Could the MotoGP rider replaced by Marc Marquez find a new opportunity at Honda?

The Italian was quick throughout the Motegi round: A strong sixth in Friday practice and then qualifying before equalling his best MotoGP finish with eighth in the Sprint.

That result was repeated a day later in the wet grand prix, which was halted at half distance due to the conditions.

“I am super happy and super proud about the weekend,” di Giannantonio said.

“We did a great job in every condition we were facing but I have bittersweet feeling with the race because we had a little problem, I cannot say what, that meant I could not push for the front in the first five laps.

“We did a good job anyway but maybe without the problem we could do a lot better than this.

“But I’m happy because in the end it is equalling my best finish in MotoGP with P8, another top ten, another good result… But it could have been something better.

“We will bring this positive energy to the next races and we arrive at a moment in the calendar where the races are [in quick succession], so let’s see.”

di Giannantonio is 16th in the world championship, with six rounds to go.

If Marc Marquez to Gresini, di Giannantonio to LCR?

Although GASGAS is set for a shake-up to accommodate Pedro Acosta, di Giannantonio’s seat is the only ride still officially free for 2024.

Should Marc Marquez indeed move to Gresini alongside brother Alex (currently injured) next season, could di Giannantonio swap over to Honda?

In the event of a Marquez-Honda split, rather than joining LCR as planned, new HRC signing Johann Zarco is tipped to take over from the #93 at Repsol alongside Joan Mir.

That would leave a seat free at LCR, opposite Takaaki Nakagami. Honda WorldSBK rider and MotoGP stand-in Iker Lecuona is tipped as a contender for such a vacancy, but would di Giannantonio also be interested?

“If we don’t have a seat for next year [here] and Lucio [Cecchinello] has a place for me, for sure I will take the opportunity with open arms,” di Giannantonio said.

“Also because I think that Honda is struggling in this period, but Honda is Honda. It’s one of the greatest, if not the greatest, company about bikes in terms of factories in the world.

“So I don’t think [Honda] will always be in a tough moment in the future. So why not grab another opportunity?

“For sure, at the moment I am fully focused on racing, as I always say. I'm fully focused on being the best rider and doing the best job I can with the Ducati and my team.

“Also because it is not done yet. Nothing is done yet [for 2024].

“It would be amazing for my growth, my personal growth to continue with my [Gresini] team and my bike for one year more.

“But for sure if there is no place, I need to find another place and so we will consider everything.”

Some rumours have also linked di Giannantonio with a return to Moto2, but he insisted:

“At the moment our priority and main goal is to remain in MotoGP. If or when there are no more seats available [in MotoGP], then we will consider other things.”