VR46 Ducati rider Fabio di Giannantonio will miss the final two rounds of the 2024 MotoGP season as he prepares to undergo surgery on his left shoulder, which he injured during practice at the Austrian Grand Prix in August. The Italian rider sustained the injury in a crash, and despite efforts to manage the condition, he has decided that surgery is necessary to ensure he can return to full fitness for the 2025 season.
The surgery is scheduled to take place after the Thailand Grand Prix, the penultimate race of the 2024 season, following this weekend's round in Australia. Di Giannantonio has opted for the procedure now to balance completing as many races as possible this year while ensuring he is physically ready for the challenges of the next season.
In 2025, Di Giannantonio will remain with the VR46 Ducati team but will be riding a factory-spec Ducati for the first time in his MotoGP career. The upgrade to the factory-spec machine is a significant step forward for the Italian rider, who hopes to capitalize on the opportunity by starting the season in peak physical condition.
Speaking about the decision, Di Giannantonio said, “We’ll go ahead with the surgery after Thailand. It’s the best compromise between doing as many races as possible this year and starting next year in the best condition. The plan is to be as ready as possible for the Sepang pre-season test and then 100% in time for the first race.”
While the surgery means Di Giannantonio will miss the final two races, he emphasized the importance of being fully fit for the start of the 2025 season. He acknowledged the frustration of having to end his 2024 campaign early but remains focused on the long-term goal of being in top form for next year.
“It’s not fantastic for me because it’s never good to miss races and finish the season earlier than others," he admitted. "But at the same time, it’s an opportunity to be 100% physically fit for next year. So we have to accept this and work with it.”
With his sights set on returning stronger in 2025, Di Giannantonio aims to be fully recovered for the Sepang pre-season test, which will mark his first time riding the factory-spec Ducati. The 2025 season begins with back-to-back races in Thailand in early March, and Di Giannantonio is determined to hit the ground running with his new bike.
This strategic decision to undergo surgery now is designed to maximize his performance next year, where he hopes to take full advantage of his upgraded machinery and continue progressing in the ultra-competitive MotoGP field.
