Fabio di Giannantonio insists COTA “podium is within reach” despite ongoing injury recovery

VR46 rider Fabio di Giannantonio is remaining positive as he continues his recovery from a shoulder injury.

VR46 Racing rider Fabio di Giannantonio has insisted that a podium finish is possible at the Circuit of the Americas, despite recently losing "a lot of points" due to a shoulder injury.

After sustaining an injury in Austria, the Italian racer is feeling "much stronger than fifteen days ago" after dedicated training. Speaking to the media ahead of the Red Bull Grand Prix of The Americas, di Giannantonio explained:

"I'm back from a week in which I've been training a lot, finally being able to put weight on my shoulder, so I'm coming to Austin much stronger than fifteen days ago. The track is physical, perhaps the most demanding on the calendar, so I know it's going to be challenging, but I'll arrive ready and with positive vibes."

Speaking about the season so far, he added:

"We got off to a good start in Thailand, so we improved in the last round. I want to keep working like this with the team. We all have a desire to work because our level is even higher than our current one. Is the podium a dream?

"It's a logical consequence of very good preparation, so we have to work hard on this front, because it's absolutely within our reach."

"I'm in line with the expectations [of my recovery]. At the start of the races, you struggle to speed up recovery. For example, since I trained every day last week, it wasn't possible for this one. In fact, in anticipation of the race, you have to rest your body.

"In any case, we have a schedule, and I'm sure that I'll arrive at my best in Qatar, but you can't shorten the time of the process."

Fabio Di Giannantonio, VR46 Racing Team

Photo by: Media VR46

The Italian concluded:

"Starting at top form would've been better since we're losing points but, at the same time, we haven't gotten zeros so far, which are the ones that are influential [on the championship]. Hoping everything goes well, even if we do get some, it's still going to be a very good season.

"However, there are many appointments, as well as the points up for grabs, so I think we'll be able to have a super world championship. Has the bike slowed down? Maybe only in the first race. But, in Termas, I was already riding at a very good level. We're still just missing the details."