MotoGP: Fabio di Giannantonio Speaks Out On 'Special' Valentino Rossi Tribute

Saajan Jogia | Aug 5, 2024

Fabio di Giannantonio VR46 Team British GP 2024 /

Fabio di Giannantonio received high praise when someone told him he looked like MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi during the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Courtesy of the sport's 75th anniversary celebrations, teams followed a retro theme for their bikes and riders, leading VR46 to adopt a classic Rossi look.

It wasn't just the livery on his leathers and bike, his body language also mimicked the iconic Rossi 'Doctor' look. Giannantonio finished the race in fifth place and expressed that it was particularly special to ride in gear that paid homage to his team owner, Valentino Rossi.

Speaking after the race, the Italian rider told the media:

“It was so special. When I saw the bike for the first time, before this weekend, I said it was amazing.

“Then I saw it for real, and it was just fantastic.

“To have all the kit is just fantastic.

“From my side, I wanted a special helmet too, for Vale.

“They gave me a huge opportunity this year. I wanted to thank Vale and the team. To wear this helmet and these colours was a proud moment for me.

“I tried to give it all, to put all the livery on top! We did a good job.”

As always a pleasure, see you next time Silverstone! 🇬🇧@Marco12_B @FabioDiggia49 @ComoliFerrari #BritishGP #PertaminaEnduroVR46RacingTeam #MotoGP #MB72 #Diggia49 #VR46 pic.twitter.com/jSGVbLIsxP

— Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team (@VR46RacingTeam) August 5, 2024

Some commentators went so far as to liken Di Giannantonio to Rossi, considering his smooth riding style around the circuit. The 25-year-old rider responded:

“Wow, you give me goosebumps!

“For sure, I have many less wins and podiums. I am fully honoured someone said this.

“I gave it my all. For my team and the livery that we were wearing.

"I’m proud that somebody said this about my race. Thank you.”

In a fierce battle with Gresini rider Alex Marquez, Giannantonio admitted to losing approximately two seconds in what felt like an endless contest. During an overtaking maneuver, Giannantonio tapped the back of his seat, signaling Marquez to follow his lead. Speaking about the encounter, he explained:

“He was much slower. I wanted to overtake in a fast way, to close the gap to the front guys.

“I did one overtake, he overtook me. We lost a lot of time, almost two seconds in the fight.

“It was a pity because I had the pace to go with Marc to the front, and with Aleix, maybe with Pecco.

“It was a gesture of ‘come on, let’s collaborate to go forwards, let’s not do stupid things’.”

Next year, the VR46 team will assume the role of Ducati's primary satellite team, taking over from Pramac and receiving full factory support. This will include the use of a single GP25, anticipated to be allocated to Di Giannantonio, though he refrained from confirming this post-race on Sunday.