Fabio Di Giannantonio has challenged the widely held belief in MotoGP that riders can simply adopt Marc Marquez’s settings and experience similar success, revealing that solutions in racing are far more personalized than they appear. Speaking as the Ducati GP25 continues its dominance, Di Giannantonio brought the Fabio Di Giannantonio racing myth into sharp focus, highlighting the intricate challenges faced by riders like himself and Francesco Bagnaia as they strive for consistent performance.
Di Giannantonio Explores the Realities of Setup Replication
While many fans and even some within the paddock believe that imitating a championship-winning set-up is a secret shortcut to the podium, Di Giannantonio insists this approach ignores the underlying realities of professional racing. His own 2023 campaign saw him secure nine podium finishes and a sixth-place spot in the championship, yet a Grand Prix win has remained elusive—driving his hunger for further growth.
From inside the VR46 camp, Di Giannantonio directly addressed why every rider must carve their own technical path.
“The problem is that every rider works, looks for, and rides in different ways,”
he said, explaining that a straightforward copy of Marc Marquez’s settings oversimplifies the complex adjustments and feel each individual demands from their motorcycle. Despite studying peers and aiming to close any gaps in his performance, he quickly dismisses the notion of easy gains through mere imitation.
Individual Approach Overrides Copycat Strategies
Di Giannantonio describes his process of learning from other competitors.
“Believe me, I’m studying other riders and trying to improve where riders are better than me,”
he noted. However, he underscores the limits of borrowing ideas, stating,
“You can copy the setup, but then it’s a completely different story of riding on that setup.”
The ability to ride at the elite MotoGP level, he argues, depends not just on engineering but also on how each racer interprets their bike’s nuances.
Pushed on the idea of following Marc Marquez’s exact configurations, Di Giannantonio laid bare the risks.
“If I copy Marc’s setup, I’ll be last, 100%,”
he revealed, underscoring how the success of any setup is inseparable from the unique demands and preferences of the rider using it. It’s not just about changing settings—it’s about achieving the crucial connection between person and machine that empowers confidence and top-tier results.
Understanding Performance Is More Than Just Settings
Even as some observe Bagnaia’s ups and downs with speculation, Di Giannantonio takes a more nuanced view of what drives performance throughout the season.
“It’s not easy. It’s not about, ‘Ah, Pecco should ride better or should not touch anything’. It’s not always like this,”
he explained, countering the simplistic narratives often heard around the paddock. Instead, he stresses the need for a deep, multifaceted understanding of both machinery and rider psychology.
He went further in support of his teammate, noting how outcomes are shaped by more than a single factor.
“I want to defend a little bit the rider, Pecco… sometimes it’s not about him. Maybe they are just looking for the wrong thing. That’s it.”
With Bagnaia’s season marked by a dramatic sprint win at Sepang and a flawless weekend at Motegi, yet ending fifth overall, the point is more evident than ever that consistency isn’t a question of hardware alone.
The Road Ahead for MotoGP Contenders
As anticipation grows for the next chapter of MotoGP, Di Giannantonio’s insights challenge both enthusiasts and his peers to move beyond the myth that there is a single winning formula anyone can replicate. Each rider—from Di Giannantonio to Bagnaia, and even legends like Marc Marquez—must continually adapt to the shifting technical and psychological demands of the sport.
The story of the Fabio Di Giannantonio racing myth serves as a reminder that triumph in this arena comes not from adopting a champion’s set-up, but from finding the unique blend of adjustments, strategy, and self-awareness that allows each competitor to perform at their very best. As the battle for supremacy heats up, the intricate balance between man, team, and machine remains the sport’s defining challenge.
