Written by Owen Bradley
In a shocking twist at the tail-end of 2023, Luca Marini would leave Team VR46 for Repsol Honda, seeking to fulfil his dream of riding for a Factory team.
Di Giannantonio (DiGi) rode for Gresini Ducati in 2023, and after a quiet first half of the year, the young Italian came alive in the final stages of the season, taking a maiden victory in Qatar, and nearly taking victory at the finale in Valencia, before being hit with a post-race penalty.
Valentino Rossi himself flew out to Valencia in support of Francesco Bagnaia, who won the 2023 MotoGP title. But he was also there to seek out a new rider for their MotoGP squad in 2024, along with Alessio Salucci and other VR46 members.
Fabio DiGi has been in incredible form towards the end of the year, challenging for victory against Bagnaia, on the Factory Ducati with his Satellite Ducati machine.
DiGi went into the Final weekend in Valencia, as a man without a ride for 2024, but he has now been given this chance by VR46. He is not actually a part of the VR46 Riders Academy, unlike Marini, Bezzecchi and Bagnaia, but will surely become a part of that now.
DiGi has fought exceptionally hard for his seat in 2024, and now joins a great lineup at VR46 with Marco Bezzecchi, who got 3rd place in the Championship in just his second season.
Team Director Alessio "Uccio" Salucci welcomed the Qatar winner to the Rossi team:
"It was unexpected and a bit last-minute, but I'm delighted that he was chosen. He showed a great season finale, he didn't let things get him down when things weren't going in the right direction and I'm sure he'll feel at home here."
"From a sporting point of view, he has shown that he is one of the fastest young Italians. He will now continue to work with Ducati and the aim is for him to be not only competitive but also consistent. It is an ambitious project that marks a turning point in our team, but I am convinced that we will all give the maximum to work in the same direction."
"I'm delighted to be part of such a strong team" said Diggia himself.
"I have a lot to learn and can't wait to start working on this project together. We can create really great things together. I have grown over the past two years in MotoGP and I will certainly be able to mature in this team to achieve great results. I am motivated and looking forward to getting to know the whole team."
In 2024, we have an absolutely thrilling Championship setup now with a lot of potential Championship Challengers such as:
Marc Marquez (Gresini Ducati), Francesco Bagnaia (Factory Ducati), Marco Bezzecchi (VR46 Ducati), Jorge Martin (Pramac Ducati), Fabio DiGI (VR46 Ducati) and perhaps we will see other riders, rise to the occasion too next year, like Brad Binder.
What do you make of VR46’s decision? Let us know in the comments below!
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