Fabio Di Giannantonio will leave Valentino Rossi’s VR46 structure for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing in 2027, completing one of the sharpest factory resets of MotoGP’s new-rules cycle.
MotoGP confirmed on Monday that Di Giannantonio has signed a multi-year KTM deal and will partner Alex Marquez when the championship enters its next technical era in 2027. The move gives KTM two proven premier-class winners and turns its factory garage into one of the clearest statements of intent on the rider market.
For Di Giannantonio, the switch is a major status change. The Italian has rebuilt his value since losing his Gresini Ducati seat at the end of 2023, first salvaging his MotoGP future with VR46 and then developing into a regular front-running threat on Ducati machinery.
Why KTM moved now
The timing matters. KTM has watched Ducati dominate the front of the grid, while Aprilia, Yamaha and Honda have all moved aggressively to secure riders before the 2027 regulation shift. By pairing Di Giannantonio with Marquez, KTM has chosen current form over long-term speculation.
- Deal: multi-year Red Bull KTM Factory Racing contract from 2027
- Team-mate: Alex Marquez
- Current team: Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team
- Key context: Di Giannantonio is inside the top three of the 2026 MotoGP standings after 10 rounds, according to MotoGP
That creates pressure elsewhere. VR46 must now replace a rider who had become central to its Ducati project, while KTM has effectively removed two high-grade options from a shrinking market. With factory seats disappearing quickly, this is no routine signing. It is KTM declaring that the next MotoGP era starts before the next bike even reaches the grid.
Read more on Read Motorsport’s MotoGP coverage. Source: MotoGP official announcement.
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