Making his debut with the Fantic Factory Racing MXGP team, Alberto Forato finished just off the podium at the opening round of the 2026 Internazionali d’Italia. It was an encouraging debut for the Fantic Factory Racing EMX youngsters too, with two XX 125 machines inside the top 4 of the second race.
For Fantic, at its first official outing with the new MXGP structure managed by Jacky Martens, the long-awaited start of the Motocross season carried even greater significance – and the initial feedback is certainly positive. In the deep sand of Alghero, Sardinia, Alberto Forato and Brent Van doninck placed themselves inside the top 6 as early as the timed practice session in a stacked MX1 class. The two races further confirmed these positive impressions.
“Pre-season races give us important indications to prepare as well as possible for the upcoming MXGP World Championship, and we can be fairly satisfied,” commented Davide Guarneri, Fantic Racing’s Motocross Manager. “We had good starts, with both Fantic XXF 450 bikes always inside the top 6. In both races, we were in the fight third place – in race 1 with Van doninck and in race 2 with Forato – a position that Alberto then secured, finishing fourth overall in his comeback race after a long period of recovery and rehabilitation. It is certainly a positive sign. Brent has also already shown excellent speed and good physical condition. Despite a crash on the opening lap, he finished race 2 in sixth place.”
“The new development of the XXF 450 has already shown a good level,” Guarneri added. “Overall, the new team worked very well and the communication between Fantic and the team was excellent. This is an important foundation as we continue our work towards the MXGP season opener on 8 March in Argentina.”
Turning to the young prospects in the 125 class, the new Fantic Factory Racing EMX duo, Bertram Thorius and Gennaro Utech, had an encouraging start to their season. “The Internazionali are the first real benchmark to see where we stand with our race-kitted Fantic XX 125. The starts were definitely there: Bertram Thorius was twice inside the top 3 and finished the second race with a great second place, showing strong improvement over the winter and already good speed. We hope this progress continues ahead of the EMX125 European Championship. Despite a few too many tip-overs, Gennaro Utech showed grit and the skill to fight back, finishing fifth overall thanks to a solid fourth place in race 2, which gives confidence.”
Just four points separated Utech from the podium on the day, despite being forced to chase the pack after a first-turn crash in race 1. In just one week’s time, there will already be another opportunity, with the second round of the Internazionali d’Italia held in Mantova.
