Marco Bezzecchi
VR46 Racing’s riders are sometimes in the unique position of having seven-time MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi in the garage during race weekends, and Fabio Di Giannantonio has outlined the ‘massive boost’ he receives from him.
The MotoGP icon was present in the VR46 garages for Fabio Di Giannantonio’s victory last time out at the Catalan Grand Prix, with Rossi likening his rider to a ‘dragon’ after his impressive comeback ride.
Fabio Di Giannantonio with the fastest time in practice at Mugello. Who will join the top 10 in Q2 tomorrow?
The 89-time premier class Grand Prix winner was over the moon with the performance of his MotoGP racing outfit in Barcelona, with the Italian’s win marking the first VR46 victory since Marco Bezzecchi’s feat at the 2023 Indonesian Grand Prix.
Team boss Pablo Nieto was ‘thrilled’ with Rossi’s VR46 verdict after seeing Di Giannantonio on the top step of the podium. The 27-year-old has now revealed how helpful it is to have The Doctor’s wisdom inside the box during race weekends.
- READ MORE: Fabio Di Giannantonio sends instant message to Alex Marquez after winning Catalan Grand Prix
Fabio Di Giannantonio reveals ‘massive boost’ he gets from Valentino Rossi’s presence
During an interview with Sky Italia inside the Italian Grand Prix paddock, Di Giannantonio was asked about how useful it is to have someone of Rossi’s stature and experience in his corner during Grands Prix.
He responded, “Vale is incredible. From the outside, you see things, but it’s not easy to understand exactly what’s happening on the track. When I was in Moto2, and the MotoGP riders explained it to me, I thought I understood.
Will Ducati REGRET losing Fabio Di Giannantonio?
Their top-performing rider is heading to KTM next year
“When I rode the MotoGP bike, I realised I didn’t understand. Vale, on the other hand, from the outside, even though he hasn’t ridden for years, is super analytical and precise.
“He spots microscopic differences that you can only see in the telemetry. And he gives you a massive boost in terms of attitude and mindset, too. I’d love to have him at every race.”
With the current race weekend marking the seventh round of the 2026 term, ‘Diggia’ currently sits in third place in the riders’ standings and serves as Ducati’s flag-bearer at this moment in time.
Since arriving at Mugello for this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, the Italian rider has continued his fine form. No one has managed to set a lap time better than him in either of the practice sessions that have taken place so far.
- READ MORE: Fabio Di Giannantonio knew he would lose ‘prominence’ at Ducati before signing with KTM for 2027
Fabio Di Giannantonio opens up on his VR46 exit
Despite his class-leading performances on Ducati machinery this year, Di Giannantonio is expected to swap VR46 for a factory KTM contract ahead of the 2027 MotoGP season. Alex Marquez is also expected to join him at the Mattighofen-based manufacturer.
Of course, nothing has been confirmed yet due to MotoGP’s standoff with the grid over a new Concorde Agreement. Still, when asked what he would miss if he were to leave Rossi’s MotoGP outfit, Di Giannantonio answered candidly.
“The people,” he asserted. “Motorcycles are objects, they’re bits and pieces put together. What makes them winners are the people.
“Here I’ve found incredible people, in every room of the garage, in the hospitality area. I’d stay with this team for the rest of my life, if it were up to me. Those people will always remain in my heart.”
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
