Valentino Rossi couldn’t resist a light-hearted jab at Fabio di Giannantonio’s rumored departure after the Italian rider secured VR46’s first MotoGP victory since 2023 at a dramatic Catalunya Grand Prix. Di Giannantonio, nursing a hand injury from flying debris in the earlier race-stopping crash, fought back to overtake Pedro Acosta in the closing stages and deliver a long-awaited win for Rossi’s team.
As di Giannantonio celebrated trackside, Rossi—caught on camera in the latest MotoGP Unseen video—joked, “Are you sure you want to leave us?” The question comes amid strong speculation that di Giannantonio, Ducati’s leading rider in the championship, is set to join the factory KTM squad for MotoGP’s new 850cc era. Di Giannantonio smiled but left the question unanswered, with Rossi congratulating him warmly: “Great job! Bravo.”
The Catalunya win marks VR46’s first since Marco Bezzecchi’s triumph at the 2023 Indian Grand Prix, and their first as Ducati’s official satellite team. With Fermin Aldeguer expected to join VR46 from Gresini next season and Franco Morbidelli’s future uncertain, the team’s 2027 lineup remains in flux. Rossi emphasized the importance of keeping at least one Italian in the squad, with names like Nicolo Bulega, Luca Marini, and Celestino Vietti all in the mix for a seat.
For now, di Giannantonio’s future may be undecided, but his victory has reignited celebrations and hope in the VR46 camp.
