Fabio di Giannantonio 'couldn't use arm normally' after Brazil MotoGP crash

Fabio di Giannantonio arrives at this weekend’s US MotoGP fresh from a pole position and double podium finish in Brazil,

But he’s also carrying a shoulder injury, sustained in a warm-up accident in Goiania, which he "underestimated" ahead of last Sunday’s grand prix.

Despite the injury, di Giannantonio got the better of Marc Marquez to secure the final place on the Brazilian podium behind the Aprilias of Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin.

“I underestimated [the shoulder injury] a little bit on Sunday, for the race,” di Giannantonio said at COTA on Thursday, where his left shoulder was visibly taped.

“Then the most difficult day actually was on Monday, it was tough to use the arm in a normal way.

“But I really don't want to make it an excuse or something, or to even think about it.

“We will do everything to be prepared at 100% and I'm sure I have the right people to arrive at Friday, Saturday and then Sunday at 100%.

“So it's there but with the head we are fully focused and we'll be okay.”

di Giannantonio has impressive form at COTA, where he finished on the podium in all three grand prix classes, including third place for VR46 last season.

“This track is amazing, the whole weekend every time it's so cool,” said Diggia, who will race in a special livery on Sunday. 

“The people, the place, it’s unreal with these huge flags all around the track, the stars and stripes.

“I like the vibe here, I like the track. The first sector is so cool, it's so characteristic and different compared to any other track that we have in the calendar.”

The Italian starts the weekend holding fourth place in the MotoGP World Championship, as the leading Ducati rider, 19 points behind Bezzecchi.