Alberto Forato Second in the Italian MX1 Championship
Alberto Forato of Fantic Factory Racing MXGP has made a strong start to the 2026 season. In just his second race aboard the XXF 450, Alberto Forato secured a podium finish at round two of the Internazionali d’Italia in Mantova and wrapped up the prestigious Italian pre-season series with an impressive silver medal.
The all-new Fantic team enjoyed a promising start to the season at the Internazionali d’Italia, the first important benchmark on the road to the MXGP World Championship. Alberto Forato delivered Fantic’s first podium of the year by finishing third in Mantova and second overall in the championship standings, behind five-time world champion Tim Gajser.
After finishing fourth overall at the opening round in Alghero, he clinched the podium in Mantova thanks to a fifth- and fourth-place finish in the two motos. A hugely positive season debut for the 25-year-old Italian, especially considering that he only returned to riding at the end of December following a knee injury that had sidelined him for most of the previous season. Despite this, Forato quickly felt at home on his new Fantic XXF 450 and within the team structure led by former world champion Jacky Martens, showing strong confidence and an ever-improving feeling.
Alberto Forato | Fantic XXF 450 | 3rd overall (5-4), 2nd in the championship
“A great start to the season with a podium at the Internazionali d’Italia! We couldn’t really have expected this result, especially as I am coming back from an injury and the bike is still quite new to me. But consistency and hard work have paid off, and I am really happy about that. We are only at the beginning, but I already feel good on my Fantic and with the new team. Now it’s back to work, and we hope to continue like this. Thanks to everyone for the great support!”
Results Italian Championship MX1 Mantova:
1 Tim Gajser 50 Pnt
2 Tom Vialle 38 Pnt
3 Alberto Forato 34 Pnt
4 Jago Geerts 32 Pnt
5 Mattia Guadagnini 32 Pnt
Final standings Italian Championship MX1:
1 Tim Gajser 88 Pnt
2 Alberto Forato 68 Pnt
3 Mattia Guadagnini 66 Pnt
4 Jago Geerts 56 Pnt
5 Jan Pancar 55 Pnt
