What do Maxime Renaux, Ruben Fernandez, Roan van de Moosdijk, Jeremy Van Horebeek, Alessandro Lupino and Rick Elzinga have in common? All of them are top riders and they all rode for his team at one point in their career. Right before the start of the EMX125 season this weekend in Sardinia we caught up with team manager Daniele Marchese who runs Fantic Factory Racing EMX125 riders Noel Zanocz, Simone Mancini and Douwe Van Mechgelen.
After running official teams for Yamaha and Beta your team was selected to manage the Fantic Factory racing program in EMX125. How has that change of class been for your crew?
Daniele Marchese: “It’s been a major change because we did MXGP the last four seasons, and it’s not easy to make this shift. We have never raced with two-stroke bikes and even if it is a European championship we must maintain maximum commitment and professionalism. We were lucky enough to work in both the EMX250 and the MXGP but always with four-stroke bikes. Modern four-strokes present a different kind of challenge, just think about the importance of electronics, but two-stroke bikes are very different. Also very advanced in their own way I need to add. Actually there are few people left who know how to work at an high level on two-stroke engines.
Secondly, working with young riders means we need to be much more involved with their preparation. This takes a lot of commitment and day to day follow-up. Managing MXGP riders is easier in that sense. They are experienced professionals and know what they have to do. It is not necessary to support them directly every single day.”
Since the entrance of Fantic in the EMX125 four years ago, and the title of Andrea Bonacorsi, Fantic has been the standout team in the series. Does that bring an additional kind of pressure?
Marchese: “Fantic has built a winning reputation and achieved impressive results in the EMX125 class. Obviously this makes us feel responsible for having to maintain a very high level of performance. But every year is different. The bikes are different and the riders are all new too. We will still do our best to continue on this path, plus the Fantic XX 125 is definitely an awesome bike!”
Fantic now has a clear pyramid in place with official entries in EMX125, EMX250, MX2 and MXGP. How important is this to attract talented young riders?
Marchese: “I think the choice to create more GP teams, up to MXGP is the right choice. Many riders don’t want to race EMX250 on a two-stroke bike. So there was a risk not to attract strong EMX125 riders. Having teams in all classes gives riders to the prospect to grow and create a relationship with Fantic for many years. This is reassuring and gives stability. They know that by committing themselves they can become true professionals in the Motocross World Championship all the way up to the premier class.”
You brought one of your former riders, Michele Cervellin, on board as a coach. How are things going in his new role?
Marchese: “We made our MXGP debut in 2020 with Michele. On the one hand he was an excellent professional as a rider and is proving to be the same as a rider coach as well. In terms of riding skills and riding techniques Michele was always outstanding so this gives him a keen eye. On the other hand a lot of patience is required when you’re managing 16-year olds! Normally these guys are under the wings of their parents and the detachment can create some problems at the beginning. It is not easy to convey to them the importance of professional behaviour and habits on and off track. But Micky is dedicating himself a lot to the rider and this is encouraging.”
There was only one rider, Vitezslav Marek, who remained in the class and placed ahead of Noel Zanocz in the 2023 final standings. Does that make Noel Zanocz one of the favorites for the EMX125 title?
Marchese: “Noel is definitely a rider who will be able to fight for the podium. He’s very determined and knows what he wants. Earlier this season he already showed his speed in the Internazionali d’Italia where he took the runner-up title. So I think he adapted well to the Fantic. Logically he should be up there and the same goes for Simone Mancini. He already finished 2nd in Matterley Basin at the end of last season, and took bronze in the 125cc Jr. World Championship. You can see he has some momentum behind him. Simone was unlucky in the Internazionali but he can certainly challenge for the podium together with Noel. However there’s no denying that the level in EMX125 keeps improving. In addition to the official Yamaha team, KTM will also line up with an official team so things will not be easy at all.”
It seems that you have a good mix of riders between Zanocz and Mancini as the more experienced guys and Douwe Van Mechgelen who will start in his second EMX125 season.
Marchese: “Indeed we have three very strong riders, each with their own strengths. With Noel and Simone we expect to fight for the podium. Like you said Douwe is younger but certainly has the speed to be able to fight for the top-5 when he’s feeling well. For these young riders it’s a big challenge to remain consistent all the time but our aim is clear: we want to continue the success that Fantic has achieved in these past years!”
You and Fabio Tognella have been managing the SDM Corse team since 2003, first locally and later in GP’s. What’s the secret to run a motocross team for such a long time?
Marchese: “I’ve been on this amazing journey together with Fabio for many years. From local races to MXGP, we want to do as good as possible but also while having some fun doing it.
Today motocross requires very important personal budgets or, as in our case, the ability to adapt to the difficulties or opportunities that present themselves. Of course you need to be passionate and motivated but this goes for anything you want to achieve, right? I would say that the thing that is needed most of all is a lot of patience…”
Interview: Tom Jacobs
Image: Davide Messora
