Who could replace Fabio di Giannantonio for the final two Grands Prix in 2024?
10/19/2024 05:59 AM
With Fabio di Giannantonio sidelining himself after the Thai Grand Prix who could replace the Italian?
On Thursday (17th of October) the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team announced that Fabio di Giannantonio would miss the final two race weekends of the season. The Italian rider would voluntarily head to the sidelines as he will undergo shoulder surgery after the Thai Grand Prix.
With the #49 not being available to ride in Malaysia or Valencia this leaves a Ducati GP23 available. The VR46 Team have not decided on a replacement rider as of yet. However, there are some interesting options for who could join the team for the two Grand Prix weekends.
Valentino Rossi:
Obviously, we have to mention the bossman himself as many people would want to see Valentino Rossi suit up for the VR46 Racing Team.
Seeing Rossi on a competitive Ducati would be interesting and also iconic. However, 'The Doctor' would not be able to participate in the events due to clashes with his car racing calendar. So, sorry Rossi fans but the #46 will not be returning to the MotoGP grid.
Michele Pirro:
If it was Ducati's decision they would most likely want their MotoGP Test Rider, Michele Pirro, to be VR46's substitute. The Italian has not been allowed to wildcard for Ducati in 2024 due to the new concession rules in MotoGP.
But as a replacement rider, they could bend the rules to get Pirro on a Ducati GP23. This would be useful for Pirro ahead of the 2025 preseason tests as he would have racing experience on a Ducati once again.
Despite Pirro's tight links with Ducati, it does seem like the strongest rumours are not for riders within the MotoGP paddock.
Andrea Iannone:
The rumour which is picking up the most traction is that Andrea Iannone could return to MotoGP for the two events.
The former Ducati MotoGP rider is now riding for Team GoEleven Ducati in World Superbikes and won his first race in the Championship last month.
The Italian has not ridden in MotoGP since he was banned from racing back in 2019. However, all fingers currently point towards 'The Maniac' being given a shot by VR46 in Malaysia and Valencia.
Danilo Petrucci:
It is no secret that Rossi and Danilo Petrucci have a close relationship which could allow him to return to MotoGP. Petrucci rode for Ducati in MotoGP between 2015 and 2020, before returning as a replacement rider in 2023.
The Italian has been riding a Ducati Panigale V4R since leaving the MotoGP paddock and switching to Superbike racing. Petrucci finished second in MotoAmerica on a Ducati in 2022 and has done two years with Barni Spark Racing Ducati in World Superbikes.
'Petrux' looks set to finish fourth in the 2024 World Superbike Championship so Ducati could allow him to ride for VR46 as a reward for his 2024 season.
Nicolo Bulega:
Former VR46 Academy rider, Nicolo Bulega, could make his MotoGP debut for the VR46 Racing Team. The Italian left the illustrious VR46 Academy at the end of the 2019 season and has gone on to forge his own path.
Since leaving VR46 Bulega has won the World Supersport Championship for Ducati and is currently second in the World Superbike Championship for Ducati, in only his rookie year.
Bulega's 2024 World Superbike achievements could earn him a return to VR46 for the first time since 2019.
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