The Fantic Factory Racing MXGP Team enjoyed a solid and positive weekend during the MXGP of Sardinia in Riola Sardo. On the demanding sand circuit, where conditions are always extremely tough, both Alberto Forato and Brent Van doninck managed to score points multiple times.
The Fantic XXF 450 machines stood out not only thanks to their special “Sunset White” livery, but also with a strong performance in the qualifying race, where Forato finished eighth and Van doninck followed closely behind in tenth.
Forato carried his strong form into Sunday’s races. In the first moto, he managed to hold on to a top-eight position despite suffering a heavy crash during the warm-up.
In the second moto, the Italian made an even better start and briefly ran in fifth position. After a hectic opening phase, he crossed the line in ninth place before finding his rhythm and working his way forward. He eventually finished seventh, which secured him a strong sixth overall.
For Van doninck, the weekend started promisingly with a solid qualifying race, but he crashed at the start of the first moto. From the back of the field, he fought his way back to 19th position.
In the second moto, the Belgian had a good start but lost ground in the first corner and once again had to fight his way forward. With a strong comeback, he eventually finished 12th, placing him 16th overall for the weekend.
Alberto Forato:
“It was a positive weekend, despite a heavy crash in the warm-up. I clearly felt the consequences of that, especially in my left hand, which didn’t make things easier in the tough sand conditions of Riola. But I did my best, gave everything I had, and I’m very happy with sixth overall. We’ve taken another small step forward and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in Arco di Trento!”
Brent Van doninck:
“I didn’t really know what to expect from this weekend after twisting my ankle in Switzerland, so tenth place in the qualifying race was actually quite good. Unfortunately, I crashed at the start of the first moto. The second moto went better with a solid twelfth place. Two out of three starts were very good, which is definitely a positive. Overall it was okay, but of course we want more. I hope my ankle will feel better next week, and after that we have a longer break to get the body back to 100%. But first, I hope to score good points in Arco.”
