‘I will always carry you in my heart’ - MotoGP star in tears over 2027 KTM move

The Italian title contender will be racing for KTM in 2027, but the news was dominated by his VR46 departure.

The Roman is a long-time Valentino Rossi Academy prodigy and stepped up to the MotoGP squad in 2024, later bagging himself a factory-spec Ducati for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

As a result, ‘Diggia’ went from tenth to sixth in the riders’ championship, and he’s currently third this term, battling for the title.

His transformation has been remarkable, and he was clearly well aware of the team’s impact in a farewell video they posted.

Breaking down in tears, he told the VR46 staff:

Heading to a factory team for the first time, Di Giannantonio has signed a ‘multi-year’ deal for 2027 and beyond.

In a statement, KTM Motorsports Director Pit Beirer explained the decision:

Di Giannantonio will partner 2025 runner-up Alex Marquez in a stellar race-winning line-up at KTM.

Despite the blow of losing young sensation Pedro Acosta to Ducati, the youngster is yet to win in the premier class, unlike Di Giannantonio’s two victories and Marquez’s four.

The announcement also means that Acosta’s teammate Brad Binder will be leaving the squad. The South African has been with KTM in MotoGP since 2020, winning two Grand Prix.

Before that he raced for them in Moto2 and Moto3, extending their partnership to 12 years, including his 2016 Moto3 title win.

The 30-year-old could yet continue with the Austrian brand, as satellite squad Tech3 are yet to announce their 2027 line-up.

Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini are out of contract at the end of the season, and executives have hinted that they want at least one experienced rider next year.