Fabio Di Giannantonio, the 26-year-old MotoGP rider, has faced a challenging start to his season with an injury that caused him to miss key testing sessions and races. However, despite the circumstances surrounding his injury, VR46 team director Uccio Salucci has come to Di Giannantonio’s defense, emphasizing that there is no need for the rider to apologize for what happened during a recent testing session. The incident occurred during a routine practice session at the Sepang circuit, where Di Giannantonio suffered a broken left collarbone after losing balance while performing a wheelie.
In this article, we will look into the details surrounding Di Giannantonio’s injury, his recovery process, and the team’s outlook on his potential return to racing. We will also explore the team’s reaction to the incident, as well as the broader context of MotoGP testing and the nature of the sport.
Di Giannantonio‘s Accident: A Close Call During Testing
Fabio Di Giannantonio was part of the Ducati team’s testing session at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia in early 2025. It was a crucial opportunity for Di Giannantonio to get back on his Ducati GP25 bike after missing the November Barcelona tests due to rehabilitation following a prior injury. On the first day of testing, Di Giannantonio impressed with his performance, finishing in a respectable seventh place, just 0.710 seconds behind Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo.
However, things took an unfortunate turn when the session ended. After completing the day’s testing, Di Giannantonio went out for some fun practice, attempting to lift the front wheel of his bike. This was not uncommon for MotoGP riders, who often perform wheelies during practice after a long day of testing, as a way to relieve stress and enjoy their bikes. Unfortunately, in this instance, Di Giannantonio lost his balance when the front wheel came down unexpectedly after lifting. The front of the bike slowed too much compared to the rear, causing it to lose stability, and Di Giannantonio crashed to the ground.
The result was a broken left collarbone, which brought an abrupt end to the testing session and forced Di Giannantonio to return to Italy for surgery. This was a major setback for both Di Giannantonio and the VR46 team, as the rider had only just returned to action after recovering from an earlier shoulder injury. Despite the setback, VR46’s reaction to the incident was one of understanding and support for Di Giannantonio.
VR46’s Response: “No Need to Apologize for Lifting a Wheelie”
Following the accident, Uccio Salucci, the team director of VR46, was quick to defend Di Giannantonio. In an interview with GPOne, Salucci emphasized that riders are not to blame for wanting to have fun on their bikes. He made it clear that the team did not hold Di Giannantonio accountable for the incident. “I don’t want a driver to apologize for lifting a wheelie,” Salucci stated, highlighting that wheelies are a common practice among MotoGP riders. After a long day of testing, lifting a wheelie is simply a way for riders to enjoy themselves and de-stress before they head off the track.
Salucci went on to explain that Di Giannantonio had been in a good mood throughout the day, showing enthusiasm and a smile on his face. Despite the injury, Salucci emphasized that Di Giannantonio had a positive outlook and was focused on returning to full fitness as soon as possible. He acknowledged that the rider had already expressed his regret to the team for the injury, but Salucci was adamant that there was no need for an apology.
This perspective is crucial in understanding the mindset of both the rider and the team. In the high-stress world of MotoGP, the pressure is intense, and riders are constantly pushing their limits. For Salucci and VR46, the priority is not to punish Di Giannantonio for an unfortunate accident but to support him in his recovery and ensure he gets back to racing as soon as possible.
Di Giannantonio’s Injury History and Recovery
This recent collarbone injury is not the first setback Di Giannantonio has experienced. In 2024, he missed the final two races of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a shoulder injury that he sustained during a crash in the Austrian Grand Prix. The same shoulder had been affected by a previous injury, and the impact of that crash prevented him from racing in the final stages of the season.
The current injury, while unfortunate, appears to be less serious. Initial checks have revealed that the collarbone fracture is not as severe as his previous shoulder injury, which required a lengthy recovery. Salucci was optimistic about Di Giannantonio’s chances of returning to action sooner rather than later. “This is not like the shoulder injury last year,” Salucci commented. “Broken collarbones are among the more ‘mild’ injuries for a rider.”
Salucci also referenced the recovery of Marco Bezzecchi, a fellow VR46 rider, who was able to race just five days after undergoing surgery for a similar collarbone fracture. Bezzecchi’s quick recovery provided a sense of optimism within the team. “If everything goes well, Fabio can make it to the Buriram GP,” Salucci added, referring to the first race of the season in March 2025.
Despite the positive prognosis, Di Giannantonio’s recovery will be closely monitored, and the team will rely on medical checks to confirm that he is fit enough to compete. If everything proceeds according to plan, Di Giannantonio could return to racing at the Buriram Grand Prix in Thailand.
The Mental and Physical Toll on Di Giannantonio
Di Giannantonio’s career has been marked by both highs and lows, with a mix of impressive performances and unfortunate setbacks. After a tough 2024 season, the crash in Sepang was another blow to his momentum, but it also serves as a reminder of the risks involved in MotoGP racing. Despite the physical challenges, Di Giannantonio remains determined to return stronger.
Salucci noted that Di Giannantonio had a difficult season in 2024 but was showing a positive attitude after his injury. “He had a tough season last year, but when he came out on the track yesterday, he had a smile on his face,” Salucci remarked. This positivity is essential for the recovery process, as Di Giannantonio’s mental state plays a crucial role in his ability to heal and regain his strength.
The road to recovery for Di Giannantonio will involve not only physical rehabilitation but also mental fortitude. MotoGP riders must stay focused and resilient in the face of adversity, and Di Giannantonio’s commitment to returning to racing will be tested in the coming weeks. However, with the support of the VR46 team and a medical team monitoring his progress, Di Giannantonio will have the resources to get back to full fitness.
Looking Ahead: Di Giannantonio’s Future in MotoGP
As Di Giannantonio continues his recovery, the team is hopeful that he will be back on the track sooner rather than later. The injury has been a setback, but it is one that the team believes Di Giannantonio can overcome. The experience of the past season and the challenges he has faced have only made him more determined to succeed, and the team is confident that he will return stronger than before.
In conclusion, the support shown by VR46 towards Di Giannantonio following his injury highlights the strong team dynamic and the understanding that accidents happen in MotoGP. Di Giannantonio’s recovery is expected to be swift, and the team remains optimistic about his chances of returning to racing in 2025. The future looks bright for the young rider, and with the encouragement of his team, he is set to make a strong comeback.
