In addition to the dream line-up of its factory team, composed of Marc Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia, Ducati has entrusted a third official machine to a rider on the grid: Fabio Di Giannantonio. The VR46 rider's career will take on another dimension this season, and the Italian will not be left aside by the Bologna factory. Ducati has high expectations for him.
Fabio Di Giannantonio's season has started very badly, but the main interested party is not giving up. Three months after his shoulder operation, which forced him to miss the last two Grands Prix of the 2024 season, the Transalpine returned to action, and was very unlucky.
On his first laps at Sepang, during pre-season testing, the #49 broke his collarbone and returned to Europe for surgery. The date of his return has not yet been confirmed, but Ducati has not failed to support its third official rider. Interviewed in Sepang, the Borgo Panigale sporting director recalled that the factory had high expectations in terms of results for him.
"We believe in him. We wanted him as an official VR46 driver, recalls Mauro Grassilli at the microphone of MotoGP.com. He has an official bike, and we think we will have good results with him and VR46. We will see at the end of the year, but we are very optimistic about Fabio."
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While Ducati will have a lot to manage internally, with an explosive rider duo that could create sparks on the track, Di Giannantonio is therefore an integral part of the family. On the subject of Marc Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia, the brand executive adds that he has no idea yet how any conflicts between Pecco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez will be managed.
When reminded of the clash between the two men in Portimao last year, the Italian replied: "That's a very good question, and it's difficult to answer. We have a lot of experience from last year, which we will try to transfer to this season. Honestly, I would like to answer you at the end of the year."
One thing is certain, if any incident occurs between the two favourites for the title, Fabio Di Giannantonio will be the first to be able to take advantage of it, given the material advantage he has over the other three riders in the Ducati fold, Franco Morbidelli, Alex Marquez and the rookie, Fermin Aldeguer.
It remains to be seen when this promising year can begin for Di Giannantonio, as he expects a rapid rehabilitation from his injury.
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