During pre-season testing at Sepang, Fabio Di Giannantonio suffered an unfortunate accident that prematurely halted his preparations for the upcoming MotoGP season. Returning after a long injury layoff, the Italian rider was eager to adapt to the new Ducati GP25. His testing session showed promise as he secured seventh place in the time sheets. However, the day ended in disappointment when a celebratory wheelie—an iconic tradition in the sport—resulted in an unexpected crash. As the front wheel came down, an imbalance caused the bike to lose control, leading to a fractured left collarbone.
Despite the injury, the VR46 team, led by Uccio Salucci, has expressed full support for Di Giannantonio, emphasizing that there is no need for an apology. Salucci completely dismissed any notion that the rider was at fault, stating that MotoGP athletes are instinctively driven to push their limits, and wheelies are a natural part of the sport’s culture. The team was impressed with Di Giannantonio’s pace on used tires, recognizing his increasing confidence on the bike. The crash was simply a result of an instinctive action rather than reckless behavior.
Fortunately, the injury is not as severe as some of Di Giannantonio’s past setbacks. He has already returned to Italy for surgery, once again under the care of Professor Castagna, who previously operated on him. While his recovery period is expected to be shorter than previous injuries, he will be unable to participate in the upcoming Buriram test, limiting his track time before the season opener in March. With only 49 laps completed on the new Ducati GP25, his lack of pre-season mileage will present a challenge as he prepares to return to competitive racing.
Modern MotoGP machines are equipped with advanced electronics and rider aids, yet even minor miscalculations can lead to severe consequences. The sport thrives on passion and instinct, and while safety remains a priority, restricting a rider’s natural expression would take away from the essence of racing.
History has shown that similar injuries have not stopped riders from making quick comebacks. Marco Bezzecchi, for example, suffered a comparable fracture yet returned to the podium just days after undergoing surgery. The VR46 team remains optimistic about Di Giannantonio’s recovery but insists that he should only return when he is fully fit to compete at the highest level.
While fans have expressed concern over Di Giannantonio’s setback, those within the paddock recognize that such incidents are part of the sport. The team is focused on supporting their rider and ensuring a smooth recovery, paying little attention to external media speculation surrounding the crash.
Ultimately, the incident is a minor hurdle in Di Giannantonio’s return to MotoGP. His strong performance during testing indicates that he has the potential to be competitive once fully recovered. The VR46 team stands firmly behind him, knowing that in MotoGP, taking risks and overcoming challenges are all part of the journey.
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