Francesco Bellei enjoyed an impressive rookie season in the EMX250 Championship this year, showing plenty of speed and potential with the Cat Moto Bauerschmidt team. Despite an injury ruling him out of multiple rounds, the Italian talent still managed to finish seventh in the final championship standings.
However, Bellei will have a new home for the 2027 season, having signed a deal with BUD Racing. The move will see him remain in the EMX250 class for a second consecutive season as he looks to build on the potential he demonstrated during his rookie campaign.
Italian line-up for BUD Racing
BUD Racing have confirmed that Bellei will join fellow Italian talent Nicolo Alvisi under their awning for 2027, giving the team an all-Italian line-up in the EMX250 Championship.
While Bellei’s arrival has now been confirmed, Jake Cannon is seemingly set to move on despite recently signing a contract extension. Nothing has been officially announced regarding Cannon’s future, so it remains a situation to keep an eye on.
You can read the press release below:
Venum Bud Racing Kawasaki continues to build its sporting project and is pleased to announce the arrival of Italian rider Francesco Bellei for the 2027 season. He will form an all-new pairing with Nicolo Alvisi: for the first time in the team’s history, Venum Bud Racing Kawasaki will line up with two Italian riders aiming to challenge at the front of the EMX250 European Championship.
At just 17 years old, Francesco Bellei has already built an impressive racing record. An Italian Junior 125 Champion, he also made his mark on the European scene by finishing 4th in the EMX125 European Championship that same year, securing five overall podiums, one Grand Prix victory and two race wins. He also played a key role in Italy’s victory at the 2024 Motocross of European Nations.
Francesco took another step forward in 2026 as he moved up to the EMX250 category. He finished his first season in the class in 7th place in the European Championship, with two podium finishes along the way.
His progress has not gone unnoticed by Stéphane Dassé, Team Manager and Talent Scout at Venum Bud Racing Kawasaki, who quickly recognised Francesco’s potential and decided to put his trust in the young Italian rider for the next stage of his career.
With Francesco Bellei and Nicolo Alvisi, Venum Bud Racing Kawasaki will line up with two Italian riders under its colours for the first time in the team’s history. Two young talents with great potential and a shared ambition: to fight at the front and challenge for the top positions in the EMX250 European Championship.
This new partnership is a continuation of Bud Racing’s sporting project, which has established itself in recent seasons as one of the leading teams in Europe when it comes to developing and supporting young riders.
Two EMX250 European Championship titles secured over the last three seasons are testament to the success of this sporting approach and the team’s ability to develop young talents and help them reach the highest level.
The entire Venum Bud Racing Kawasaki team is looking forward to starting this new partnership and would like to warmly welcome Francesco to the Bud Racing family!
Stéphane Dassé: “I’m delighted to introduce our team for the 2027 season. I’ve been following Francesco in the European Championship for quite some time, and he has delivered some impressive performances this season. When I met him and his family, we immediately hit it off. I discovered a highly motivated rider with a great attitude and the right mindset. The entire team will work hard to provide the very best support to both of our riders and give them everything they need to perform at their best. I’m proud of this team and particularly excited to get this new season underway together!”
Francesco Bellei: “I’m really happy to be joining the team for the 2027 season! I’m looking forward to this new chapter, working hard, improving every day and giving my best on and off the bike. I can’t wait to get started and see what we can achieve together!”
