Fantic is to field EMX 250 champ Nicolas Lapucci in the MXGPs in 2022 – its first crack at the premier class.  And continuing its bid to develop young riders in the European 125 and 250 categories, EMX 125 champ Hakon Osterhagen twill move up to EMX250 with the Fantic XX250 two-stroke. 

He will be joined in the same class by the promising Norwegian Cornelius Tøndel, who this year proved to be consistent and fast. In the European 125 class, Alexis Fueris has been confirmed again after a good second part of the season. The team is completed with the arrival in the 125 class of the young Dutchman Cas Valk who has shown exceptional speed at this end of the season.

Team boss Marco Maddii said: “We are very happy to make our debut in MXGP with Nicholas, it is an exciting and difficult challenge, but we will try to do our best to perform well in the premier class. We have also made a big step in the European Championship, with Fueri and Valk in 125, Tondel and Ostheragen in 250 I think we have 4 competitive riders who will have their say in the final standings. The group is compact and we have already started winter training, the feeling with the bikes is already good, but in any case, we intend to work hard and do our best to be ready for the first race of the Internazionali d’Italia”.

Nicholas Lapucci said: “I’m really happy to have renewed my contract with Fantic and the Maddii team. I am very excited about this new world challenge. It will be an important season and I’m happy to be with Fantic Factory Team Maddii again. I’m sure they will give me the best possible support to undertake this new adventure. It will be my second year with the Team and there will be even more feeling, I can’t wait to start this new page of my career. I want to thank the Maddii family and Fantic for the trust they have placed in me and all the sponsors who are giving me a hand.”