Di Giannantonio Declared Fit but Shoulder at Zero Percent
VR46 rider Fabio Di Giannantonio has been given the green light by MotoGP doctors to compete in this weekend’s season opener in Thailand, despite a recent shoulder injury that had him sidelined. Di Giannantonio sustained the injury during pre-season testing in Sepang when he fell off his Ducati GP25 while performing a wheelie. The fall led to a broken left shoulder, necessitating surgery and a trip back to Europe for treatment. The 25-year-old Italian, who had already undergone surgery on the same collarbone in November following a crash at the Austrian Grand Prix, found himself in a precarious position during his recovery.
A Delicate Recovery Process
Di Giannantonio’s recovery was particularly delicate due to the location and nature of the fracture. The plate used in his surgery was positioned at the edge of the collarbone, making it crucial to avoid any stress on the area during the critical 14-day post-operative period. This meant that he had to be extremely cautious, avoiding not only motocross but also road biking and most gym exercises. His regimen was heavily focused on physiotherapy, with a significant portion of his time and resources devoted to recovery.
Trusting the Healing Process
Despite being declared fit by the medical staff, Di Giannantonio remains realistic about his condition. He estimates that he is 95 percent physically ready but acknowledges that his shoulder is operating at zero percent capacity. "My surgery has been perfect, but the location of the break was quite critical," he explained. "I had to be really precise in my recovery to avoid any additional complications. I will be on the bike on my 17th day after surgery, and I believe this is a good time to trust that everything will hold up."
Balancing Recovery and Training
The rider highlighted the challenge of balancing recovery with the need to maintain physical fitness. While the typical recovery time for a fracture is around six weeks, Di Giannantonio had to fast-track his healing process. This meant that he couldn’t engage in basic exercises like push-ups, which would not have significantly contributed to his readiness for racing but could have jeopardized his shoulder’s recovery. "It’s not about doing 20 push-ups a few days before the race," he said. "The focus was on allowing the plate and collarbone to heal as much as possible."
Mental Preparedness and Experience
Despite the physical limitations, Di Giannantonio remains confident in his ability to complete the race. He draws on his past experiences, including races where his shoulder was compromised, to stay motivated. "I will be ready," he declared. "I will miss some power on the left side, but I’ve raced before with similar issues and managed to perform well. Last year, my shoulder was coming out in every braking, so I’m not too worried about that aspect."
Looking Forward to the Season Opener
As the VR46 Racing Team prepares for the Thai GP, Di Giannantonio’s resilience and determination are evident. His focus on a meticulous recovery plan and his mental fortitude make him a formidable contender, even under challenging circumstances. "I feel good and motivated to start," he said. "The season is long, and I believe this is just the beginning. I’m ready to give it my all."
Fabio Di Giannantonio’s return to the track is a testament to his commitment and the support of his medical and physio teams. As he lines up on the grid in Thailand, fans and fellow racers will be watching closely to see how he performs, knowing that his journey back to the track has been anything but easy.
