Di Giannantonio’s Wheelie Misfortune at Sepang
Fabio Di Giannantonio, the VR46 Racing Team rider, experienced a bittersweet return to the track during the opening day of MotoGP testing at Sepang. Despite a promising start, Di Giannantonio’s day came to an abrupt end after he crashed while performing a wheelie, resulting in a fracture to his left collarbone. This mishap not only cut short his participation in the test but also required him to fly back to Italy for immediate surgery. The incident has sparked discussions about the balance between performance and fun in the high-stakes world of MotoGP.
A Promising Start
The day began on a positive note for Di Giannantonio, who was making his debut with the new Ducati GP25. Having missed the November test at Barcelona due to post-injury rehabilitation, the 26-year-old was eager to get back on the track. His efforts paid off as he secured a commendable seventh place in the classification, with a time just 0.710 seconds behind the leader, Fabio Quartararo of Yamaha. Team director Uccio Salucci expressed satisfaction with Di Giannantonio’s performance, noting that he had set impressive times on used tires. This achievement was a testament to the rider’s skill and the team’s preparation.
The Unfortunate Wheelie
However, the day took a turn for the worse when Di Giannantonio decided to perform a wheelie after the session. While such maneuvers are common among riders looking to have some fun, they can be dangerous given the high speeds and advanced technology of modern MotoGP bikes. Salucci explained, "When you need to set your lap time, we can’t allow that, but when you want to have fun you do [have fun]. Riders are born to do wheelies." Unfortunately, the front wheel slowed down too much compared to the rear, and when it touched the ground, it closed up unexpectedly, causing Di Giannantonio to crash. The crash resulted in a fractured left collarbone, marking a premature end to his participation in the Sepang test.
A Win for Team Morale
Despite the unfortunate outcome, VR46 is not holding Di Giannantonio accountable for his actions. Salucci emphasized that it is natural for riders to want to have fun, especially after a productive day on the track. "He was very, very sorry and apologised to the whole team," Salucci said. "I don’t want a rider to apologise because he did a wheelie, riders have to have fun. I grew up like that." This approach highlights the team’s understanding and support for its rider, acknowledging that the joy and camaraderie of the sport are as important as the results.
A History of Injuries
This latest injury is not Di Giannantonio’s first setback. He had previously broken the same left shoulder during a crash in practice for the Austrian GP in August. This time, however, the initial check-ups suggest that the injuries are not as severe, indicating a potentially shorter recovery period. Salucci provided insight into the nature of the fracture, stating, "We took X-rays and immediately called Professor Castagna, the doctor who operated on him in November. Fabio has already left for Italy and will have surgery between Friday and Sunday, at the doctors’ discretion."
Looking Forward
The focus now shifts to Di Giannantonio’s recovery and his return to the track. While he will not be able to participate in next week’s test at Buriram, there is optimism about his return to the new season in March. Salucci noted, "This is not comparable to the injury Fabio had last year, when his humerus came out. The clavicle is a more trivial injury – so to speak – for a rider." He added, "I remember that Bezzecchi, after a similar fracture, was on the podium in the sprint at Mandalika five days after the operation, so we are positive." If all goes well, Di Giannantonio could be back in time for the Buriram GP, although his participation in the test is ruled out.
A Balanced Perspective
The incident at Sepang serves as a reminder of the fine line between performance and enjoyment in the world of MotoGP. While Di Giannantonio’s eagerness to have some fun led to an unfortunate outcome, the support from his team and the broader MotoGP community underscores the human side of the sport. As Di Giannantonio recovers, the focus remains on his well-being and the team’s collective goal of achieving success in the upcoming season.
