Di Giannantonio made official with VR46

The last vacant seat for the 2024 season of MotoGP found a buyer. Fabio Di Giannantonio will complete the VR46 line-up alongside Marco Bezzecchi.

It was announced during the Valencia Grand Prix that Valentino Rossi would deliver his verdict from the Ricardo Tormo circuit, two options then available to the multiple world champion. One, already known to everyone, was Fabio Di Giannantonio, Gresini rider looking for a handlebar since the officialization of Marc Marquez in the Ducati satellite team. The other being a young pilot whose name had not been revealed.

It is ultimately the Italian who will take the place of Luca Marini whose departure for Honda was announced on the morning of Monday, November 27. The video announcement published by the team on its social networks specifies that this is an agreement for 2024, without mentioning whether Di Giannantonio will continue beyond the deadline.

The 25-year-old Italian made a strong impression at the end of the season by fighting regularly for the podium, as well as twice for victory, finding the path to success for the first time in the premier category during the penultimate appointment on the calendar.

“I am happy to join a team as strong as the VR46 Racing Team, declares the winner of the Qatar Grand Prix. I can learn a lot and I can't wait to start working on this project. Over the last two seasons in MotoGP I have grown a lot and in this team I will definitely be able to mature further and achieve excellent results. Thanks to everyone who made this possible. »

Di Giannantonio and VR46 join forces

Fabio Di Giannantonio🐺 x @ VR46RacingTeam 🟡⚫

Mooney VR46 Racing Team & Fabio Di Giannantonio together for the 2024 season#MooneyVR46RacingTeam # VR46 #ValenciaTest #MotoGP #Diggia49 pic.twitter.com/G3jX54fR7t

— Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team (@VR46RacingTeam) November 27, 2023

“I am really happy to announce that Fabio will be joining our team, adds Alessio Salucci, team director. It was an unexpected arrival, but I'm glad we chose it. During the season he didn't get lost when things didn't go well and I'm sure he will be able to feel at home here. At motorsport level, he has proven himself to be among the fastest young Italians, and the aim is to help him remain competitive but also consistent in his results.

It is an ambitious project, it marks a turning point in the history of our team, he assures, referring to the Italian’s experience. However, I am sure that we will give everything to achieve success together. »

This announcement was the last expected at the end of the season, and means that the 2024 MotoGP grid is now complete.

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