Fabio Di Giannantonio saved his MotoGP career with victory in Qatar: But according to his new team boss, the upswing began two months earlier
Fabio Di Giannantonio’s MotoGP career was coming to an end in the fall of 2023. In his second season in the premier class, “Diggia” was unable to improve as hoped at the beginning
With Marc Marquez’s surprise move to Gresini, Di Giannantonio lost his seat and had few alternatives. However, the Italian saved his career with a podium in Australia and victory in Qatar.
In the 2024 MotoGP season, “Diggia” will ride a 2023 Ducati in the VR46 team. He was not the preferred candidate for Valentino Rossi’s team, but recommended himself with his strong performances in the final part of the season. Team boss Alessio “Uccio” Salucci is looking forward to the collaboration
“Diggia’s” upswing a combination of several factors
Di Giannantonio completed his first day of work at VR46 during the post-season test in Valencia. “I was immediately very happy with Fabio. I expect him to be really strong,” commented Team Principal Alessio “Uccio” Salucci.
“Uccio” does not believe that the lack of places was Di Giannantonio’s only motivation: “It’s not true that he only improved before or after signing. He was consistently really strong over a period of two months. “
From the Japanese Grand Prix onwards, “Diggia” achieved significantly better results. “I analyze things from race to race, from corner to corner. He has obviously stepped up a gear. I also talked to Dall’Igna about it. He confirmed to me that it’s never just down to motivation. There are always three or four factors that lead to a change in the situation,” said “Uccio.”
Can Fabio Di Giannantonio carry the momentum into the 2024 season?
Some technical changes in combination with the additional motivation provided by the lack of prospects for 2024 have thus ensured the upswing. It remains to be seen whether Di Giannantonio can take his form into the new year.
“I would like to pick up with him where he left off. The first test with us was fantastic,” says “Uccio”, praising his new rider. “He had a great approach. He set the seventh-fastest time, a 1:30.2 lap with tires that were already a few laps old.”
“You have to pay attention to that, even more than chasing times. I’m very happy because he fitted in very well with the team. Hopefully he will continue like this,” said Alessio “Uccio” Salucci, looking forward to the 2024 MotoGP season
