DI GIANNANTONIO WARNS DUCATI CAN NO LONGER COUNT ON FAVOURED TRACKS

Fabio di Giannantonio is approaching the Japanese Grand Prix without assuming Ducati’s past success at Motegi will guarantee another strong weekend. Ducati machinery has won the circuit’s last seven races, including Sprint events, dating back to Marc Marquez’s 2019 victory on a Honda. But the manufacturer’s long run of success at another traditional venue ended at the Red Bull Ring, where Aprilia won the Sprint and KTM the Grand Prix.

Ducati had taken at least one race at the Austrian circuit every year since its return to the MotoGP calendar in 2016. This time, the team struggled with the stiffer-construction rear tyre and left without a victory. For di Giannantonio, that result is a reminder that familiar track reputations are no longer a reliable guide.

“I really hope that it will be a strong Ducati [track] here, but we experienced already that these things don't really exist anymore,” he said. “Austria too had to be a Ducati track.” He added that the unpredictability is part of the appeal: “Every time you go on track you don't really know 100% what will happen.”

With competition so strong, he said Ducati must be competitive across the board and deliver a “super job” if Motegi is to suit the Desmosedici again. The circuit’s new asphalt and the possibility of rain add further uncertainty, particularly as riders begin the weekend and assess the conditions.

“I'm pumped about the weekend,” di Giannantonio said. “We'll see with the new asphalt, also the conditions will be a question mark for everybody, especially at the beginning, but I can't wait to start.”

The Italian begins the overseas stretch fifth in the world championship standings, but is still seeking his first podium since the summer break.