Fabio Di Giannantonio (VR46 Ducati) is convinced: “We don’t hate each other”

Fabio Di Giannantono had a disastrous MotoGP weekend in Japan. A crash in the Sprint and 18th place in the Grand Prix meant zero points. So things can only get better for him in Indonesia. On Sunday, the VR46 rider and his team-mate Franco Morbidelli will be racing in special livery at the Mandalika International Circuit – at the very least, the pair will stand out visually.

On 7 October, MotoGP unveiled the new weekend format, which will come into use from the 2027 season. Among other things, there will be a sprint qualifying session on Friday next year, and the total time on track will be slightly reduced for the MotoGP riders. “It’s great for the riders and teams; it’s a perfect fit. Ultimately, we’ll have less time on the track, which is a good thing,” said Di Giannantonio on Thursday ahead of the Indonesian Grand Prix. “But for those who’d like more time on the track and need more attempts to get a good feel for it, it’ll be a bit of a setback.”

Pecco Bagnaia said at his media session on Thursday that only four riders were present at the Safety Commission meeting in Japan, where the new format was discussed. It seems difficult for the riders to find a common position and to speak to the organisers. ““I’ve stopped going to the Safety Commission because I realised it was difficult to make progress on the issues we raised – but not because we hate each other,” smiled “Diggia”. “There are so many things and it’s difficult to take everything into account. I’m sure, though, that those in charge of MotoGP always want to provide the riders with the best possible solution. But they also have to take into account the needs of the teams, manufacturers, fans and host countries.” A riders’ association would be helpful in pushing through issues with more clout. “We weren’t far off organising ourselves as riders to speak with a stronger voice, but many riders somehow stood in the way of that. When I realised that, I decided to devote more time to my physical condition and spend more time in my pit,” Di Giannantonio said, waving the matter aside.

After a crash with Alex Márquez in Japan: pain in his ribs

In the sprint race in Japan, Di Giannantonio was knocked off his bike by Alex Marquez (Gresini Ducati) on the first lap. He took a heavy blow to his ribs and hip, which left him gasping for breath in the gravel trap. How is he feeling a few days on? “Much better. On Monday morning it was still pretty bad; I could still feel my ribs, especially whilst travelling on,” explained the Roman. “But it’s much better now and I can work as normal. I only feel pain in my ribs when I take a deep breath. But I’m fine.”

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MotoGP World Championship

09.10.2026 - 02:55