With MXGP returning to Europe this upcoming weekend, the Fantic Factory Racing EMX team is set to hit the track for the opening round of the 2025 European Championship. After a highly successful 2024, the Italian brand’s official squad enters the EMX125 season as title defenders with Francesco Bellei and Douwe Van Mechgelen. The team will also be competing in EMX250, advancing to the next level together with Simone Mancini.
Fantic is coming off a truly remarkable season in the EMX125 European Championship, with 6 overall victories, a total of 14 podium finishes, and two riders in the top three of the championship standings, along with first place in the manufacturers’ classification. The goal for 2025 is ambitious yet clear: to once again establish the Fantic XX 125 at the top of the category. This challenge will be taken on by the team’s new entry, Francesco Bellei, and the returning Douwe Van Mechgelen.
Having narrowly missed out on the podium at the Internazionali d’Italia, Bellei 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 will take place in Cozar, Spain, on a track that perfectly suits the 16-year-old talent from Trentino – something he proved last season with a race win and a podium finish in the 2024 season finale. His Belgian teammate is also ready for his season debut, having recovered in time from a left-hand injury that sidelined him from the Internazionali.
Simone Mancini, meanwhile, is facing a brand-new challenge. The 17-year-old Italian continues his development within Fantic’s official structure managed by Daniele Marchese, as he steps up to the Fantic XXF 250. A Junior Vice World Champion and EMX125 bronze medallist last season, he is fired up for his EMX250 debut, which is set to take place in just a few days at the MXGP of Castilla La Mancha.
Francesco Bellei:
“I am happy that the European Championship kicks off in Spain, where I had a great race last year. I don’t want to set any specific goals, though. I just want to do my best, ride well, and enjoy myself – because when you are having 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 am feeling good coming into the season. I missed a few weeks on the bike due to a hand injury, but it is almost back to 100% now, and I am getting a good feeling on the my Fantic again. I am hopeful to be fully ready for the EMX125 opener in Spain. The goal this year is definitely to be consistently in the top 5 and, hopefully, make it onto 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 really happy about that. The class is new, and I am really excited because I am feeling great with the Fantic XXF 250. We hope to have a fun season. It is my first year with the 250, but the goal is always the same: to aim as high as possible and be in the fight until the very end.”
Daniele Marchese, Fantic Factory Racing EMX Team Manager:
“Our debut year with Fantic in the 125 class in 2024 brought us great success. We secured three major titles: the Rookies Cup in Italy, the EMX125 European Championship, and the Junior World Championship. After a memorable 2024 season, 2025 presents us with new challenges. Replicating such a successful year won’t be easy, 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. It will be his rookie season in EMX250, and our goal is to achieve strong results and help him become a frontrunner in the class. In EMX125, we welcome a new addition 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. Despite struggling with injuries last season, he showed good promise. This year, we are confident that we can bring him consistently closer to podium contention.”
Mariano Roman, Head of Racing and Vice President of Fantic Motor:
“The commitment to nurturing young talent is a core part of Fantic’s philosophy – a path we embarked on from the very beginning, and one that has already brought us great success. We are coming off an incredible season with our Fantic XX 125, securing 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 as an MXGP rider in the premier class this year. I hope our EMX riders can follow a similar path and keep pushing Fantic to new heights. I am confident that we have everything it takes to succeed once again in this new season.”
