Let's talk MotoGP: He's discreet, but he's strong

Today, the opportunity has come to look at a fairly strong, albeit discreet, driver: Fabio Di Giannantonio. We haven't heard much about him since the start of the season, particularly because he is less brilliant than at the end of last year, but nevertheless, I find him completely honest in his role. So let's go back to his profile.

A nice regularity

 

In fact, I have the impression that we are finding a “Diggia” similar to that of the beginning of 2023, but stronger everywhere. Clearly, he is no longer the one able to win like in Valencia or Qatar last year, but his record is far from degrading.

Already, he has finished all the Grands Prix in the points, a fact he only shares with Brad Binder and Enea Bastianini. So, yes, regularity is not everything because today, in this MotoGP Currently, you have to win, impose yourself, play in front to get closer to the best overall, even if it means falling. But is his role this? I don't think so, and I see him more as a solid driver who can, only at times, shine. It was therefore not necessary to dream; maintaining the pace from the end of last year over twenty races would have been too much.

 

 

We must not forget that a year ago, we saw him leave the discipline, no more, no less. Today, he shows through his consistency that he is perfectly legitimate to be a starter in a very good team. It is already a lot.

 

An honest balance sheet

 

“Diggia” is in ninth place overall, at the time of writing. This is already much better than the 12th place he held in 2023, especially since it included this absolutely crazy end to the season. So for the rest, it's above. Then, he evolves with a Ducati apparently less efficient compared to those of the current year than before. From what the pilots say and what the results show, it's pretty obvious.

In the GP23 championship, Marc Marquez sits far in front. It's strong, of course, but it was predictable given his intrinsic level which far exceeds that of all the other drivers on the grid. But behind him, we find Di Giannantonio! Alex Marquez, quite anecdotally, is behind, as is Marco Bezzecchi who was also one of the hosts of the 2023 championship.

 

 

I also note the progression in the form of the Italian, he who struggled to get into the points during the Sprints, and who has just achieved too many consecutive top 7s in the short format. The top 7, in the Grand Prix this time, he has only left it once since the start of the year, in Portugal, during the second round. He is good on all types of circuits, and perfectly replaced Luca Marini who had the same attributes.

It's true that ninth place is not a dream for a Ducati rider, but here again, a more precise study of the championship goes in his favor. Aleix Espargaro, helped by his home exploit, is only eight points ahead. The Aprilia still has problems, and I doubt the Spaniard will get any faster as retirement draws near. This is rarely the case. I don't exclude the possibility that he shines occasionally, but I can't imagine him giving everything to save average positions, more useful to a Di Giannantonio for example.

11 points ahead, Brad Binder. I never thought I'd say this, but it's possible that "Diggia" finishes ahead of Binder overall.. The South African, despite great comebacks and fairly exceptional starts, is still in difficulty at the start of the season. KTM can correct the situation, or not at all. But in reality, it is within the reach of the VR46 pilot.

 

 

Then, okay, there's a 26-point march to get to Maverick Vinales, who I don't see going down the rankings that much. But this statistical region, 7th to 9th place, corresponds well to him.

 

Desire rewarded

 

I really like Di Giannantonio, also because he has a lot of desire. In recent weeks, we have heard people who would like, one day, to be able to access the factory motorcycle. I like the ambition of this man, he who was up against the wall barely a year ago. And his prowess on the track backs up his words. Like Bezzecchi, he was in Q1 at Mugello. Delicate position. But in both races, he was able to come up from 14th place to finish ahead of Alex Marquez, who started from much further up. It's strong, it's commendable.

I'm curious to see what his story has in store for him. And you, what do you expect? 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