– Due to his strong start to the season, Fabio Di Giannantonio is a sought-after MotoGP rider. After the first four race weekends, the VR46 rider is the best Ducati rider as third in the world championship. He secured two pole positions, a second place in the sprint, and two third places in Grand Prix races.
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Di Giannantonio’s future is still open. In Valentino Rossi’s team, Fermin Aldeguer will race in 2027. “Diggia” could either stay or move to another team.
Paddock rumors link him to the second seat in the KTM factory team. The Italian could become Alex Marquez’s teammate from 2027. The vice world champion is moving from Gresini to the Austrian factory team.
KTM wants to wait and see how Maverick Vinales feels on the bike after his shoulder surgery. The Spaniard is also a candidate for the second seat in the KTM team.
What does Di Giannantonio say about the KTM rumors? “Honestly, I always want to be honest about these things because I don’t want to play games or anything like that. I am grateful for the moment I am currently experiencing.”
“We are really doing good work on the track, and that definitely reflects in the future – with many teams wanting to have me in their ranks, so to speak. And that’s great.”
“As a person, that’s incredible because it means you are doing good work,” said Di Giannantonio. “Apart from that, everything is still open for me, honestly. My management has communicated our priorities to the interested parties.”
“But I am completely open, fully transparent. Everything is completely open because I don’t have anything concrete at the moment. So honestly, I am currently in the same situation as in 2023.”
Back then, Di Giannantonio raced for the Gresini team and faced an uncertain future. Gresini waited until Marc Marquez had terminated his contract with Honda. Once that was settled, it was clear that “Diggia” had lost his place.
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When Luca Marini decided to switch from VR46 to Honda, a spot opened up in Rossi’s team. Di Giannantonio had shown his potential in autumn 2023 with third place in Australia and the win in Qatar.
So he got the open spot at VR46. From a sporting perspective, Di Giannantonio currently has good cards: He is in demand. But where his path will lead in 2027 is still open.
Why speculation is not optimal
The many speculations in the “Silly Season” are understandable to the 27-year-old. Nevertheless, he wishes that fans and journalists would focus more on the action on the track.
“Fans, everyone needs news for the future, I understand that. But I also think it’s not ideal: We are at the fourth race of the season, I am wearing these colors, and I will wear these colors until the end of the season.”
“As long as I race in these colors, this is my best team, the best motorcycle. I also think that we – the people, the fans at home – should focus a bit more on what we do on the track,” says “Diggia”.
“I believe each of us is currently accomplishing great things, great maneuvers. Those should be the important points we talk about.” He also believes that early announcements of team changes can be problematic.
“Imagine how strange it would be if I said I am going somewhere else and then had to go into my box and celebrate with the team. That wouldn’t be nice, if you know what I mean. So I really speak just as a person.”
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“Let’s stay focused on the race at the moment, and surely everything [for the future] will come soon. So let’s focus now on putting on a great sport here.”
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