Fabio Di Giannantonio believes Ducati no longer have an edge over rival manufacturers heading into the 2026 MotoGP season.
The VR46 Ducati rider arrives in 2026 on the back of his best season in the premier class, finishing sixth in the standings with four Grand Prix podiums.
Di Giannantonio was one of three riders on factory-spec bikes, finishing 26 points behind Francesco Bagnaia and 283 points behind title winner Marc Marquez.
Despite the GP25 evidently being a downgrade on its predecessor, the GP24, the 2025 Desmosedici still won 13 of the 22 Grands Prix, with Ducati winning 17 races overall.
But heading into 2026, ahead of the new 2027 regulations, the Roman rider believes the season should be closer among all manufacturers.
“In recent races, we’ve seen that the other manufacturers have closed the gap considerably,” shared Di Giannantonio to GPOne.
“There’s no longer that gap between Ducati and the other manufacturers. In recent years, there was almost a standing per constructor, whereas now there’s a nice mix.
“Aprilia has done an incredible job, closing the gap considerably with [Marco] Bezzecchi, who’s had a great season. We’re seeing [Jorge] Martin come back.
“The Hondas are coming and have scored many more points than in recent years. Even for Yamaha, we’ve often seen [Fabio] Quartararo ahead of everyone else in qualifying.
“In KTM, we’ve seen [Pedro] Acosta do very well alongside Maverick [Vinales]. It’s going to be a competitive year from this point of view.
“The level is very high, and we’re all really close, so as a team, we have to try and improve and maintain this gap with our rivals.”
Fabio Di Giannantonio expects a ‘more predictable’ Ducati this term
Although 2025 was Di Giannantonio’s most successful season in the premier class, he suffered bouts of inconsistency due to GP25 traits that did not suit him.
From Germany to Catalonia, a four-race stretch, the 27-year-old scored just one point in Sunday races before producing his most consistent run of form to close out the season.
He explained that he, like Bagnaia, faced struggles with consistency during the season, which has left Di Giannantonio hoping the 2026 Desmosedici will be “more predictable.”
“Last season was unusual, both for the factory team and for the factory riders,” he said.
“We had some difficulties with the bike, and that had an impact. Having the same stuff and proven data is already a big step forward.
“Now we’ll have to get to know each other again and understand what works and what doesn’t, but we’ll start from a good foundation.
“I’m convinced that Ducati is also working hard to give us a bike that’s more predictable, so to speak, from one condition to another. The top people should be demanding consistency.
“That’s what it takes to be another part of the team.”
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