MotoGP Australia: Fabio Di Giannantonio wanted to go for the win “but it was Jorge and Pecco…”

After a brilliant opening few laps, Di Giannantonio put himself in contention for second place when he caught and passed Brad Binder.

But with Bagnaia and Johann Zarco closing in as well, the battle for second turned into a four-way fight before Jorge Martin also fell in their clutches.

• Zarco: Maiden MotoGP win “was a big feeling of release in my body” 
• Binder: “I felt sorry for Martin, he dropped like a stone”

Di Giannantonio, who finished third after a brave last-lap overtake on Martin at turn eight, was taken over with emotion after returning to parc ferme.

“When I came to the box I was so happy that I was crying but it was just pure joy,” said the Italian. “We worked so hard for this and we achieved it. I’m super proud of my growth. 

“We did a great job throughout the whole year and I’m just proud of my team and my staff at home. It was just amazing.”

While the final lap was a classic at Phillip Island, so were the laps leading up to as Binder, Di Giannantonio, Bagnaia and Zarco all exchanged positions. 

When it came to the final lap, Di Giannantonio admitted he found himself in a compromised position as he wanted to attack Bagnaia, who was also attacking Martin.

With the title fight on his mind, the Gresini rider decided not to throw his Ducati bike to the inside of the series leader.

“It was a rollercoaster of emotions, let’s say,” added Di Giannantonio. “I was catching Brad and I said [to myself] ‘I’m doing a great job’. 

“Then the tyre started to drop and I was like ‘oh man, I need to conserve a bit now’. I tried to manage and when we were catching Jorge I could smell the victory. 

“The last lap was just crazy. We arrived at turn four all together and if there were other riders then I would have tried to go on the inside for the win, but it Jorge and Pecco. 

“I didn’t want to ruin anything. I just tried to do the maximum. I’m just super happy about it.”