DI GIANNANTONIO TARGETS A RETURN TO THE PODIUM FIGHT IN MOTEGI

Fabio Di Giannantonio heads to the Japanese Grand Prix looking to halt a dip in form and return to the podium fight. The VR46 rider was unhappy with his results at the Red Bull Ring, finishing 10th in the sprint and ninth in the Grand Prix. Ducati riders generally struggled at the circuit, once considered a strong venue for the manufacturer, while Pedro Acosta and Aprilia’s riders contested the leading positions.

His home round at Misano had also brought mixed results: fourth in the sprint and seventh in the main race. With seven events remaining, Di Giannantonio sits fifth in the championship, 76 points behind leader Jorge Martin.

“I want to get back on the bike and work even harder,” he said ahead of the 16th round. “The last two races haven’t gone as we wanted.” He is encouraged by the prospect of racing at Motegi, a track he likes, and said the team’s aim is to be competitive and “fight for podiums again.”

The Italian also expects a demanding final stretch, with four Grands Prix scheduled across five weeks in October. “We want to put in a great performance in this challenging final part of the season,” he said, noting that the upcoming circuits suit him. He plans to stay focused and work closely with his team, adding: “I’m very motivated!”

Motegi has not been a strong venue for him in the past: in 2025, he finished 13th in both the sprint and the Grand Prix.