Fabio Di Giannantonio has admitted that he hasn’t been riding at 100% fitness since injuring his shoulder during pre-season testing.
The Italian rider broke his collarbone after attempting a wheelie in Sepang, but returned in time for the first race of the season with VR46 in Thailand.
Since then, Di Giannantonio has gradually built momentum and impressively secured a podium at the Grand Prix of Americas.
He sits 5th in the MotoGP riders’ championship, but teammate Franco Morbidelli has been slightly more impressive and consistent.
Di Giannantonio wants to cause ‘pain’ to Marc Marquez and is ready to thwart his title charge as he recovers from his injury.
He knows he’s fortunate to be in his current position. Di Giannantonio credits VR46 for changing his life by giving him an opportunity.
Fabio Di Giannantonio admits ‘stupid’ shoulder could break after 20 seconds in the gym
Having a dominant GP25 Ducati machine at his disposal should mean that Di Giannantonio is in contention for race victories this year.
Only when he is at the peak of his physical powers will he be able to compete with the rapid factory team bikes or Alex Marquez’s Gresini.
However, he still has worries about his shoulder. The 26-year-old has just revealed some worrying details about his left side.
“Let’s keep in mind that I did a wheelie and I fell and unfortunately, I also broke my collarbone, so another operation. Clavicle on the same shoulder and the shoulder still wasn’t 100%,” he said.
“So I basically started the year, these are the last ones since Qatar that I’m feeling pretty good. Otherwise, I’ve basically done four races up until now with three-quarters of my body, let’s say, because the shoulder still isn’t very strong.
“I mean, I’m fine now, but I’ll give a stupid example. Yesterday I was in the gym, if I have to do a left lateral plan that I have to lean on with my left shoulder, I even try just leaning on it. It lasted just 20 seconds, otherwise, I could have broken my shoulder.”
READ MORE: What classy Fabio di Giannantonio did in MotoGP pitlane after Jorge Martin’s Qatar Grand Prix crash
When does Fabio Di Giannantonio’s VR46 contract end?
Compared to Morbidelli, Di Giannantonio has a little more long-term security under his belt. He also has another advantage over his teammate.
Di Giannantonio’s contract runs out in 2026, with Morbidelli’s current deal set to expire at the end of the season.
After Pramac’s switch to Yamaha bikes over the winter, the 26-year-old now receives the third and final current specification Ducati.
It means that he should inherit the better machinery next year, too. It’s why he thinks he should be able to beat Marquez when he’s fit again.
