Di Giannantonio bids a tearful farewell to VR46 and Valentino Rossi

It’s now official: Fabio Di Giannantonio will leave Valentino Rossi’s VR46 team at the end of the season to join the official KTM team. In a moving video, the Roman rider bid farewell to the entire yellow team: “You’ve been an incredible team, an amazing crew. I’ve never felt this good on a team—you guys have given me everything. All the great things that are coming my way are thanks to you; I wasn’t this person, I wasn’t this man, I wasn’t this rider, and all of this is thanks to you,” he said, unable to hold back his tears.

In 2026, Giannantonio secured three podium finishes, winning a race in Catalonia, and is well on his way to the title. Starting in 2027, he’ll be a rider for the KTM team, with whom he’s signed a multi-year contract.

Here’s what Pit Beirer, KTM’s boss, had to say: “Fabio has taken a step forward and become a constant presence in the fight for the top spots in MotoGP. His speed and his commitment to delivering top performance are unquestionable. He’s a great teammate and an excellent person, and we know he’ll fit perfectly into our Red Bull KTM Factory Racing project.”

“During our discussions, we were impressed by the passion with which he always gives his all, both on and off the track, and we believe that the next chapter together will be exciting and unforgettable. Welcome, Fabio.”