Back in 2016, Ducati evaluated the possibility of signing Marc Marquez but ultimately decided against it. Reports suggest that Ducati's interest in Marquez dates back nine years.

A MotoGP paddock veteran reveals that nine years ago, Ducati decided not to pursue signing Marc Marquez.

In 2016, Marquez secured his third MotoGP title within his initial four years competing in the division.

Ducati faced another year without securing a title for the ninth time, leading them to invest heavily in bringing Jorge Lorenzo on board.

Currently, experienced manager Alberto Vergani asserts that Gigi Dall’Igna from Ducati was not fixated on hiring Marquez from Honda.

"No, because back in 2017, he chose Lorenzo instead of choosing him," Vergani explained to GPone.

In 2016, Ducati made an attempt, but they were not persuaded.

"Gigi, however, still holds the top spot as the leading figure. He is an invaluable asset to Ducati. When Marc presented himself as available [towards the close of 2023], refusing him was not an option."

"Geniuses thrive on their achievements, and that's exactly how Dall’Igna operates. Gigi and Marc are both brilliant minds who have crossed paths."

"Switching from Jorge Martin to Aprilia was a difficult decision."

Just before the Valencia test, Gigi remarked, "Marc did some unexplainable things with the GP23."

Gigi Dall’Igna is highly knowledgeable about motorcycles. The Desmosedici was developed under his guidance, making him intimately familiar with its capabilities. As a result, Dall’Igna has an unparalleled understanding of Ducati's performance.

He conducted an X-ray on Marc and decided to choose him.

A significant narrative for the 2025 season will be the partnership between Marquez and Ducati's standout rider Pecco Bagnaia in the official Ducati team garage.

The skilled duo have access to the top-performing motorcycle in MotoGP.

Meanwhile, Martin, the champion, needs to get used to the Aprilia.

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Jorge Martin on Marc Marquez: "Reviewing the data, my reaction was just 'wow'…"

Jorge Martin reveals his pick for the 2025 MotoGP championship frontrunner

Jorge Martin has acknowledged that he was struck by the performance metrics of Marc Marquez from the previous year.

Martin emerged victorious as the MotoGP champion riding a factory-spec Ducati, a motorcycle that was one year more advanced than the model Marquez rode.

In 2025, Marquez makes a comeback riding a Ducati from the factory team, while Martin faces the challenge of defending his championship title as he transitions to riding an April

Martin has evaluated which of his competitors is the top contender for the 2025 championship.

"Ultimately, it's Pecco Bagnaia who has taken the lead," he shared with Marca.

"Thus, I view Pecco as the frontrunner, yet I must be honest, after reviewing the data, I've noticed some promising aspects in Marc."

Sometimes you find yourself thinking, "Wow, the bike's performance in this place is incredibly swift."

"In some instances, particularly during races in Thailand and Malaysia, it's unclear why, but his motorcycle seemed to underperform."

"I've discussed it with him, and despite his efforts, he ultimately achieved remarkable success in his races."

"Therefore, in my opinion, the GP25 definitely has potential for enhancements, yet reaching Pecco's level presents a significant challenge."

Achieving eleven victories is astounding, and at this moment, following his back-to-back championship wins and securing the second place this year, he is currently the top contender.

"Ultimately, the current discussions won't hold significance. Let's wait and observe the outcome…"

Martin faces the daunting task of competing against the factory Ducati racers, who have the advantage of riding the top-performing bike in MotoGP.

He confessed his doubts about achieving success with Aprilia.

"I firmly believe that we'll put in our utmost effort, and I'm keeping an open mind since I need to witness it firsthand, especially how the bike performs."

"Last year, the motorcycle team secured a third-place finish in the Constructors' Championship, despite not having the top-performing bike. Since then, the focus has been on making enhancements."

"I believe I have a lot to offer the new factory, including [consistency] and efficiency."

"Undoubtedly, from our collective observations, it's evident there are instances [where their position was 15th]. Thus, there's something noteworthy.

"We need to assess our initial position and ensure the factory is fully operational. I'm confident that the collective enthusiasm and dedication of the factory team will support me, and together, we're bound to achieve great outcomes, without a doubt."

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LIVE COVERAGE: VR46 unveils 2025 MotoGP designs for Fabio di Giannantonio, Franco Morbidelli

Tune in live to see VR46 reveal their 2025 MotoGP team colors in Indonesia.

Today (Saturday), Valentino Rossi's VR46 squad will unveil its MotoGP livery for the 2025 season at a presentation event in Jakarta.

This season, VR46 will replace Pramac as Ducati's official secondary team. Fabio di Giannantonio will be upgraded to ride the factory-spec GP25s, while the newly recruited Franco Morbidelli will fill the spot left by Marco Bezzecchi, riding the GP24s.

Tune in to witness the team reveal their newest colors live from the Nusa Indah Theater in Jakarta, Indonesia, starting at 18:30 local time (12:30 CET, 11:30 UK)…

The 2025 season marks VR46's fourth year in MotoGP, entirely with Ducati, and their second year under the title sponsorship of Pertamina.

In 2022, the team experienced their most successful season yet, with Bezzecchi securing three victories and finishing third in the global championship.

In the previous year, Bezzecchi and his new teammate Di Giannantonio faced challenges with the less dominant GP23.

Bezzecchi secured the team's sole podium finish at Jerez, ending up twelfth in the rankings and the lowest-placed Ducati rider.

Ex-Gresini racing victor Diggia concluded the season in tenth place overall, having sat out the last two races to receive shoulder surgery.

For two decades, Peter has been a constant presence in the racing world, witnessing the rise and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure and the challenges Marc Marquez has faced with injuries.

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PREVIEW: Rossi unveils nuances as Fabio di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli reveal the 2025 VR46 MotoGP designs

Valentino Rossi shares, "The design this year sticks to the original theme yet introduces modifications that hold a unique place in my heart."

Fabio di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli have revealed the new VR46 team livery, marking the beginning of its partnership as Ducati's designated satellite team in MotoGP.

Launched in Jakarta, the base city of main sponsor Pertamina, the 'Act 2' paint scheme keeps the bright yellow, white, and red color scheme from the previous year, while incorporating unique elements from the racing legacy of team proprietor Valentino Rossi.

Rossi delivered a message through a video during the unveiling, stating: "The design for this year will maintain the same theme but incorporate a few alterations that hold great significance for me. I truly hope it resonates with you just as deeply as it does with me."

The modifications incorporate Rossi's iconic 'sun and moon' design from his helmet, along with his well-known number 46, presented as a 'shadow' beneath Morbidelli's 21 and di Giannantonio's 49.

"Seeing the 46 above my 21 for the first time was a deeply emotional moment," expressed Morbidelli.

"Uccio admits there's some pressure, but it's a positive thing!" di Giannantonio quipped with a laugh.

The enhancement of Ducati's position signifies that di Giannantonio will embark on his second VR46 season riding a GP25 Desmosedici of factory specification, matching the equipment of official team racers Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez.

2023 Gresini racing champion Diggia, who was absent for the last two races of the previous season due to shoulder surgery, believes he has currently regained about 85% of his physical condition.

Next week at Mandalika, the Italian racer will take a Panigale superbike for a spin to assess his physical readiness before the Sepang test scheduled for February 5-7.

Morbidelli, who was Jorge Martin's colleague at Pramac the previous year, has made a move to the VR46 racing team, taking over the spot left by Marco Bezzecchi, who has transitioned to Aprilia.

The previous second-place finisher from Petronas Yamaha will continue competing on the GP24 bike he used last season.

The individual, aged 30, highlighted that his primary focus is to continue his previous season's qualifying performance while also striving to enhance his tyre management skills. His goal is to achieve a podium finish for the first time since Jerez 2021.

The upcoming MotoGP team unveilings for both the Factory and Tech3 KTM squads are scheduled for January 30th.

Peter has spent two decades in the racing circuit and witnessed Valentino Rossi's entire career span. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's battles with injuries.

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Di Giannantonio aims to interfere in the battle between the pressured duo, Bagnaia and Marquez

Diggia intends to uncover some strategies and slightly disrupt the clash between the two competitors facing stress.

In the 2025 MotoGP season, VR46's Fabio di Giannantonio aims to uncover some strategies and shake up the competition between the two riders who are feeling the heat.

The duo facing immense pressure consists of Ducati's leading figures, Francesco Bagnaia and the recently recruited Marc Marquez, who are widely regarded as the top contenders for the season's championship title.

Giannantonio, entering his second season with VR46, will stand out as the sole racer riding a factory Desmosedici GP25.

"Di Giannantonio expressed his enthusiasm for growth and learning from the top competitors on the grid, showcasing what they're capable of," he mentioned during a zoom call just before the Pertamina VR46 team's unveiling in Jakarta today.

"This year, our aim and purpose is to relish each second spent on the factory motorcycle, a feat that both the team and I consider to be a remarkable accomplishment. Additionally, we strive to surpass our previous year's results by aiming for podium finishes."

"It would be incredible to measure ourselves against them [Pecco and Marc], attempt to uncover some of their strategies, and shake things up in the battle between the two competitors feeling the heat."

Ultimately, we possess identical bicycles. Thus, my aspiration is to join their ranks, to become one of the elite.

"The objective is to get as near to them as we can, and if it's feasible, why not aim to surpass them?"

"Definitely, my goal is to achieve something significant."

In discussing the evolution of his biking technique, di Giannantonio revealed that his approach to riding is a mix of the styles employed by Bagnaia and Marquez.

"In 2023, I tended to brake very hard, similar to what Pecco did. However, using last year's motorcycle made this much more challenging for me," he stated.

"Ever since Marc became a part of Ducati, upon reviewing his performance metrics, I noticed a striking similarity in our approach to managing the throttle."

"Thus, as you mentioned, I possess a bit of everything from each one."

"Considering the project and its progression, perhaps there will be three distinct approaches to our workflow."

"Moreover, I believe the optimal approach would be for us to collaborate closely, which would expedite the development process. However, Gigi will undoubtedly handle this situation excellently."

The rider from Italy, victorious at the 2023 Qatar MotoGP representing Gresini, achieved a notable fourth-place finish while riding last year's model for VR46 in the previous season. This was before he missed the last two races to have shoulder surgery.

Diggia believes he's at about 85% of his peak condition and plans to compete on a Panigale Superbike at Mandalika the following week. Afterward, he's set to head to the Sepang MotoGP trial, which is scheduled from February 5th to 7th

Franco Morbidelli, joining as a new team member alongside Gresini racers Alex Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer, will compete using a Desmosedici GP24 motorcycle this season.

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Franco Morbidelli aims for the top three positions, stating, "I'm aiming for third, second, or first place."

He added, "Certainly, other brands will also enhance their performance."

Franco Morbidelli anticipates that the decrease in Ducati riders on the grid will not affect his aspirations for podium finishes in the upcoming MotoGP season.

However, he is convinced that "other producers will elevate their performance."

The team previously associated with Morbidelli, Pramac, which clinched the 2024 championship with Jorge Martin, is transitioning to Yamaha, reducing the number of Desmosedicis on the grid from eight to six.

Morbidelli is transitioning to VR46, aiming to end a podium dry spell that has persisted since Jerez 2021.

When asked about the decrease in Desmosedici bikes during a Zoom call before today's Pertamina VR46 team unveiling, Morbidelli said, “I'm not certain, but I believe Ducati will still perform strongly.”

"The change from six to eight Ducatis doesn't really impact my goals, as I'm not aiming for sixth, seventh, or eighth place. My sights are set on finishing in the top three positions, so whether it's six or eight makes no difference to me."

"Certainly, other producers will elevate their performance. They're set to enhance their capabilities. Our competitors will surpass their previous year's performance, and it will be interesting to observe how the dynamics shift."

"Our aim is to elevate the team's performance as much as possible, utilizing the resources available to us. We have two sets of resources, my own and naturally, those of Fabio’s [di Giannantonio, GP25], both of which are strong contenders for the leading positions. We're dedicated to achieving this goal."

In 2020, MotoGP championship second-place finisher Morbidelli was unable to participate in the previous year’s pre-season tests because of a head injury sustained during a training session on a superbike.

His performance progressively enhanced, compensating for previous setbacks and peaking with a fourth-place finish at Mandalika. Continuing on the Desmosedici GP24 this year, what areas offer potential for further improvement?

"Initially, I need to verify the areas where it seemed I made progress last year, like in qualifying," responded Morbidelli.

"During the previous year, my performance in the qualifying rounds was lacking significantly. I often found myself beginning races from the third or fourth row, which made it extremely challenging to contend for a position on the podium from such a disadvantageous starting point."

"In the final two races, it appeared that I managed to enhance my performance, securing P4 and P5 starting positions. First and foremost, we need to validate that progress and then aim to surpass it. While P4 and 5 are respectable positions, they are not optimal."

"Last year, my performance was significantly influenced by my ability to qualify, but naturally, there are other aspects like managing tyre wear during the race that I also need to work on."

During the latter part of the previous season, Morbidelli secured positions within the top six in 13 races, including both Sprint and GP events, ultimately finishing ninth in the overall rankings.

What are his objectives for the year 2025?

"He expressed his desire to build upon the strong performances showcased from the mid-point of last season through to its conclusion, aiming for further improvement."

"We made significant progress. Like I mentioned earlier, our starting point was somewhat behind, but we maintained a strong speed in almost every race during the latter half."

"I'm aiming to enhance the aspects I overlooked last year in order to contend for podium finishes and top spots, and to elevate our team's colors to the highest level possible. The team has earned that."

Last year, VR46 celebrated a solitary podium finish courtesy of Marco Bezzecchi in Jerez. However, the team enjoyed greater success in 2022, securing three race victories and finishing third overall in the world championship, led by Bezzecchi's impressive performances.

Bezzecchi has secured a position as a factory rider with Aprilia for the 2025 season, paving the way for Morbidelli, the most senior member of the VR46 Academy, to potentially join a VR46 team for the first time.

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Fabio di Giannantonio reports he is near full recovery, estimating his condition at 85% as he looks ahead to the Superbike event in Mandalika, following his surgery on his shoulder.

Fabio di Giannantonio believes he has regained about 85% of his physical condition following his absence from the last races of the previous MotoGP season due to an operation on his left shoulder, which he dislocated in Austria.

The rider from VR46 achieved his top performances from the previous season with fourth-place finishes at Phillip Island and Buriram, shortly before pulling out. This move was strategized to guarantee his readiness for pre-season trials on a factory-spec Ducati in 2025.

During a Zoom call before the unveiling of the Pertamina VR46 team today, di Giannantonio remarked:

"I'm doing well. My recuperation is progressing smoothly. Currently, I'm at approximately 85% of my optimal physical condition and I'm optimistic about enhancing it slightly over the coming weeks, just in time for the season's initial trial and race."

The winter season stretched on for quite some time. I invested a great deal of effort across various fields. I'm eagerly looking forward to getting back on the track in the upcoming week.

"The strategy involves spending several days riding a Panigale at Mandalika to evaluate my physical condition ahead of this year's initial MotoGP trial."

The initial run with the Desmosedici GP25 is scheduled for February 5-7 at Sepang in Malaysia, before a concluding trial in Buriram, the location of the Thai season's first race on March 1-2.

"Di Giannantonio expressed complete enthusiasm," he stated. "Despite the lengthy winter, it provided ample opportunity for recuperation, particularly from a mental perspective, and to rejuvenate energy levels."

"I'm really looking forward to hitting the track once the team has kicked off."

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Davide Tardozzi: "My strategy remains the same" for Pecco Bagnaia, Marc Marquez

"I'm confident that collaborating with them will be straightforward"

Ducati team leader Davide Tardozzi is confident that overseeing MotoGP titleholder Francesco Bagnaia alongside recent recruit Marc Marquez under one roof this year will be a straightforward task.

For the past couple of years, Ducati found itself managing a championship contention between its own Desmosedici rider, Bagnaia, and Pramac's Jorge Martin. However, 2025 is poised to mark the initial occasion where two riders from the Official team will directly compete against each other for the title.

Numerous individuals anticipate a spectacle, sooner or later.

However, ex-racer Tardozzi, known for his emotionally expressive responses to the triumphs and setbacks of the sport often captured by cameras in the Ducati team's area, firmly believes that seasoned champions are more manageable than rookies.

Tardozzi stated during the Ducati team presentation that he has no plans to alter his strategy, emphasizing that collaborating with champions is significantly simpler than working with less experienced 'kids'.

"I'm quite familiar with Pecco already, whereas I'm beginning to get to know Marc. I believe it's going to be straightforward. This belief is reinforced by the mutual respect I observe between them.

"They communicate frequently. They're collaborating to enhance the motorcycle, and ultimately, the racetrack will determine the leaders and the followers.

"However, this will serve as motivation for whoever is trailing to improve in the next race. Therefore, I'm confident that collaborating with them will be quite straightforward."

The 65-year-old Italian promised, "Just as we have done before, we will back both competitors. We possess the capability to do so. We will stand behind those two victors – for we have two victors, not merely two competitors – and we take pride in having them.

"We are committed to providing them with the utmost support, and should any individual choose a distinct path [regarding set-up or components], our aim will be to assist him as effectively as possible."

Tardozzi emerged victorious in the inaugural WorldSBK race at Donington Park in 1988 and subsequently guided eight Ducati riders to Superbike championships before moving to a role with the factory's MotoGP team.

Over several seasons, Tardozzi viewed Marquez as an adversary when the Repsol Honda competitor repeatedly dashed Ducati's championship aspirations with Andrea Dovizioso during the years 2017, 2018, and 2019.

Despite this, Dovi managed to secure some exhilarating wins over Marquez, notably a dramatic final-corner battle in Austria in 2017, where Tardozzi was prominently featured in the victory festivities.

"Tardozzi mentioned, "We've already had a conversation with Marc regarding this!" He expressed his joy upon defeating him, acknowledging that they had triumphed over the top rider at that time.

"When we clashed against him, I felt elated, and so did our team, because overcoming Marc during those moments was an extraordinary achievement for us."

Bagnaia secured Tardozzi's initial MotoGP championships as a team manager during 2022 and 2023, prior to being overtaken by Martin in the concluding race of the previous year.

Ducati chose to prioritize Marquez, leading Martin with the top rider's designation to switch to Aprilia for the current season.

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Davide Tardozzi: "I won't alter my strategy" for Pecco Bagnaia, Marc Marquez

"I am confident it will be straightforward to collaborate with them."

Davide Tardozzi, the manager of the Ducati team, is confident that handling MotoGP champions Francesco Bagnaia and the newly acquired Marc Marquez together in the same team garage this season will be 'very easy'.

Over the past two seasons, Ducati has had to manage a championship fight between their Desmosedici rider Bagnaia and Pramac's Jorge Martin. However, 2025 appears to be shaping up as the inaugural year where two riders from the Official team will directly compete against each other for the title.

Numerous individuals are forecasting that fireworks will happen eventually.

Former racer Tardozzi, known for openly displaying his emotions during the triumphs and setbacks in racing, which are often captured on camera in the Ducati garage, firmly believes that working with champions is simpler than working with rookies.

At the Ducati team launch, Tardozzi expressed that he does not intend to alter his strategy, emphasizing that dealing with champions is ultimately simpler than working with inexperienced young riders.

"I am quite familiar with Pecco, but I am just beginning to get to know Marc. I believe it will be straightforward. The mutual respect I observe between them reinforces my perspective."

"They communicate frequently and collaborate on enhancing the bike. Ultimately, it's the performance on the racetrack that will determine who leads and who trails."

"Whoever is trailing will see this as motivation to improve in the next race. I'm confident that collaborating with them will be straightforward."

The 65-year-old Italian promised to back both racers, just as was done previously. He stated that they have the ability to provide this support. He emphasized their pride in having two champions on their team, not merely two riders.

"We will assist them as effectively as possible, and if someone chooses a different approach, whether in configuration or components, we will strive to provide the best support for them."

In 1988, Tardozzi claimed victory at the inaugural WorldSBK event held at Donington Park. He later played a pivotal role in guiding eight Ducati riders to Superbike championship titles before transitioning to a position with the MotoGP factory team.

For several years, Tardozzi viewed Marquez as a competitor, with the Repsol Honda racer preventing Ducati and Andrea Dovizioso from claiming the championship in 2017, 2018, and 2019.

However, Dovi managed to secure some exciting wins over Marquez, including a dramatic final-turn victory in Austria in 2017, where Tardozzi played a key role in the celebrations following the race.

Tardozzi mentioned that they had already discussed the matter with Marc. He expressed his joy at defeating Marc, as he recognized that they were overcoming the top rider at that time.

"When we competed against him, I felt extremely happy, and our team shared that excitement because defeating Marc during that period was an unbelievable achievement for us."

In 2022 and 2023, Bagnaia brought Tardozzi his initial MotoGP championships as a team manager, but ultimately lost to Martin in the last race of the previous year.

Ducati has chosen Marquez over Martin, leading Martin and his number one plate to switch to Aprilia for the upcoming season.

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Franco Morbidelli: "My aim is to secure third, second, or first place."

"However, it's certain that other manufacturers will also enhance their performance."

Franco Morbidelli believes that the decrease in the number of Ducati bikes on the grid will not influence his aim of reaching the podium in the upcoming MotoGP season.

However, he thinks that "other manufacturers will enhance their efforts."

As Morbidelli's previous team, Pramac, which clinched the 2024 championship with Jorge Martin, transitions to Yamaha, the number of Desmosedici bikes will decrease from eight to six.

One of the individuals is Morbidelli, who is transferring to VR46 and is determined to end his podium absence, which has persisted since Jerez in 2021.

When asked about the decrease in Desmosedici bikes during a Zoom call before today's Pertamina VR46 team event, Morbidelli responded that he wasn't certain but was confident that Ducati would be competitive.

"Whether the Ducatis are in sixth or eighth place doesn't matter much to me because I'm not aiming for positions six, seven, or eight. I'm focused on reaching positions one, two, or three. So, the change from eighth to sixth won't impact my goals."

"Undoubtedly, other manufacturers will enhance their efforts. They will make advancements, and our competitors will be stronger than they were last year. We'll have to wait and see how things will even out."

"Our main goal is to elevate the team as much as possible with the resources available to us. Both my package and Fabio's [di Giannantonio, GP25] are capable of competing for top positions. We are committed to making that happen."

Franco Morbidelli, who finished second in the 2020 MotoGP championship, was unable to participate in the pre-season tests last year because he sustained a head injury while practicing on a superbike.

His performance consistently got better as he compensated for the time he had missed, ultimately securing fourth position at Mandalika. With another year on the same Desmosedici GP24, what areas can he enhance?

"To begin with, I need to verify the aspects that seemed to show improvement last year, like my performance in qualifying," Morbidelli responded.

"In the previous year, I struggled significantly during the qualifying sessions. I often found myself starting from the third or fourth row, which made it quite challenging to compete for a podium finish from those positions."

In the last two races, it seemed like I managed to enhance my performance, starting in fourth and fifth positions. Our initial step is to verify that progress and then work on further enhancing it, as finishing in fourth or fifth is decent but not perfect.

"Last year, qualifying played a significant role in impacting my performance, but I also need to work on certain aspects like managing race pace and handling tyres better."

In the latter part of last season, Morbidelli secured 13 finishes within the top six in both Sprint and Grand Prix races, ultimately placing ninth in the overall rankings.

What goals has he set for the year 2025?

He expressed his desire to build upon his impressive performances from the latter half of last season until its conclusion.

"We made significant progress. As I mentioned, we began from a position that was somewhat too far back, but we showed excellent speed in almost every race during the latter half."

"I'm aiming to enhance the aspects I fell short on last year to compete for podium finishes and top spots, and to elevate the team's colors as much as possible. The team truly deserves this."

Last season, Marco Bezzecchi secured VR46's sole podium finish at Jerez. However, in 2022, the team clinched three victories, leading them to finish third in the world championship with Bezzecchi.

In 2025, Bezzecchi will join the factory Aprilia team, creating an opportunity for Morbidelli, the VR46 Academy's most senior member, to potentially race for a VR46 team.

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For two decades, Peter has been a notable presence in the paddock, witnessing Valentino Rossi's career from start to finish. He is currently leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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Fabio di Giannantonio at 85% Recovery, Preparing for Superbike Event in Mandalika

Fabio di Giannantonio shares a health update after undergoing shoulder surgery.

Following surgery on his left shoulder, which he dislocated in Austria, Fabio di Giannantonio believes he has regained about 85% of his physical condition. He had to sit out the last MotoGP races of the previous season to have the procedure.

The VR46 racer achieved his top performances of the previous season by finishing in fourth place at both Phillip Island and Buriram. Shortly afterwards, he decided to withdraw to prioritize his readiness for pre-season testing on a factory-spec Ducati in 2025.

During a Zoom meeting prior to the launch of the Pertamina VR46 team today, Di Giannantonio expressed:

"I'm doing well. My recovery is progressing smoothly. I'm currently at about 85% of my optimal physical condition, and I aim to make further improvements in the coming weeks leading up to the initial test and the first race of the season."

"The winter season felt extended. I put in significant effort across all fields. I'm eager to get back on the track next week."

"The strategy involves spending several days riding a Panigale at Mandalika to evaluate my physical condition ahead of this year's initial MotoGP test."

The first session with the Desmosedici GP25 is scheduled for February 5-7 at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia. Afterward, there will be a concluding test at Buriram, which will also host the start of the Thai season, on March 1-2.

"I'm feeling completely driven," stated di Giannantonio. "The winter break was lengthy, but it provided a great opportunity to recuperate, particularly in terms of mental health, and to rejuvenate my energy."

"Once the team launch is over, I'm eager to get started on the track."

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For two decades, Peter has been involved in the paddock, witnessing the arrival and departure of Valentino Rossi. He is currently at the center of the unfolding narrative about Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's ongoing injury challenges.

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Di Giannantonio aims to "interrupt the battle" involving Bagnaia and Marquez, who are feeling the "heat."

Diggia is looking to "pick up some insights and slightly disrupt the contest between the two competitors who are under pressure."

Fabio di Giannantonio from the VR46 team aims to "uncover some insights" and "interfere in the competition between the two high-stress competitors" in the 2025 MotoGP season.

The individuals facing significant pressure are Ducati's top riders, Francesco Bagnaia and newly recruited Marc Marquez, who are the leading contenders for the championship before the season begins.

Giannantonio, considered an underdog, is beginning his second season with VR46 and will be the sole rider alongside the factory team on a Desmosedici GP25.

During a Zoom call prior to the Pertamina VR46 team's launch in Jakarta today, Di Giannantonio expressed his enthusiasm, stating that there is a fantastic chance to enhance their skills, gain insights from the grid's top performers, and demonstrate their capabilities.

This year, our aim and mission are to savor every moment on the factory bike. This accomplishment is remarkable for both the team and me. Additionally, we hope to enhance our performances from last year by striving to secure a spot on the podium.

"It will be exciting for us to measure ourselves against Pecco and Marc, attempt to learn some of their techniques, and potentially disrupt the intense competition between these two pressured competitors."

"Ultimately, we all ride the same bike. My goal is to be among the top riders."

"The objective is to get as near to them as we can, and if the opportunity arises, we should attempt to surpass them."

"I'm definitely striving for something significant."

When discussing bike development, di Giannantonio stated that his riding technique combines elements of both Bagnaia and Marquez's styles.

"In the year 2023, I was known for braking aggressively, and my style was similar to Pecco's. However, with last year's motorcycle, achieving that was significantly more challenging for me," he stated.

"After Marc became a part of Ducati, I noticed something interesting while reviewing his data: our approach to using the throttle was remarkably alike."

"As you mentioned, I possess a bit of everything from each one."

"Considering the project's progress, there might be three distinct approaches we could take."

"Additionally, I believe the most effective approach would be for us to collaborate closely to accelerate progress. However, I'm confident that Gigi will handle this in the most optimal way."

The Italian rider, who claimed victory at the 2023 Qatar MotoGP with the Gresini team, achieved his top finish of fourth place while riding a previous year's bike for VR46 last season. He missed the final two races to have shoulder surgery.

Diggia predicts that he is about 85% physically ready at the moment. He plans to ride a Panigale Superbike at Mandalika next week, followed by attending the MotoGP test in Sepang from February 5th to 7th.

Franco Morbidelli, who is joining the team, will compete on a Desmosedici GP24 this season, just like Gresini racers Alex Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer.

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For two decades, Peter has been present in the racing paddock, witnessing the career of Valentino Rossi from start to finish. He is also closely following the developments surrounding Suzuki's departure and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with his injuries.

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