MotoGP: Fabio Di Giannantonio signs two-year Ducati contract

Fabio Di Giannantonio will become an official Ducati factory-contracted rider next season after signing a two-year deal to remain with Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing.

The Italian will be one of only three riders to receive the GP25 next year in MotoGP, joining Pecco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez onboard the latest-spec Desmosedici. The news follows Valentino Rossi’s team’s promotion to official satellite team status.

It completes a stunning turnaround in the career of Di Giannantonio, who nearly found himself without a ride for the 2024 season. The one-time Moto2 race winner was often the forgotten man of Ducati’s eight-rider line-up during his debut year in 2022 and then again for the majority of 2023.

It wasn’t until the final six rounds of his second campaign last year that Di Giannantonio emerged from the shadows. Di Giannantonio finished fourth in Indonesia, before claiming his maiden podium at Phillip Island and then his maiden victory in Qatar.

Even then his future was unclear due to the arrival of Marc Marquez at Gresini, and Di Giannantonio’s move to the VR46 team was only confirmed on the final day of the season.

“Nine months ago I found myself without a bike to continue my dream and today I sign a contract with two of the most important entities in MotoGP; it’s hard to believe,” Di Giannantonio said. “I’m very happy to be able to continue this fantastic journey together with the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team and Ducati Corse for the next two seasons.

“I arrived here almost by chance, but I immediately felt at home and with the team we are doing really well. I want to thank Vale, Uccio, Pablo, the whole crew, Ducati and my personal staff, we have left nothing to chance. We are opening a new chapter, I can’t wait.

“I will be on the track for two years with the official Ducati, we can and must aim to achieve ambitious results. It’s a huge project, where I feel 100% involved and we can aim for the top step of the podium. We continue to work, we are growing every weekend: this is a further injection of confidence to always give our best.”

Di Giannantonio has continued to impress this season having taken nine top 10 finishes from the opening 10 GP races. His best result so far has been fourth, secured at Assen, whilst he finished fifth in Barcelona and at Silverstone.

“We are happy to have Fabio Di Giannantonio among our Ducati riders for the next two years,” Luigi Dall’Igna, Ducati Corse General Manager, said. “Diggia has always shown great confidence in our project, and his dedication and talent have led him to grow steadily in MotoGP.

“We are confident that together with the VR46 Racing Team and having an official Desmosedici GP, he will have even more opportunities to bring out his full potential. Welcome officially to the Ducati family, Fabio!”

Whilst not yet officially confirmed, Franco Morbidelli will join Di Giannantonio at VR46 Ducati next season, however he will be on a GP24 according to Ducati boss Davide Tardozzi, who shared this information whilst being interviewed by Canal+ at Silverstone.