As the 2025 MotoGP season draws closer, one rider who is catching the attention of fans and pundits alike is Fabio Di Giannantonio. The Italian rider, who has earned the coveted seat on the VR46 team fielding a Ducati GP25, has expressed his excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead in the new year. Despite the pressures that come with the transition to a factory-backed machine, Di Giannantonio is determined to have fun, take risks, and make a mark on the MotoGP grid by “annoying” the likes of Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia.
Having earned a spot on one of the only two factory Ducati bikes outside the main Ducati works team, Di Giannantonio’s 2025 season promises to be an exciting one. While the bike is still a mystery for him, as he was forced to miss the final rounds of 2024 to undergo shoulder surgery, the 2023 season proved he could be a serious contender. Throughout much of last year, Di Giannantonio was the second-best Ducati rider behind Marquez, outshining his VR46 teammate, Marco Bezzecchi, despite missing crucial races toward the end of the season.
However, Di Giannantonio isn’t setting any rigid expectations for the upcoming season. Rather than focus solely on results, he has made it clear that his goal is to develop as a rider, enjoy the experience, and maximize the opportunity he has with Ducati. “It’s a beautiful opportunity, that’s how it is,” he said in a recent interview with GPOne. “This season on the GP25 will be a beautiful opportunity to become an even better rider.”
While the challenge of joining an elite Ducati team may be daunting for many riders, Di Giannantonio seems to be taking it all in stride. Recognizing the immense responsibility that comes with riding for a factory-backed team, he is keen to focus on the excitement and growth that this new chapter in his career offers. “It’s a responsibility, it’s something I’ve been looking for all my life, but at the same time, we are not the ‘reds’ today, so in reality, we can still ‘play’,” Di Giannantonio reflected, noting that the factory team’s pressure to win is far more intense than that of the satellite teams.
One of the most intriguing aspects of his outlook for the season is his mindset toward the top riders, particularly Marquez and Bagnaia. While acknowledging the level of skill and dominance that both riders have shown over the years, Di Giannantonio expressed his desire to challenge them in 2025. “We can have a lot of fun, try to be the outsiders, we can try to annoy them,” he said, alluding to his ambition to be a thorn in the side of the championship contenders. “This will also give me the opportunity to learn a lot from them by working on their same level.”
While he is well aware of the monumental challenge he faces, Di Giannantonio is not overly concerned with immediate results. Instead, he is focused on personal growth and enjoying the process. “The goal must be to grow and enjoy the experience,” he added. “Enjoy the GP25, go fast, enjoy this moment for which we have sweated, enjoy the privileged relationship with Ducati, and in the end, we will draw a line and see how it went.”
Di Giannantonio’s humble approach to the season, combined with his eagerness to push himself and learn from the best, is a refreshing outlook in a sport often dominated by the pursuit of immediate success. With his focus on long-term development, he is positioning himself for a bright future, regardless of the immediate podiums. However, with his talent and determination, don’t be surprised if he disrupts the established order in 2025.
As the countdown to the season begins, MotoGP fans can expect Di Giannantonio to be one to watch in 2025 – someone who aims to make waves, shake up the front of the pack, and perhaps, just perhaps, get a few podiums along the way.
