Fabio Di Giannantonio Stays at VR46, Gets Full-Factory Bike
The Italian has re-signed with VR46 on an official Ducati contract for two seasons
Fabio Di Giannantonio’s impressive form during the 2024 MotoGP season has seen him rewarded with a new contract until the end of 2026. The Italian rider, who became a MotoGP winner at Qatar in 2023, will remain aboard a VR46 Ducati, but this time on a full-spec factory GP25.
After joining the class with Gresini Ducati, Di Giannantonio’s future was put at risk when the team opted to replace him with Marc Marquez for this year.
But Di Giannantonio’s form proved irresistible as he was then signed by VR46 to replace Luca Marini, who signed for Repsol Honda. Now a Ducati contracted rider, Di Giannantonio will have equal machinery as Marquez and reigning world champion Francesco Bagnaia for the next two seasons.
Speaking after his new deal, Di Giannantonio said: "Being able to sign this contract was significant for me, and I am proud of it. I will be part of the Ducati family for two years and continue with my VR46 Racing Team.
“This represents a milestone and a significant starting point for my sporting growth. With Ducati's support and having an official bike, we can continue to grow and achieve great things together. I want to thank Ducati for its trust, Claudio [Domenicalli], Gigi [Dall’igna], Mauro [Grassilli], and the VR46 Racing Team that believed in me last year during a difficult moment.
“So, a big thank you also to Valentino [Rossi], Uccio [Salucci], Pablo [Nieto], all the team members, and my staff because this whole journey would never have been possible without them."
Di Gianntonio’s team-mate for 2025 has not yet been confirmed, although Franco Morbidelli is expected to get that seat aboard a GP24 bike, the same machine he rides currently.
Excited to keep the Italian within their ranks after losing Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi to Aprilia, and Silverstone winner Enea Bastianini to KTM, Ducati Corse General Manager Gigi Dall’Igna added: “We are happy to have Fabio Di Giannantonio among our Ducati riders for the next two years. 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!"
After graduating with a sports journalism degree, Robert joined Crash.net to lead the WorldSBK coverage in 2021, while also providing MotoGP coverage. Fulfilling that role for over three years, Robert was able to put his knowledge about all things racing to the test.
