Fabio Di Giannantonio stated that the years of advantage Ducati has held on the tracks in MotoGP are no longer certain. He said that traditional circuits no longer hold the importance they once did. This Italian rider spoke before the last MotoGP race, in which Ducati won, following the unexpected defeat the brand experienced at the Red Bull Ring.
Ducati's Traditional Advantage is Questioned
Ducati faced the expectation of winning at least one race every season in Austria. However, this series ends in 2026. In the Sprint race, Aprilia won the main race with Pedro Acosta, while Ducati could not demonstrate the performance expected of its rear tire due to its hard chassis.
Giannantonio stated that Austria should be a Ducati circuit, but the result was different.
Austria should have been a Ducati circuit, but the result was different.
It is noteworthy that MotoGP shows a stronger weekend performance with Ducati. Ducati won the entire last seven MotoGP races held in Japan since the 2019 Japanese GP won by Marc Marquez on his Honda. However, Di Giannantonio does not want to rely on previous statistics after Austria.
Competition Tightens and New Factors
Di Giannantonio emphasized that competition among manufacturers in MotoGP is becoming increasingly tight.
In my opinion, this is the good side of MotoGP. You don't know for sure what will happen when you go onto the track. Because the level of competition is very high, you have to show your absolute best every time.
According to the VR46 rider, they need to be fast to be on a Ducati track.
We need to be fast to be on a Ducati track.
Two important factors are also present that increase uncertainty for the weekend in Japan. While the new asphalt poses a significant uncertainty due to tire maintenance, the possibility of rain can also affect the conditions.
Di Giannantonio expressed his excitement for the weekend.
I am really excited for the weekend. We will see how the new asphalt behaves. Weather conditions will also be a question mark for everyone, especially at the start. I want to get onto the track one minute sooner.
A Critical Test for Ducati in MotoGP
What happened in Austria shows that rival manufacturers who are traditionally strong on Ducati tracks can now directly participate in the fight for victory. MotoGP will be an important test in this regard. As Ducati tries to reestablish its dominance in the Japanese track where it won the last seven races, Aprilia and KTM will want to maintain the momentum they gained at the Red Bull Ring. Giannantonio is in fifth place in the World Championship standings for the Asia and Oceania tour. The VR46 rider has not been on the podium since last summer and aims to finish the series in MotoGP.
Statistics
- Fabio Di Giannantonio is in fifth place in the 2026 MotoGP season with 230 points (Team VR46).
- Archive: Fabio Di Giannantonio Podium Positions Secured (September 30, 2026)
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Go to sourceCompiled by Şükrü Utku Poyraz
