Sprint races, a final round title showdown, trials, tribulations and sensations - that was the year 2023 in MotoGP... but who were the big standouts? This is BSN's Top 10 MotoGP Riders of the 2023.
In ninth place we have Fabio di Giannantonio
| 9th. FABIO DI GIANNANTONIO | |
| TEAM | Gresini Racing |
| MOTORCYCLE | Ducati GP22 |
| OVERALL CLASSIFICATION | 12th |
| POINTS | 151 points |
| BEST RESULT(S) | 1st [Rd.19 Qatar MotoGP] |
A belated revelation, while there is some cynicism to be expressed towards any rider who ultimately steps up their form and results upon learning they are out of a ride for the following year, it would appear to be exactly the kick Fabio di Giannantonio needed to believe more in himself.
The Italian has always faced a tougher task than most stepping up into MotoGP boastin less noteworthy credentials than fellow Ducati-wielding Italians Enea Bastianini, Luca Marini and Marco Bezzecchi and it showed over 18 months as generally the least competitive of the firm’s talented octet.
But confirmation he would be out of his ride at Gresini Racing would prove the spur for di Giannantonio to ‘swing freely’ on the Ducati GP22, a - no doubt liberating - pressureless head space to show both MotoGP and himself of his talents.
After climbing onto the podium for the first time in Phillip Island, di Giannantonio was thereafter among Ducati’s quickest riders, making his win in Qatar - seen of his MotoGP debut a year earlier when he was overshadowed by race-winning team-mate Bastianini - a very poignant full circle completion.
With a new deal at VR46 Racing in his back pocket as a result, he makes for an exciting prospect heading into 2024.
BSN's Top 10 MotoGP Riders of the Year
10 - Aleix Espargaro
