A week ago, Yamaha announced a new partnership with Prima Pramac Racing as a second factory team in MotoGP starting from 2025. The riders will be contracted directly by the manufacturer, which has a top candidate in mind – Fabio Di Giannantonio.
The Italian is currently with Pertamina Enduro VR46 and revealed this Thursday that he has three plans on the table and a clear preference – without revealing which one. Continuity in his current team seems logical: he has the Ducati, which is the most competitive bike on the grid, and it was thanks to VR46 that he saved his career in the premier class when he almost lost his spot for 2024.
Di Giannantonio’s performances since the end of last year have been consistent and of good quality, making him an appealing target in the rider market. Massimo Meregalli, Yamaha’s team manager, confirmed the strong interest in the #49, saying to Motorsport-Total.com:
– That is a perspective we are discussing at the moment. Of course, the team also has its needs. But the rider decisions will be made jointly, between Pramac and Yamaha. The first priority is to get Di Giannantonio. And then it depends on him. There are different scenarios.
According to the Yamaha official, the other rider will depend on Di Giannantonio’s signing: ‘If he accepts, we already have an idea of who could be his teammate. If he doesn’t accept, the scenario will be different and we will decide on something else for us’.
Regarding the desired rider profile, Meregalli stated: ‘We want an experienced MotoGP rider, and then it depends on that. Hiring a rookie is an idea we are seriously considering. But, as I said, it depends on Di Gia’s decision’.