In Thailand, Fabio Di Giannantonio ended his MotoGP season. The Italian had announced on the sidelines of the previous race, in Australia, that he would leave on that date to have surgery on the shoulder from which he has been suffering for many weeks. After having endured the pain during numerous events, wishing at all costs to complete as many races as possible in 2024, the VR46 pilot begins to think about 2025, which he wants to start as well as possible.
After finishing in style, equaling his best result of the season with a fourth place in the main race, it was time for his team to announce the name of who will take his place in Malaysia, as well as in Valencia.
So far, two Italians have been vying for this seat: Andra Iannone and Nicolo Bulega. Both riders from the Ducati fold, one has already ridden with Borgo Panigale in MotoGP, between 2013 and 2016, while the other won the Supersport world championship with the brand in 2023. While they all evolve two in WorldSBK this season, these drivers each presented interesting characteristics, and less interesting for VR46.
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Iannone or Bulega? The choice of VR46
Iannone for his part has some experience, but he does not know the current MotoGP. Bulega still has everything to learn, but is younger and more inclined to assimilate a certain amount of information. At least that's what Marco Bezzecchi suggested during the Thai Grand Prix, when the latter would have liked the team to field a third bike to be able to ride alongside each of his compatriots.
Despite everything, the team had to make a choice. Ultimately, it is Andrea Iannone who will replace Fabio Di Giannantonio at the Malaysian Grand Prix. The team cites both a positive first season in WorldSBK and Iannone's excellent relationship with Valentino Rossi, the entire Tavullia team and the Borgo Panigale factory as an argument.
Iannone has indeed made Ducati MotoGP history, having won a victory in 2016, when the Italian firm had not won for six seasons.
“I am very happy to confirm that Andrea will drive with our colors, confides Alessio Salucci, team director and great friend of Valentino Rossi. Andrea turned out to be in excellent shape. He finished the WorldSBK season on a good note and always remained close to Ducati.
In addition, he is a great friend of the VR46 family, he continues. Both personally and from Vale. We are very happy to welcome him and see him again on a MotoGP bike. It’s really a beautiful story! At the same time, we wish Fabio a lot of courage. Looking forward to seeing it get back on track in 2025.”
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Back after serving his sentence
This will therefore be the first appearance in MotoGP for the man who has just served a four-year suspension for doping.
“MotoGP is the most technological and high-performance motorcycle there is, adds the main person concerned. I'm honored that they thought of me, and I felt compelled to take this opportunity as soon as it was offered to me. The challenge is really crazy. Complex and important, because I haven't ridden a motorcycle in this category for years. And I haven't done any testing.
I am excited to work with Ducati and the VR46 team. Both for the very high level and for the friendship that has bound us for years. I would like to thank Valentino Rossi, Alessio Salucci, Pablo Nieto, Gigi Dall'Igna, Claudio Domenicali and Mauro Grassilli” concluded Andrea Iannone.
For his part, Fabio Di Giannantonio returns to Rome where professor Alessandro Castaña will operate on his left shoulder.
