MWith MXGP returning to Europe this weekend, the Fantic Factory Racing EMX team is set to hit the track for the opening round of the 2025 European Championship this weekend in Spain. After a very successful 2024, the official team of the Italian brand will enter the EMX125 season as defending champions with Francesco Bellei and Douwe Van Mechgelen. The team will also compete in the EMX250 class, partnering Simone Mancini.
Fantic has completed a truly remarkable season in the EMX125 European Championship, with 6 overall victories, a total of 14 podiums and two riders in the top three of the championship, along with the first place in the constructors’ standings. The goal for 2025 is ambitious but clear: to bring the Fantic XX 125 back to the top of the category. This challenge will be taken up by the team’s new competitor, Francesco Bellei, and the returning Douwe Van Mechgelen.
Bellei narrowly missed out on a podium at the Internazionali d'Italia and has continued to work hard with the Fantic Factory Racing EMX team to ensure he is fully prepared for the start of the European Championship. The opening round takes place in Cozar, Spain, at a circuit that suits the 16-year-old Trentino talent perfectly – something he proved last season with a win and podium finish at the 2024 season finale. His Belgian team-mate is also ready for his season debut, having recovered in time from a left hand injury that sidelined him at the Internazionali.
Simone Mancini faces a brand new challenge. The 17-year-old Italian continues his development within the official Fantic structure, led by Daniele Marchese, as he moves up to the Fantic XXF 250. He is a Junior Vice World Champion and EMX World Champion. As Junior Vice World Champion and EMX125 bronze medalist last season, he is ready for his EMX250 debut, which will take place in just a few days at the MXGP of Castilla La Mancha.
Francesco Bellei: "I am happy that the European Championship starts in Spain, where I had a great race last year. However, I don’t want to set specific goals. I just want to do my best, ride well and enjoy myself – because when you have fun, the results will come. I already feel very good with my new team and teammates, and the feeling with my new Fantic is great. I can’t wait to get started!"
Douwe Van Mechgelen: "I feel good at the start of the season. I missed a few weeks on the bike due to a hand injury, but it is almost 100% now and I am getting a good feeling on my Fantic again. I hope to be fully prepared for the EMX125 opener in Spain. The goal this year is to be consistently in the top 5 and hopefully on the podium."
Simone Mancini: "Here we are, about to start this new adventure in the EMX250 European Championship. The team remains the same and I am very happy about that. The class is new and I am very excited because I feel great with the Fantic XXF 250. We hope to have a nice season. We hope to have a nice season. It is my first year with the 250 but the goal is always the same: aim as high as possible and compete until the end."
Daniele Marchese, Fantic Factory Racing EMX Team Manager: "Our debut year with Fantic in the 125 class in 2024 brought us a lot of success, with three major titles: the Rookies Cup in Italy, the EMX125 European Championship and the Junior World Championship. After a memorable 2024 season, 2025 brings new challenges for us. It won’t be easy to repeat such a successful year, but we are ready to give it our all as we expand our commitment to the 250 class. Simone Mancini continues his journey with us as he moves up to the 250 class. It will be his first season in the EMX250 class and our goal is to achieve strong results and help him become a frontrunner in the class. In the EMX125 class, we welcome a newcomer to the team, Francesco Bellei, who on paper has all the potential to fight for the title. Alongside him, we have confirmed Douwe Van Mechgelen, who despite struggling with injuries last season, showed good promise. This year we are confident that we can bring him closer and closer to podium places."
Mariano Roman, Head of Racing and Vice President of Fantic Motor: "The dedication to nurturing young talent is a core part of Fantic’s philosophy – a path we have taken from the beginning and one that has already brought us great success. We had an incredible season with our Fantic XX 125, taking the EMX125 title and dominating the Junior World Championship. I would also like to highlight that our first motocross title came in 2020 with Andrea Bonacorsi, who returned to the Fantic family this year as a premier class MXGP rider. I hope that our EMX riders can follow a similar path and continue to push Fantic to new heights. I am confident that we have everything it takes to be successful again this new season."
Photos and text: Fantic Racing
