Fabio Di Giannantonio Explains KTM MotoGP Move

Fabio Di Giannantonio has explained that the chance to lead bike development around his riding style was the key factor behind his decision to join KTM for the 2027 MotoGP season.

The Italian currently holds a factory Ducati contract with VR46, but was torn between both options during negotiations. Ultimately, Di Giannantonio chose KTM and will line up alongside Alex Marquez next season.

The decision marks a major step in his career because he sees the move as an opportunity to take a central role in KTM's technical direction. Di Giannantonio believes the position gives him greater scope to help build a bike that suits his riding characteristics.

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“For sure, I’ve always been quite considerate of Ducati,” Di Giannantonio told the official MotoGP website.

“But I will be the main rider with my team-mate. So, for developing the bike, I will be the leader of the development.”

“So, the goal together will be to build a bike around my characteristics. So, I thought that would be the best option for me for my riding style, for my future.”

Di Giannantonio described the KTM switch as a step forward in his professional career. Beyond the technical aspect, he also views the role as an opportunity to become the face of a factory project with major ambitions in the championship fight.

“For sure, it will be a step ahead in my professional career. So, for sure it was the best option for me,” he said.

“I’m really proud of this choice. I will be the face of a company, of a factory, leading a big group of people trying to achieve the main goal, which is winning championships.”

The decision was not easy on a personal level because VR46 played an important role in reviving Di Giannantonio's career. Valentino Rossi's team gave him a lifeline at the end of the 2023 MotoGP season, when his future looked uncertain despite his victory at the Qatar Grand Prix.

With VR46, Di Giannantonio earned a factory Ducati deal, giving him works machinery and direct support from the Italian manufacturer. Leaving the structure that helped elevate his career therefore carried an emotional weight.

“It will be a big goal, but also a big moment of pride,” Di Giannantonio added.

“So, I’m really happy, really proud of my choice. It was not easy, especially personally, with this beautiful group of people I have right in my corner with the VR46 team.”

“So, it has not been easy, but sometimes you need to decide your future, and I think it was the best option for my professional career.”

Di Giannantonio's move now strengthens KTM's factory line-up for MotoGP 2027 alongside Alex Marquez, while marking a major shift in his career from the Ducati structure to a leading development role in a new project.