Fabio At Giannantonio's Name Is Also Associated With Honda For 2024

Fabio di Giannantonio, namanya juga dikaitkan dengan Honda LCR jika Marc Marquez hengkang. (foto: twitter @paddock_gp)

In the midst of the relentless rumors about Marc Marquez, the current Ducati Gresini racer Fabio di Giannantonio, gave a reminder of his potential in MotoGP. He was able to match the best results of his career over the competitive weekend in Japan.

This Italian racer appeared fast throughout the Motegi round. He was in sixth place in Friday's training and then qualified before matching his best result in MotoGP by finishing eighth in the Sprint session.

The result was repeated in the wet grand prix race a day later, which in the end had to be stopped half a distance due to rainy weather conditions.

"I am very happy and very proud of this weekend," said Giannantonio, quoted by Crash.net.

"We did an amazing job in every condition we faced, but I have a bitter feeling about this race because we have a bit of a problem, I can't say what, which means I can't compete in the first five laps," he said.

"We are still doing a good job, but maybe without that problem, we can do much better than this," said the Roma-born racer, October 10, 1998.

"But I'm happy because in the end I matched my best results in MotoGP with P8, another top ten, another good result... But it could be something better," he said optimistically.

"We will bring this positive energy to the next race and we arrive at the time on the calendar where the race (runs fast), so let's see," he added.

Giannantonio is in 16th place in the world championship, with six rounds remaining.

If Marc Marquez moves to Gresini, will Giannantonio go to LCR? Although GAS will experience changes to accommodate Pedro Azerbaijan, the seat at Giannantonio is the only one that is still completely available for 2024.

If Marc Marquez really moves to Gresini with his brother, Alex, who is currently injured, next season, will Giannantonio be able to join Honda?

In the case of Marquez-Honda's separation, instead of joining the LCR as planned, HRC's new signature with Johann Zarco is expected to take over Marquez's position in Repsol with Joan Mir.

This will leave one vacant seat at the LCR, which Takaaki Nakagami has just filled, a Japanese racer. WorldSBK Honda racer and MotoGP replacement, Iker Lecuona, were also dubbed possible competitors for the vacancy. However, at Giannantonio, he was also interested.

"If we don't have a seat for next year here and Lucio [Cecchinello] has a place for me, surely I will accept that opportunity with open arms," said Giannantonio.

"Also because I think Honda is struggling in this period, but Honda is Honda. This is one of the largest companies, if not the largest, in terms of motorcycles in the world.

"So I don't think [Honda] will always be in difficult moments in the future. So why not try another opportunity?

"Of course, right now I'm completely focused on racing, as I've always said. I'm completely focused on being the best racer and doing the best job I can with Ducati and my team.

"Also because nothing is certain. Nothing is certain [for 2024].

"It will definitely be great for my personal growth to continue with my team [Gresini] and my motorcycle for another year.

"But of course if there is no place, I need to find another place, and we will consider everything."

Some rumors also attributed Giannantonio to returning to Moto2, but he asserted:

"This feeling, our priority and main goal is to stay in MotoGP. If or when there are no more seats available [in MotoGP], then we will consider other things.