Di Giannantonio says Marquez form disproves
VR46 rider Fabio Di Giannantonio rejects the idea that MotoGP's 2026 title fight is dictated by circuits favouring either Ducati or Aprilia, arguing Marc
VR46 Ducati rider Fabio Di Giannantonio has dismissed the popular theory that the 2026 MotoGP championship is being decided by tracks favouring either Ducati or Aprilia machinery. He believes Marc Marquez's recent run of five wins in seven grands prix is silencing that debate.
Di Giannantonio, who rides a factory-spec Ducati GP26, addressed the media ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix. The current season has seen a close battle between the two Italian manufacturers, with analysis suggesting the Aprilia RS-GP excels on fast, flowing circuits while the Ducati performs better on stop-and-go layouts. This has led to the calendar being informally divided into 'Aprilia tracks' and 'Ducati tracks'.
Rider Talent Trumps Track Characteristics
The Italian rider acknowledged that certain circuits can suit one bike more than another. However, he insisted the ultimate difference is made by the rider. "In my opinion, looking for tracks that favour Ducati or Aprilia is something you journalists are particularly interested in," said Di Giannantonio. "There are incredible riders at both manufacturers, and whoever does the best job wins. That's the truth."
He pointed directly to the form of eight-time world champion Marc Marquez as the clearest evidence. Marquez, also on a factory Ducati, has taken a commanding position in the championship with his recent victories. Aprilia is doing a great job and has achieved great results on some tracks, Di Giannantonio conceded, but Marquez is silencing everyone. It all depends on how you work on the bike.
Di Giannantonio's Mixed Season
Di Giannantonio's own season has been one of contrasts. He was Ducati's most consistent performer for much of the first half of the year, even emerging as an outside title contender. That run included a victory at the Catalan Grand Prix in May. Since that win, however, he has failed to finish on a Sunday podium.
He now sits fourth in the standings, 51 points behind the joint leaders Marquez and Jorge Martin. A difficult weekend at Misano exemplified his recent struggles. After qualifying fourth, a poor start dropped him to tenth on the opening lap. He could only recover to seventh place, finishing over 20 seconds behind race winner Marquez.
Looking Ahead to Austria
Despite the recent setbacks, Di Giannantonio says the team's underlying speed gives him confidence for the upcoming race at the Red Bull Ring. We're showing good, often excellent, speed at every track, he stated. He attributed the Misano result to a series of unfortunate events rather than a lack of performance.
We'll arrive in Austria in a negative mood, but only because a series of negative things piled up, he explained. In my opinion, morale should be high. We're fourth in the world championship and we're doing a great job. The team heads to the Austrian circuit, a classic stop-and-go layout, in determined spirits. Ducati, a brand first created in the 1920s for motorcycle racing and known for its L-twin engine configuration, will be hoping its machinery and riders can deliver a strong result.
Di Giannantonio concluded by reaffirming his belief in the project. So we're heading to Austria in high spirits because we can do well. His comments show a season where rider skill is repeatedly challenging preconceived notions about machine advantage.
