Marco Bezzecchi
It was another solid performance from VR46’s Fabio Di Giannantonio at the Spanish Grand Prix, who secured yet another top five finish.
The Italian rider sits fifth in the riders’ standings and has recovered well from a broken collarbone suffered at the MotoGP pre-season test in Sepang.
Di Giannantonio has gradually built his speed, and could have been a contender for the win during the Grand Prix of Qatar, but was nearly taken out by a late move from Alex Marquez.
The VR46 Ducati machine is very quick and there are many riders who would love to be in his position. They appear to be closer to the front than they were in 2024.
Di Giannantonio convinced VR46 to sign him by managing to get bosses into a meeting to try and convince them to give him an opportunity. It worked and he has been a solid signing.
Even though they have been quick, they haven’t stopped trying to find more speed. Di Giannantonio praised one VR46 change after they took a big step in Qatar. They continue to make strides.
READ MORE: What classy Fabio di Giannantonio did in MotoGP pitlane after Jorge Martin’s Qatar Grand Prix crash
Fabio Di Giannantonio says Alex Marquez is the ‘most complete’ MotoGP rider
Di Giannantonio ran a bit of a lonely race in Jerez and finished seven seconds shy of the victory, as Alex Marquez claimed the first victory of his career.
It was an impressive win from the Spaniard at his home race, and Di Giannantonio heaped praise on him after the event.
“Everyone has his own characteristics,” he told GPOne. “For example, Pecco is a late braker, Alex is a mix and seems the most complete. As for me, I still lack confidence in the bike.
“Despite the good results, such as the podium in Austin and Qatar where there were the conditions to do very well, I never start with optimal sensations and I have to work on it during the weekend.”
Now leading the championship for the second time this season ahead of brother Marc, Alex is even showing one of the VR46 boys how it is done on older machinery.
While Franco Morbidelli races a GP24 like he does, Di Giannantonio is on the newer GP25 specification. Just imagine how fast he could be on the newer bike.
Why Fabio Di Giannantonio has a big chance to step up at VR46 in 2025
Morbidelli suffered a concussion in Spain, which forced the VR46 rider to miss MotoGP’s first in-season test on Monday.
He was involved in a crash which wasn’t shown by TV directors at the time, nor were any replays of the incident cast either.
If he has to sit on the sidelines for an extended spell, the hopes of the team could rest on Di Giannantonio.
Down at Aprilia, it’s visible how Marco Bezzecchi has struggled since the team began to rely solely on him for success.
If Di Giannantonio can step up and deliver, he will go a long way toward securing his long-term future in the sport. He’s still hunting a second win nearly two years on from his maiden triumph at Qatar.
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