Fantic is excited to embark on a new journey, teaming up with Jacky Martens’ renowned JM Racing structure and welcoming Alberto Forato and Brent Van doninck as Fantic Factory Racing MXGP riders for 2026. Fantic Factory Racing EMX also sees a renewed roster, with two young talents joining the programme.
It is a fresh start, but the passion and drive that have made Fantic an emerging force in MXGP remain unchanged, after an impressive run of seven podium finishes, a maiden race win and third place in the final championship standings of the 2025 season. Fantic is delighted to confirm its presence at the highest level of the FIM Motocross World Championship, announcing an exciting new partnership.
From 2026, the Italian brand will entrust the official Fantic Factory Racing MXGP team to one of the most longstanding and renowned structures in the paddock, led by the vast experience of Jacky Martens, 500cc World Champion in 1993. Lining up on the factory Fantic XXF 450 machines will be 25-year-old Italian Alberto Forato and 29-year-old Belgian Brent Van doninck.
“Fantic is entering a new chapter, and racing represents a key asset within our vision,” highlights Costantino Sambuy, Fantic Motor CEO. “We reaffirm our commitment to racing and the strategic value of our presence in the World Championship paddock. The performance developed on the race track, the close collaboration with a highly experienced team and with professional riders competing at the highest level allow us to gather invaluable insights – expertise and know-how that we transfer directly into our products to continuously improve them, both for our factory riders and for our customers. This is why we continue to invest in racing, a cornerstone of our brand’s identity and future.”
Mariano Roman, Head of Racing at Fantic Motor, said: “We are excited to embark on this new journey with Jacky Martens, undoubtedly a major name in European Motocross history. Many champions have emerged from his team, and we are sure he will do an outstanding job with our two new riders, who were held back by injuries in recent seasons but are now motivated and ready to join our project as we begin this new adventure.”
Fantic is also renewing its commitment to supporting young talent, entering two XX 125s in the EMX125 European Championship. Under the proven leadership of Daniele Marchese, Fantic Factory Racing EMX will field 15-year-old Danish talent Bertram Thorius alongside 16-year-old Sicilian prospect and reigning Italian Junior 125 Champion, Gennaro Utech.
“We are pleased to continue on our path in a category in which we have enjoyed great success in recent years, with no fewer than three EMX125 titles won in 2020, 2022 and 2024. Seeing our colours fighting at the front of the class is always our goal. It is ambitious, but we are confident we can once again do an excellent job with our whole team,” added Roman.
Jacky Martens, Fantic Factory Racing MXGP Team Owner:
“I am very happy to make the move to Fantic – back in the position where we want to be: a factory team working closely with R&D to further improve the bike. Fantic has already proven to be competitive, with really strong results this past season, but this is a new challenge and it comes with new motivation. After spending our first few days meeting everyone at the factory in Italy, I have a very good feeling that we can build a great future with Fantic Factory and JM Racing. I am also really happy with our two riders. I had already spoken to Alberto a few times in past years, but we never found the right opportunity to work together, so I am very pleased that he is joining us now. Everything looks positive and I look forward to seeing him on the bike soon. Brent has already been with us for three years, he had some setbacks, but now he is injury-free, which is very important. I think with these two riders we have really good potential.”
Brent Van doninck:
“I am very happy to join the Fantic Factory Racing MXGP team. It has always been a dream of mine to become a factory rider in the premier class. Also, having been a JM Racing rider for three seasons already makes it even more special, and it helps to know many people. Straight away, I had a really good feeling with everyone at Fantic too. The first two test days were really positive and I already have a lot of trust in the bike. They have already proven that the Fantic is competitive, with strong starts and great results. I am very excited for 2026 and this opportunity, and confident we can make it a great season.”
Alberto Forato:
“I am happy to start this new adventure! I am getting back into shape, my knee is doing well, and now I can’t wait to start riding again. The base is definitely solid and I expect to do well – I am definitely in the right place. An Italian rider with an Italian brand is already a great fit, especially since we are both from the same region around Venice – I already feel at home! I am excited to join the Fantic family and to work with Jacky Martens’ team, which brings a huge amount of experience. This can help both me and Fantic, and I am sure we can do a great job together.”
Daniele Marchese, Fantic Factory Racing EMX Team Owner:
“I am delighted to continue on this path and to keep working with young talents together with Fantic. For 2026, we will focus on the 125 class, with an all-new rider pairing. We will line up two XX 125 machines, entrusting them to an Italian talent who has what it takes to fight for the title, and to a very young Danish rider with great prospects for the future. We are already working to put our riders in the best possible conditions, and I am confident we can build a solid and, hopefully, successful season.”
Bertram Thorius:
“I am really looking forward to next season with the Fantic Factory Racing EMX team. I have been in Italy to test the bike and I felt really good, so now we are working towards 2026. My goal is to be consistently in the top 10 and, at times, in the top 5. I am going to move my base from Denmark to Italy to stay close to the team, so that we can keep developing and get the best out of everything. I feel like we are working really well together.”
Gennaro Utech:
“I am very happy to join Fantic Factory Racing EMX. My first impression is very positive, and I immediately felt comfortable with the team. I also feel very good on the bike. We are working hard to keep improving both the feeling and my physical condition, so that we can fight for the top positions in the EMX125 European Championship.”
