In his first-ever race aboard the Fantic XXF 250, Simone Mancini impressed by stepping onto the MX2 podium at the final round of the Italian MX Pro Prestige Championship in Arco di Trento.

Just two weeks ago, Simone Mancini wrapped up an amazing 125 cc season with a podium finish at the MXGP of Castilla La Mancha in Spain, securing third place in the final EMX125 standings with three GP victories. This weekend, he lined up in the MX2 Elite class of the Italian Championship. Debuting on the Fantic XXF 250, he quickly showed his speed with an impressive second-place result in his qualifying group.

Though his inexperience with the new bike was noticeable at the start, with Mancini finding himself mid-pack by the first corner in both races, the 17-year-old Italian remained unfazed. He charged through the field, finishing fifth in race 1. His performance in the final moto was even more remarkable: with determination and speed, Mancini secured a strong third-place finish, which earned him third overall for the day. To claim a podium finish in his first appearance aboard the Fantic XXF 250 is yet another milestone in Mancini’s standout season—having already been crowned 125 Rookies Cup Champion, Junior World Vice-Champion, and EMX125 bronze medalist—and a promising sign for the next step in his career.

Simone Mancini:

“It was a good weekend; I couldn’t have imagined anything better for my first race with the 250. I managed to finish the races in fifth and third place, despite starting pretty far back both times. I am super happy, especially with the good feeling in that second moto: I settled into a good pace and did some great overtakes. It was cool to start this new adventure this way!”