight in Mandalika kept us on the edge of our seats! 🔥#IndonesianGP ️ pic.twitter.com/UssjXOUMmu
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) September 29, 2024
Always keep an eye on this driver, because he could well shock more than one person next year.
What do you think of Fabio Di Giannantonio? Tell me in the comments!
As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial team.