Fabio Di Giannantonio is leaving VR46’s Ducati satellite squad to join KTM’s factory team next season, ending a four-year partnership with the Italian manufacturer. The Italian won two MotoGP races with Ducati, including this year’s Barcelona Grand Prix, but accepted KTM’s offer to become the Austrian brand’s lead rider. He described the decision as “really difficult,” acknowledging VR46’s role in reviving his career while prioritizing his long-term trajectory.
The move reflects a broader shift in MotoGP, where riders increasingly chase factory contracts for greater technical support and brand alignment. Di Giannantonio will trade a Ducati battling for the 2026 title for a KTM package that hasn’t won a grand prix since 2022. He emphasized the appeal of factory backing, where every component is tailored to his riding style, unlike satellite squads where resources are shared across multiple riders.
The 2027 season marks a major technical reset with new 850cc bikes, and factory teams will gain priority in development. Di Giannantonio’s switch underscores the growing divide between factory and satellite riders as the grid adapts to the rule changes.
