Fantic Factory Racing MXGP delivered a double top-five performance in Frauenfeld, Switzerland. Andrea Bonacorsi put in an impressive ride to take fourth overall, tied on points with the third-placed rider, while Glenn Coldenhoff secured fifth overall. It was a solid weekend for Fantic Factory Racing EMX as well, with Francesco Bellei finishing fifth in EMX125 after an eventful Easter weekend.
Fantic Factory Racing MXGP was back in full force for the MXGP of Switzerland, with the returning Brian Bogers immediately back in the mix, securing a promising seventh place in time practice. On the narrow hardpack track, starts were key, and in Saturday’s qualifying race, it was Andrea Bonacorsi who got the best jump on the Fantic XXF 450, powering through the tight first turn in sixth. “Bona” ran a strong pace throughout and worked his way up to fourth, despite limited passing opportunities.
Glenn Coldenhoff experienced the challenge of the old-school Swiss track as well, taking some time to find his rhythm before breaking into the top 10 in the final stages and finishing ninth. Bogers, meanwhile, didn’t get the best launch off the gate and had to battle in the thick of the pack, eventually crossing the line in 15th.
Following the unusual schedule with a break on Easter Sunday, the all-important races took place on Monday. Andrea Bonacorsi managed to keep his momentum going – his starts were on point and his pace strong and consistent, making him a serious podium contender. The Italian crossed the line in fourth in race 1 and was again battling for fourth in race 2 when a crash cost him some ground. He kept charging and worked his way back to fifth, which put him in a virtual third overall with just two laps to go. However, a late position change by a rider ahead meant Bonacorsi ultimately missed out on the podium by a whisker, finishing fourth overall – tied on points with third.
Glenn Coldenhoff, on the other hand, didn’t get the best launch off the gate, and on the tight and tricky track, overtaking proved a challenge. “The Hoff” put all his experience to good use, avoided mistakes and kept pushing, which was ultimately rewarded with solid 10-6 finishes and fifth overall.
Two Fantic XXF 450 machines in the top 5 is definitely good news; however, Brian Bogers experienced a less fortunate race day. His starts weren’t as good as he had hoped for, and while trying to move up the order, a small technical issue prevented him from finishing the races.
After an intense and successful triple-header for Fantic Factory Racing MXGP, the 2025 FIM Motocross World Championship now takes a one-week break before heading to Águeda, Portugal. Coldenhoff remains a strong fourth in the championship standings, with Bonacorsi now up to seventh.
Andrea Bonacorsi:
“Fourth overall, tied on points with third – I have mixed feelings about it, but we need to focus on the positives. I made a good step forward on hardpack and improved my starts. I want to thank my Fantic Factory Racing MXGP team, because in the week between Arco and Frauenfeld we made a change to the bike that helped me feel much more comfortable here in Switzerland. So, I have to be happy with the progress I am making, even if another fourth place wasn’t exactly what I was aiming for… We will go for it again in Portugal in two weeks!”
Glenn Coldenhoff:
“It was a tough weekend – I didn’t feel great out there and my starts were a little off. In race 2, my start was better, but I lacked a bit of pace in the first few laps and got passed by a few guys. I felt the track was quite sketchy this weekend, but we made it through and we will take the fifth overall. I think I need to work a bit more on these kinds of conditions, and we will focus on some sprints in the next couple of weeks to find some extra intensity. Portugal is one of my favourite rounds, so I am looking forward to it.”
Brian Bogers:
“What we can take away from this weekend is that, physically, I am feeling better and better with every session. During the first practice during the week, I was tired after ten minutes – now I have almost managed to do a full 30. Also, in free and time practice, the speed wasn’t too bad. We just need to put it all together in the races. When things don’t go to plan, it can be difficult, because you need a few good races to rebuild confidence. But mentally I am strong, and I am happy to be in this team – I really feel they can help me, and they are working hard to make it happen.”
FANTIC FACTORY RACING EMX
Fresh off his maiden EMX250 race win on home soil in Arco di Trento, Simone Mancini once again showcased his skill and speed in Frauenfeld. A fast start aboard the Fantic XXF 250 saw him battling within the top 5 from the opening lap of race 1. Although it took him a few laps to settle into his rhythm on the tricky Swiss track, he delivered a strong ride and crossed the line in fourth place.
Mancini entered the decisive race 2 with high hopes, but wasn’t quite able to replicate the strong feeling he had on day one on the challenging track. He had to settle for eleventh place, still securing a solid seventh overall.
In EMX125, there is no denying Francesco Bellei’s impressive speed on the Fantic XX 125. In Switzerland, he was once again among the young riders to watch, underlining his ambitions by securing second in his qualifying group. Despite starting just outside the top 10, Bellei wasted no time climbing into the top 5 within just two laps. However, while attempting to move into fourth place, the 16-year-old Italian suffered a crash that cost him valuable ground. As he pushed to recover, another small mistake set him back again, ultimately limiting him to 12th at the finish – a result that clearly doesn’t reflect his true potential.
Bellei proved to be a true warrior on Monday, pushing through the pain from a bicycle crash he suffered on Sunday. Despite multiple abrasions and cuts to his forehead and nose, he delivered an outstanding performance in race 2, battling hard to finish second and securing fifth overall. In the EMX125 Championship standings, he held on to second place.
His Fantic Factory Racing EMX teammate, Douwe Van Mechgelen, had a more difficult weekend. He got caught in the first-turn chaos of race 1 and, while trying to fight his way back through the field, suffered a heavy crash that left him no higher than 25th. The impact resulted in a painful shoulder, which also affected his performance in race 2. Despite giving it his all, the Belgian narrowly missed out on points with a 21st-place finish.
Francesco Bellei:
“All in all, it wasn’t too bad. I had to dip deep today – the pain after the bicycle incident was pretty intense – but I am really happy with second place in race 2. It is just a shame about the mistake in race 1… Now it’s time to recover and give it another go in Portugal!”
Simone Mancini:
“After finishing fourth on Saturday, I was quite happy, but on Monday I struggled a bit to find the right feeling with the track and couldn’t ride the way I wanted. Still, we take home a seventh overall, and we are improving step by step. Thanks to the whole team for the support – we will keep working hard to reach our goals.”
