Fabio Di Giannantonio showcased his resilience and determination by finishing seventh during the recent MotoGP testing session at Misano, demonstrating how he is tackling ongoing obstacles related to his GP25 motorcycle. His ability to retain focus despite mechanical challenges underscores his commitment to overcoming adversity in the highly competitive world of MotoGP.
Efforts to Improve Motorcycle Handling and Ergonomics
During the morning session, Di Giannantonio revisited testing a black racing suit he first tried at the Dainese Day, aiming to evaluate its ergonomics on a MotoGP bike. He stated,
“I wanted to retest it with a MotoGP bike to assess the ergonomics, and it’s reassuring to see that we’re heading in the right direction. Working with Dainese for the past two years has been a tremendous experience; my suit often feels like a prototype, and I take pride in the progress we’ve made together,”
illustrating his focus on both comfort and performance enhancements.
Despite spending extra hours on the track, he admitted ongoing difficulties with the bike’s feel:
“Even though I spent additional hours on the track, I still haven’t quite resolved the feeling problems I’ve been facing since the start of the season,”
adding to the technical challenges he continues to face.
Refining Performance on the Romagna Circuit
At the Misano circuit, also known as the Romagna track, Di Giannantonio concentrated on fine-tuning smaller adjustments rather than testing new components. He shared,
“I didn’t have new components to test, just a minor adjustment. While I still lack the confidence I need, we concentrated heavily on the setup. On Mondays, everything typically aligns perfectly—the grip is excellent, allowing us to push hard with any tire,”
highlighting his methodical approach to improving consistency and grip on the track.
Challenges with Bike Feel and Team Collaboration
Although extra practice was allocated to addressing bike handling, the elusive “feeling” remains a major issue for Di Giannantonio, who emphasized his team’s dedication to solving it:
“The feeling just isn’t there yet. If I knew the cause, I’d make everyone three seconds faster! But my team is diligently working on it.”
He also explained the dynamics within his supportive yet small VR46 team:
“Even with the backing of the official team, we’re still just a small group—my chief technician, the electronics specialist, and a few technicians from Ducati. When I make a comment, it goes to the factory engineers for analysis, but their primary focus is on Marquez and Bagnaia. My bike is essentially a development model, and even so, I’m holding my ground,”
emphasizing the challenges faced by a semi-private squad competing against factory-backed teams.
Embracing New Experiences and Future MotoGP Races
Looking ahead, Di Giannantonio expressed a growing enjoyment of the demanding Asian circuits, reflecting how his perspective has evolved over time.
“As a young rider, I wasn’t fond of these long trips, but now, I cherish the time spent in hotels and bonding with my team. It’s a different experience,”
he said, revealing how the camaraderie and team spirit contribute to his ongoing motivation as the season progresses.
Di Giannantonio’s perseverance and adaptability in the face of technical and competitive challenges make it clear that he is more than just a participant; he is a contender demonstrating grit and skill. Fans can expect an exciting season as he continues to push boundaries and establish himself among MotoGP’s top talents.
