At the end of 2023, a magnificent rider revealed himself in MotoGP. At the Indonesian Grand Prix we discovered Fabio Di Giannantonio, and since then he has only improved even if it’s not really noticeable through his results. From future retiree to future rider on a factory Ducati, his completely atypical journey should generate more passion. The opportunity to return to a story that we should not soon forget.
Linsanity
Before the 2023 Indonesian Grand Prix, rarely have we seen a more discreet, insipid, self-effacing driver than Fabio Di Giannantonio. Promoted in 2022 to Gresini Racing, he had not achieved the slightest stroke of brilliance in almost two seasons, apart from a surprise pole position acquired in the rain at Mugello. “Diggia”, who was not one of the best in Moto3 or Moto2, was honest, but without ever being able to rise to the level of the best, starting with his colleagues at Ducati.
He was the worst of the eight drivers from the Borgo Panigale firm, certainly. Moreover, since the summer, rumors were sending him to WSBK, and again, because he had not even proven enough to interest the best teams in the championship.
The rage in his eyes. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
Then came Mandalika. With the strength of his wrist, Fabio Di Giannantonio created a magnificent opportunity, finishing fourth for the first time in his MotoGP career. Present in the parc ferme (because best satellite pilot, Jorge Martin having fallen), his tears betrayed his passion which had not been able to express itself until then. He knew he was threatened, in a fairly hostile environment by nature which had damaged his mental health at the end of the 2022 season.
He would not run to win, but to save what animated his existence.
A fourth place was good, but it wasn’t enough to secure a place for the following year, especially since everything was already taken – or almost. But he didn’t give up, and climbed onto the podium in Australia, at the end of a potentially quagmire race. After two additional top 10s, he made his dream come true by winning the Qatar Grand Prix, and in what way. Yet another XXL performance in Valencia concluded an overall average season, yes, but marked by a period that all drivers dream of.
Fabio Di Giannantonio did not win by chance, it was not a combination of circumstances. I still have his precise overtaking in mind – the one on Zarco in Valencia was crazy –, his management of rhythm, his cleanliness. And finally, his efforts paid off. Thanks to the crisis at Honda, he was able to benefit from the extremely late departure of Luca Marini for the Japanese team, and thus take his place within the Ducati VR46 team.
The dream of a lifetime. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
This season, therefore, he had to face Marco Bezzecchi, third overall last year. The Italian pair had something to be afraid of, and even if the results certainly did not live up to expectations, “Diggia” has nothing to be ashamed of. He was more than convincing at the start of this exercise, better than Marco Bezzecchi in every way and ahead of him in the scratch before this injury which we will talk about in a few moments.
Slow but sure progress coupled with the departure of the “Bez” for the official Aprilia team in 2025 allowed him to find the second best handlebars on the grid: Diggia, well surrounded by the VR46 family, will be on board the the only factory Desmosedici not employed by the Reds.
Just one private GP25, and it’s for him. Do you realize? He will have the opportunity to fight for victories only a year and a few months after his extremis rescue. Clearly, this is one of my favorite stories of recent years, and you know that I have never stopped praising the guy in this section.
Tainted painting
Unfortunately, everything is not rosy. Destiny reserves many trials for its most honest soldiers. In Austria, Fabio was injured, quite seriously. In current MotoGP, this is undoubtedly the worst possible sanction. With these powerful machines now used to their full potential three times a weekend, falls hurt, and many have been squatting in the infirmary for several years. Alex Rins and Miguel Oliveira, two splendid drivers, are having a lot of difficulty returning to full time, for example. One mistake can ruin your career.
Fortunately, Di Giannantonio’s shoulder is not destroyed, of course, but it is severely affected. This caused him to miss a Grand Prix. Since his return, “Diggia” has struggled a lot. His injury did not recover, and the successive Grands Prix raced in extreme weather conditions did not help him get back into the swing of things.. And yet, he doesn’t give up.
Di Giannantonio does everything right. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
The idea of doing this little retrospective came to me after the Indonesian Grand Prix, because I once again saw the Italian fighting on equal terms against Marc Marquez, even though he only has one arm. which works. Fabio increased the number of approximate overtakes, but it is impossible to blame him given his condition. It all ended with a withdrawal on Sunday, okay,
but we must emphasize these battles against ourselves.
Always keep an eye on this driver, because it might shock some people next year.
What do you think of Fabio Di Giannantonio? Tell me in the comments!
As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial staff.
