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 were already in the top six during time practice 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 for 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 for sure 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. Guarneri: “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. And in just one week’s time, there will already be another opportunity to put the Fantic XX 125 on the box, with the second round of the Internazionali d’Italia held in Mantova.

Alberto Forato | Fantic XXF 450 | 4th overall (7-3)

“My first race with Fantic – and my first race back after eight months – went well, despite two crashes across the two races. In race 1, I remounted way back and managed to climb up to seventh place. I also tipped over in race 2, but I was able to finish third in the race, for fourth overall. We didn’t really know what to expect coming into the weekend, given that I still need more hours of training on the new bike, but it went very well. We have seen that we are on the right path, and now we will keep working!”

Brent Van doninck | Fantic XXF 450 | 11th overall (18-6)

“First race done here in Alghero, and I had a good feeling all day long. We had a small issue in the first race, but these pre-season races are useful to test things and make sure everything is ready for the MXGP opener in Argentina. In the second race, I had a small crash on the first lap, but still finished sixth. Overall, it was a good first test. We will continue working to get closer and closer to 100%.”

Gennaro Utech | Fantic XX 125 | 5th overall (11-4)

“This was my first race with the new team and my new Fantic, and I want to thank everyone for the great effort they are putting in. It was a bit of a shame about race 1, with a crash at the start and another mistake on the first lap, but in race 2 we made up for it with a solid fourth place, finishing just a few points off the podium. Let’s build from here!”

Bertram Thorius | Fantic XX 125 | 9th overall (30-2)

“The first race on the Fantic went pretty well. I had two good starts, which is always important. The speed was there; I had a small issue in race 1, but this is motocross sometimes, and it was definitely a good feeling to finish second in race 2. All in all, I am very happy with how this first race day went.”