Fabio Di Gianantonio will join the VR46 Ducati MotoGP outfit for the 2024 MotoGP season, it was announced on Monday morning following the Valencia Grand Prix.
The Italian was in a battle for his future within the premier class after being dropped by Gresini in favor of six-time MotoGP champion Marc Marquez for next year after he struggled to find form across his first season-and-a-half racing in the series.
Having made a key setup breakthrough with his Ducati during the mid-point of the 2023 season, Di Gianantonio’s improved markedly. This culminated in a first MotoGP podium finish in the Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island, before he then defeated two-time premier class champion Francesco Bagnaia to victory in Qatar.
Having missed out on Marquez’s Honda berth to Luca Marini, his countryman’s seat at VR46 was his only option to remain on the grid next year, though for a while it looked as if Moto2 hotshot Fermin Aldeguer may capture the ride instead.
The Spaniard’s Moto2 team boss, Speed Up owner Luca Boscoscuro, reportedly asked for an extensive price tag to release him, the Valentino Rossi-owned operation thus elected to sign up free agent Di Gianantonio on a one-year contract.
“I’m happy to join such a strong Team as the Mooney VR46 Racing Team, I can learn a lot and I can’t wait to start working together on this project, we can do really good things,” exclaimed Di Gianantonio.
“In the last two seasons in MotoGP, I have grown a lot and in this team, I will certainly be able to mature further and achieve great results.
“I’m excited, I can’t wait to meet all my new staff and crew and start working on the track. Thanks to everyone who made this possible.”
Di Gianantonio will make his VR46 debut at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Tuesday’s official post-season test, the Italian set to ride a 2023-specification Desmosedici next season.
