Less than three weeks before the first MotoGP test of the 2024 season which will be held in Valencia, there are still many question marks concerning the composition of the official team of the world's leading manufacturer...
As for the already established pilots, there is in fact not much jostling to take over for just one year. Marc Márquez, whether on the side of Maverick Vinales, Miguel Oliveira, Johann zarco or Luca marini : not only is the Honda known to be difficult to operate, but the proposed seat only concerns the year 2024, before the large general transfer window which will cover the 2025/2026 seasons.
As a result, only drivers at the end of their career could be interested in building up a golden retirement or, on the contrary, riders who would like to accept the premier category of Grands Prix, such as Fermin Aldeguer, or stay there.
It is with this latter perspective that the name of Fabio DiGiannantonio first appeared as obvious, since the Roman, left without handlebars at Gresini Racing by the unexpected arrival of Marc Márquez, showed that he could be fast, even very fast. However, like an experienced and quick Johann zarco who will be in the LCR satellite team, the official Repsol Honda Honda team is in no hurry to jump on this opportunity, and seems to be choosy by even letting Fabio DiGiannantonio looking forward to his future in MotoGP.
In the columns of GPone, he thus admitted upon arriving at Sepang that he had no news but had prepared for any eventuality for the first MotoGP 2024 test…
“Unfortunately I have no news, I was hoping to arrive here with something to say. I am preparing a black suit for the Valencia test, I don't know yet if I will use it on a MotoGP or an Ohvale. »
Si Fabio DiGiannantonio still dreams, and has a good chance, of remaining in MotoGP 2024, some nevertheless maintain the hope that this will not be the case, like Manuel Puccetti who still wants to believe in his chances of attracting his compatriot on the official Kawasaki which he has to face the 2024 Superbike season.
To our partners Motoracing, he indeed confided: “I spoke with the manager every week. Rightly so, he is trying to do everything to keep the rider in MotoGP. If he doesn't find a way to stay, he will have other options like Moto2 and this one too. With the exception of Marquez's Honda, ours will be the only other free official bike. Let's see if we can convince him or if we will have agreed with another driver first. If it takes too long, we will close the deal sooner. Rabat is option number 1. There are also other drivers from other championships with whom we are talking. We will see if we can define the driver in 7-10 days, after EICMA. »
Fabio DiGiannantonio is therefore assured of being able to defend his chances next year and, given his latest performances in MotoGP, he fully deserves it.
MotoGP or Superbike? The latest elements could suggest a marriage of convenience in the premier category, even if he would obviously be welcomed like a king in Superbike…
