Italian talent Gennaro Utech has officially signed with the Fantic factory team for the 2026 season, he’ll race the EMX125 series with big ambitions. After a breakout year with TM that included winning the Italian championship, Utech has chosen Fantic as the next step in his career, citing the team’s strong history of developing young riders and the opportunity to train alongside established talents like Simone Mancini and Noel Zanocz.
We caught up with Utech as he reflects on how the deal came together, the challenges of adapting to a new bike, and the goals he has set for the upcoming season. From pre-season testing to his approach to pressure and competition, he is determined to make the most of his final year in the 125cc class before moving up to EMX250. He also discusses the support and guidance he is receiving from former GP rider Michele Cervellin and gives insight into the atmosphere within the Fantic team.
As Utech prepares for the EMX125 series and looks ahead to a two-year plan with Fantic, it’s clear that both he and the team have high expectations. With his focus on speed, endurance, and learning from rivals, 2026 promises to be a pivotal season for the young Italian aiming to leave a mark on the EMX125 championship.
GateDrop: Gennaro, congratulations on signing with Fantic! How did the deal first come together, and when did talks start?
Utech: Thanks a lot – it was kind of a mutual thing and I’m happy about that.
GateDrop: What convinced you that Fantic was the right home for the next step of your career?
Utech: Because with TM we made big steps forward, like winning the Italian championship, and I’ve seen for quite a long time that the Fantic factory team is definitely the right choice for my future. So I think there wasn’t a better choice at this moment, also considering the work done with Mancini and Zanocz in the 125cc class.
GateDrop: Did you have interest from any other teams, and how tough was the final decision?
Utech: I had several offers, but in my opinion this was definitely the right choice.
GateDrop: How have your first tests on the Fantic 125 been — what stood out to you immediately?
Utech: At the beginning it wasn’t easy, because when you change bike it’s normal to struggle at first, but now I’m feeling better and better and I’m improving all the time.
GateDrop: What areas are you and the team focusing on during the winter to tailor the bike to your style?
Utech: We will try to improve the speed and endurance.
GateDrop: Fantic has a strong reputation for developing young riders – what kind of support are you expecting technically and personally?
Utech: Yes, absolutely — as I said before, history speaks for itself. The past years with Fantic have been very successful, especially in the 125 class, and I’m sure that in the 2026 season we can achieve something good.
GateDrop: You are working with former GP rider, Michele Cervellin – what has he been like to work with so far?
Utech: Working with Michele is a great thing, both physically and on the bike. He’s really an excellent trainer and the results prove it.
GateDrop: What targets have you set for your EMX125 season with Fantic?
Utech: The goal is to try to be in the top five and fight for the championship.
GateDrop: Do you approach 2026 with pressure, excitement, or a bit of both?
Utech: I’m very happy for next year. I feel a bit of pressure, but I’m happy because when there’s big pressure it means you can achieve big things.
GateDrop: Last year you made a big jump up before your injury with TM and had a breakout year, were you happy with how you were doing before the injury? Did you even surprise yourself?
Utech: Yes, but it could have been better – it’s a shame about the technical problems I had during the year and the injury. It wasn’t a great season; it could have been much better. It’s a pity about the bike issues and the injury, but the Italian title at the end of the season definitely helped improve things.
GateDrop: You are of quite a big build, was moving up to the EMX250 series ever an option for 2026?
Utech: Yes, but we want to try to make the most of my last year in the 125 class to show my best.
GateDrop: Are there any riders you study or look up to in terms of style, technique, or mentality?
Utech: I watch all the riders, my rivals, and I try to learn from their strengths and weaknesses.
GateDrop: What has the atmosphere been like so far inside the Fantic setup?
Utech: It’s a great atmosphere, a really good environment, and I get along very well with the mechanics too.
GateDrop: How different is the structure compared to your previous team?
Utech: It’s very different – especially the place the teams are based. They are two very different lifestyles. Before, I lived near the sea; here we are in a much more central area. It’s less chaotic compared to before, and here we mainly just focus on this.
GateDrop: Do you know which pre-season races you’ll contest yet?
Utech: The Internazionali d’Italia, and that’s it.
GateDrop: Do you see this Fantic deal as part of a longer-term pathway through EMX and into MX2? At the moment they don’t run an EMX250 rider, but has it been discussed if you perform well?
Utech: Yes, absolutely, we have a two-year contract. Next year I will do the EMX125 Championship, and the year after I will contest the EMX250 Championship, I will still be with Fantic in 2027.
