– Before the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez, Fabio Di Giannantonio surprises with a confession. The Italian revealed on Thursday in the paddock of Circuito de Jerez that he has been riding with a shoulder injury for several races and had largely kept it hidden until now.
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According to his own statements, “Diggia” sustained the injury during a fall in Brazil, which was exacerbated by another crash in the sprint in America.
“I had quite annoying pain in my shoulder after the fall in Brazil, but also after the crash in America in the sprint,” he explains. Examinations in his home country showed: “I broke a small piece in the shoulder area again.”
Despite this diagnosis, the 27-year-old cautiously gives the all-clear. It is nothing “we have to worry too much about”. Rather, it was an explanation for the persistent complaints. His sole focus was “to arrive here in the best possible condition”.
No surgery and no more painkillers
Di Giannantonio confirms without hesitation that the injury still exists, as well as the fact that an operation is currently not an issue. “No, no, not at the moment. I also hope it won’t be necessary,” he dismisses.
He describes limitations in his riding style as only limited: In certain positions, he feels a “burning sensation”, but overall everything is “completely okay”.
Photo gallery: The career highlights of Fabio Di Giannantonio
What is particularly remarkable is how the Italian dealt with the situation in recent race weeks. In both Brazil and the USA, he resorted to painkillers and deliberately kept the matter quiet internally. He even “rode with many painkillers without saying anything,” Di Giannantonio admits.
His goal: to focus exclusively on performance. For Jerez, however, he is optimistic about managing without medicinal support.
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What does Di Giannantonio’s future look like?
In addition to health issues, rumors are also swirling in the MotoGP paddock about the future of the VR46 Ducati rider. Several teams are said to be showing interest – a situation that Di Giannantonio knows how to assess.
As a “27-year-old guy with a great passion for this sport,” he is “very grateful” for the current situation. The interest is “a great thing for a rider, for a person.” Nevertheless, Di Giannantonio sets clear priorities.
The current season is too important to be distracted by speculation. “What we are experiencing this year, with the speed we are showing and the competitiveness on the track, is simply too good,” he emphasizes. That is precisely why he does not want to be influenced by rumors or discussions.
The division of roles in the background is clearly regulated: His manager takes care of contract matters, while Di Giannantonio fully concentrates on the sporting aspect.
“I pay my manager well so he does his job,” says the Italian with a smile. He himself has “seen nothing and wants to see nothing” until the right moment comes to calmly deal with his future.
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Until then, he has only one goal: “At the moment, I am completely focused on wanting to win every race on Sunday.” In Jerez, it will become clear how far this uncompromising approach can carry him, despite his recently injured shoulder.
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