Let's talk MotoGP: It's 2023, and Fabio Di Giannantonio is one of the best riders in the world

I'm lost for words. Since Indonesia, I have the impression that a new hero has suddenly appeared on the grid. Once again the author of an excellent weekend in Valencia, he deserves his part of “Let’s Talk MotoGP”. In Qatar he proved he can chat with the best MotoGP riders, and for the last outing of 2023, Fabio Di Giannantonio may have done just as well. Analysis of a Grand Prix mastered from start to finish, but also of his signing with Ducati Mooney VR46.

 

The maturity of a man

 

I allowed myself this title because I sincerely mean it. In Qatar, already, he proved that he was not just a “surprise”, an anecdotal winner as some have been in recent years. Since the introduction of the single ECU in 2016, everyone is competitive, or almost. Again this year, twenty different entrants entered the top 5, and no tenor managed to win two races in a row for the first time since 1949. But it is precisely in these moments that we must differentiate performances random, difficult to explain given the context and dynamics, and real strokes of genius, legitimate in every way. Fabio Di Giannantonio made one more.

First, during Practice. Ranked fourth, he headed straight for Q2 at the end of a perfectly executed session. Then, during qualifying, a “bad tire” prevented him from doing better than 11th. He has no reason to lie, and if it can happen to Jorge Martín, then why not to the others. Valencia is not Phillip Island, and even less Losail. Overtaking is difficult because the track is narrow, on the one hand, and has few sharp turns which require classic maneuvers.. You have to take risks, sneak around, and think about the next turn while overtaking.

 

 

And yet, what a performance during the Sprint. Even if the international production was not interested in his first rounds, they were exceptional. Then, we saw him, suddenly, behind Pecco Bagnaia, the man who was playing for the world title. With time blocked, he could not risk the attack, and we understand that. This is an opportunity to return to this point; don't see this as a dark conspiracy, "Diggia" had already said that he would only attempt if the conditions allowed a clean overtaking, which he proved the next day. It is always very difficult to get past Bagnaia because he is the biggest braker on the field, and also, unlike other big names in this exercise, he always stays in line with a great speed when passing through curves. Its cleanliness, on a route as cramped as the Ricardo Tormo, makes it almost impregnable.

Then, the Grand Prix. From 11th place, he managed to avoid the fall while getting back on the leaders very strongly, at his own pace, by managing his rubber. It seems absolutely crazy to write, but Jorge Martín should have taken inspiration from Fabio Di Giannantonio after his "straight" at turn 1. Much faster on the last loops, he swallowed Binder in a flash, and freed himself from Johann Zarco in an overtake that was as clean as it was lightning. Even fourth after the penalty, his performance remained no less stratospheric.

 

 

This prompts me to say that it is not a coincidence; he is one of the best because he has an absolutely remarkable sense of racing. When he is in front, he knows what to do, he knows how to measure his commitment even though he has only been playing at the forefront for a few weeks! Its accuracy is exemplary, and many other pilots, present for longer with less to prove, should be inspired by it. I can only congratulate him, again and again.

 

A win-win transfer?

 

He is now signed with Ducati Mooney VR46 Racing Team alongside Marco Bezzecchi. I am very happy to see him continue MotoGP, because his sole performance under the Qatari spotlight was to ensure him such a position. The handlebars are good, at least at the level of their previous one, and the environment is conducive to success. Valentino Rossi and his teams know how to deal with young talents, and I don't doubt for a second that the very Italian atmosphere, coupled with his apparent good nature, will serve him more than anything else.

On the other hand, Uccio and his troops get the man of the moment, and just have to hope he shines again. It’s always the unknown with these profiles; they broke out so quickly that we fear that they will become less efficient again just as quickly. But taking a step back, the VR46 academy is a bargain. “Diggia” is not expensive given his situation, the contract only lasts one year and Marco Bezzecchi should normally take the team to the top. I am satisfied with this transfer, and it seems healthy on all levels to me.

 

 

I thought Luca Marini was stronger until now, but Di Giannantonio's ceiling, in fact, now seems much higher even if there are still doubts about his consistency. It's a gamble, but the return on investment could prove exceptional. Both sides don't have much to lose anyway, so it's a good move.

 

aside

 

That's all for today ! Moreover, the season has now ended since last night, and statements from drivers are becoming increasingly rare. We are entering winter, but rest assured! “Parlons MotoGP” will be there, every evening, at 20:30 p.m., to try to provide another perspective on the Grands Prix. I wanted to thank you, all of you, for the debates, the arguments, the points of view shared since the start of this 2023 season. Thank you also for your unwavering support, and many of your warm comments.

So see you tomorrow for another episode!

 

 

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport