Fabio di Giannantonio, the talented rider from the VR46 Racing Team, has expressed his confidence in securing a podium finish at the Circuit of the Americas despite recently suffering a significant shoulder injury that has cost him valuable points in the championship. The Italian racer, who sustained the injury in Austria, now feels much stronger after an intensive training regimen, believing that he is in a far better condition than he was just fifteen days ago.

Speaking to the media ahead of the Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas, di Giannantonio shared insights into his recovery process and his mindset going into the challenging race weekend. “I’ve just come back from a week of intense training. I can finally bear the weight on my shoulder again, so I’ll arrive in Austin much stronger than I was fifteen days ago. This track demands a lot physically—it’s probably the toughest on the calendar—so I know it’s going to be a challenge. But I’m arriving in a much better condition and with a positive mindset.”

Reflecting on his season so far, he emphasized the progress he has made with his team. “We had a good start in Thailand, and we improved in the previous round. I want to keep working like this with my team. We all have the ambition to perform at an even higher level than we are at now. Is a podium finish a dream?” He paused before answering his own question. “It’s the natural consequence of excellent preparation, so we have to put in our maximum effort because it is absolutely within our reach.”

Di Giannantonio is also keenly aware of the delicate balance between pushing his recovery and allowing his body to heal naturally. “I’m right on track in terms of my recovery expectations. At the start of an injury like this, you push yourself to accelerate the process. For example, last week I trained every single day, but that’s something I can’t do in the lead-up to a race weekend. In reality, to be race-ready, you have to let your body rest.”

Despite his eagerness to get back to peak performance, he understands that time is a crucial factor in his rehabilitation. “We have a structured plan in place, and I’m confident that I’ll be at my best by the time we get to Qatar. But recovery isn’t something you can rush—it has its own timeline.”

Looking at the championship standings, di Giannantonio is aware that every point matters, but he remains optimistic about his prospects. “It would have been better to start the season at full strength because we have lost some points, but at the same time, we don’t have any points yet that truly impact the championship fight. Hopefully, things will go well this weekend. Even if we can bring home some points, this could still be a great season.”

He remains focused on the bigger picture, acknowledging that there are still many races left and plenty of opportunities to climb up the rankings. “There are still many races to go and many points up for grabs, so I believe we can have an incredible world championship. Is the bike slowing us down? Maybe only in the first race. But in Termas, I was riding at a very high level. We are still missing some small details, but we’re getting there.”

Di Giannantonio’s confidence and determination reflect the mindset of a rider who refuses to let setbacks define his season. His resilience in the face of injury, combined with his belief in his team’s potential, makes him a strong contender for success as the championship progresses. With the demanding Circuit of the Americas awaiting him, his ability to balance recovery with performance will be put to the test. However, if his recent words are any indication, he is ready to fight for his place among the best in the field.

As MotoGP fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming race weekend, all eyes will be on di Giannantonio to see whether his positive outlook and hard work will translate into a strong result. Whether or not he reaches the podium at COTA, one thing is clear: he is not backing down from the challenge. His determination and resilience make him one of the most exciting riders to watch this season, and with the championship still wide open, his ambitions for success remain well within reach.