Marco Bezzecchi
Fabio Di Giannantonio has made it back-to-back pole positions in 2026 as he went fastest in qualifying at the United States Grand Prix.
The VR46 rider has enjoyed an electric start to the 2026 season, currently sitting fourth in the standings. Di Giannantonio claimed pole in Brazil last weekend, marking his first since 2022.
It’s back to back pole positions for Fabio Di Giannantonio! 👏 Can he hold on to win the United States GP?
Let us know in the comments!
He lost out to Marc Marquez in the Sprint race at Goiania after a tense battle. But Diggia beat Marquez in the Brazilian GP to finish third, once again being the best-finishing Ducati rider.
The Italian looked to continue the momentum at the United States Grand Prix, and he did exactly that. Di Giannantonio clinched pole at COTA, setting a new lap record around the circuit.
Neil Hodgson in awe of Fabio Di Giannantonio’s form after United States GP pole
Diggia came within a tenth of setting the first lap time under two minutes around COTA. He was able to stay focused in the traffic on track to beat Marco Bezzecchi and Pedro Acosta to the first grid slot.
It has been a hugely impressive start to the season for the VR46 rider, with him feeling much more comfortable on the GP26 than its predecessor.
Fabio Di Giannantonio smashed the all-time lap record with his pole position, while Marc Marquez could only manage P6!
What was the biggest surprise for you during qualifying in Texas?
Speaking on TNT Sports 2 (28/3, 4:32 pm) straight after qualifying, Neil Hodgson lauded Diggia’s performance and his improved form. It has come at the perfect time, with his contract set to expire in 2026.
“What a time for Fabio Di Giannantonio to finally find this form. We know that the majority of the factory seats have already been taken for the next two years, and Fabio’s name was one of those riders where… maybe not the favourite child in the VR46 squad.
“The pressure was on at the start of the year. No guarantees of work, this could be his last year in Grand Prix racing, and he’s on the form of his life. Very impressive.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Fabio Di Giannantonio from net worth to AS Roma
Sylvain Guintoli agrees with Neil Hodgson as he praises Fabio Di Giannantonio’s pole lap
Sylvain Guintoli was in agreement with Hodgson as he watched Diggia set the new lap record around COTA.
He said: “Absolutely destroyed the lap record, what a lap. He’s on the form of his life. I mean, great start to the season, super strong in Brazil last week, and here, we know he likes it here, he got a podium here last year.
“But he’s making it count. At one point, I thought we was going to see the first 1:59, just under two minutes, but yeah, it was close.”
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