MotoGP riders are often celebrated for their speed, bravery and relentless pursuit of victory. But for Fabio Di Giannantonio, the moments before the lights go out are a reminder of just how dangerous the sport can be.
The VR46 Ducati rider has revealed that he prays before every race, not for a podium finish or championship points, but for something far more basic: making it safely through the opening lap.
Di Giannantonio's comments offer a candid glimpse into the risks faced by riders at the highest level of motorcycle racing. Despite enjoying one of the strongest seasons of his MotoGP career and currently sitting among the championship frontrunners, the Italian admits that survival is often the first concern when the race begins.
"I have to pray before the race, not to do a good race, but to be safe after the first corner," Di Giannantonio said following the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Source: News.gp
His remarks come amid growing concerns over first-lap incidents in MotoGP. Several major crashes this season have reignited discussions about rider safety, with governing bodies reportedly considering further measures to reduce the risks during race starts.
Di Giannantonio knows those dangers all too well. He was involved in a dramatic multi-rider accident during the Hungarian Grand Prix but managed to rejoin the race and finish in the points. Earlier in the season, he also escaped a frightening incident in Barcelona involving Alex Marquez and Pedro Acosta, where debris from a crash narrowly avoided causing even more serious consequences. Di Giannantonio suffered a broken finger, while Marquez sustained significant injuries.
The Italian's honesty highlights a reality often hidden behind the spectacle of MotoGP. While riders compete at speeds exceeding 300 km/h and push machinery to its limits, they do so knowing that a split-second mistake or an unavoidable incident can have severe consequences.
Despite the ever-present risks, Di Giannantonio has continued to deliver impressive performances throughout the season. His consistency has helped establish him as one of the leading contenders in the championship, demonstrating the resilience and mental strength required to compete at the sport's highest level.
His admission also serves as a reminder that fear is not absent in elite motorsport. Rather, it is something riders learn to manage while continuing to perform under extraordinary pressure, race after race.
