Ducati MotoGP rider Fabio di Giannantonio shows promising progress at Sepang test
With a cautious optimism, Fabio di Giannantonio believes he has overcome last year's front-end challenges on the GP25. However, he remains reserved in his final judgment until the Buriram test. Despite limited testing opportunities, the VR46 Ducati rider achieved a strong third place in Sepang MotoGP test times, showcasing consistent performance with the revised GP26.
Over three days, di Giannantonio explored various hardware and setup options, consistently reporting a positive front-end experience. He expressed his satisfaction, noting no slow laps during different test runs. The rider experimented with numerous setup adjustments and new chassis and aero components, but the rain on the previous day hindered the completion of his preferred 'full package'.
Di Giannantonio's best lap time of 1m 56.785s in the final morning was followed by a slightly slower 1m 57.093s in the afternoon. He attributed the afternoon's slower time to an experimental setup, emphasizing the importance of the full package for optimal performance.
The GP26's performance was described as 'predictable' by di Giannantonio, a significant improvement from the unpredictable front-end feel of the GP25. He highlighted the consistency in front-end feeling as the 'biggest issue' addressed.
The key question now is whether this predictability will persist at the final Buriram test. Di Giannantonio aims to replicate the positive experience in Thailand, emphasizing the importance of consistent performance across different conditions.
Despite the high grip levels at Sepang, di Giannantonio considers them 'realistic' for testing purposes. He acknowledges the typical good grip levels in Malaysia, ensuring the track conditions remained suitable for evaluating the bike's performance.
Teammate Franco Morbidelli, on a satellite-spec machine, finished seventh, refuting the comparison to the GP25. With his extensive experience in the paddock, Peter has witnessed the ebb and flow of Valentino Rossi's career and the challenges faced by Marc Marquez. He remains at the forefront of the Suzuki exit story, offering valuable insights into the sport's dynamics.
