A rider with a turbulent career but constant progress, the Roman has built himself up through patience, hard work, and resilience, becoming a reliable presence on the grid. Fabio Di Giannantonio is now expected to join KTM from 2027.
Born on October 10, 1998, in Rome, Fabio Di Giannantonio grew up in an environment where motorcycling quickly became a natural outlet for expression. He won the Italian PreMoto3 250 title in 2012, before making a name for himself in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup and national championships. From a very young age, he demonstrated an ability to develop steadily over the seasons rather than experiencing a sudden breakthrough.
First steps in Grand Prix
His first real international opportunity came in Moto3. In 2015, he made his World Championship debut with Gresini at the Valencia Grand Prix, replacing the injured Andrea Locatelli. Simultaneously, he finished second in the Red Bull Rookies Cup, behind Bo Bendsneyder. This result was enough to secure his promotion. The following year, he was therefore committed full-time to the Moto3 category, and quickly distinguished himself with several podium finishes, including a second place at Mugello and two more top-three finishes at Assen and Brno.
In 2017 and 2018, he confirmed his potential with Del Conca Gresini Moto3. His consistency and speed placed him among the most prominent riders on the grid, and he finished his final season in the category with two wins and several podium finishes, in second place in the championship. That season was dominated by Jorge Martín, who finished the campaign with a 42-point lead over his closest rival. This benchmark season in the world championship nevertheless allowed Fabio Di Giannantonio to firmly establish himself among the group of young Italian riders closely watched by the paddock.
The move to Moto2 wasn't immediately successful. At Speed Up Racing, in 2019 and 2020, Di Giannantonio experienced more challenging seasons, achieving a few podium finishes but no real standout performances. It was ultimately his return to Gresini in 2021 that revived his career. There, he secured a victory and finished seventh in the championship, earning him a place in MotoGP. However, he still needs to prove himself, as with only one win and eight podium finishes in Moto2, the Italian rider hasn't won everyone over.
A difficult start in MotoGP
His first season in the premier class, in 2022 with Gresini Ducati, was indeed difficult. He finished only 20th in the championship despite a pole position at Mugello, proof that his raw one-lap speed was already there. In 2023, it was the same story; Di Giannantonio struggled to string together good results. However, the announced arrival of Marc Márquez to take his place at Gresini the following season acted as a wake-up call: Di Giannantonio took advantage of this new pressure to reach a new level.
The end of the season was a revelation. He secured his first MotoGP podium at Phillip Island, then his first victory in the premier class in Qatar, after a duel with Pecco Bagnaia that went down to the final laps. This major success literally saved his place in the elite class. He finished 12th in the championship and secured his future in MotoGP with VR46, despite his uncertain potential.
The VR46 school for Fabio Di Giannantonio
Starting in 2024, he joined the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team. Within this structure linked to Valentino Rossi, Di Giannantonio found a form of stability that finally allowed him to fully realize his potential. From his very first full season with the team, he demonstrated remarkable consistency and established himself as one of the most reliable riders on the grid.
In 2025, he took another step forward with the factory Ducati bike. He started his season with podium finishes in the Americas and then in Italy, where he snatched third place after a close duel with Pecco Bagnaia. Despite some ups and downs, this was his best MotoGP season yet, confirming that he was no longer just an outsider capable of flashes of brilliance.
Di Giannantonio has always been seen as a technically gifted rider, capable of excellent qualifying and impressive one-lap speed. But above all, he has learned to become a more complete rider over the years. Long considered somewhat inconsistent, and sometimes fragile in his weekend management, he has matured through his interactions with top teams and the battles at the front of the grid. In 2026, this development is paying off. Still with VR46, he has had his best start to a season, with three Grand Prix podiums, including his second MotoGP victory in Catalonia, five Sprint podiums, and five front-row starts, including two consecutive pole positions.
What's striking about his career is his ability to bounce back after every difficult period. He's gone through seasons where the future seemed uncertain, before turning each opportunity into a springboard for the next. His path to 2027 is already set: after three years with VR46, Di Giannantonio will join Red Bull KTM Factory Racing on a multi-year contract, where he'll share the garage with his former teammate Álex Márquez. This move opens a new chapter for a rider who, after having to fight to stay in MotoGP, is now preparing to join a factory project undergoing a complete rebuild.