Italy have been forced into a late change to their 2026 Motocross des Nations line-up, with Andrea Bonacorsi ruled out of this weekend’s event at Ernée, France, after failing to fully recover from the virus he contracted in Türkiye.
Alberto Forato has now been called up to replace the Ducati rider, with the Fantic star set to make his return to the Ernée circuit where he impressed during the 2023 MXoN. The change also sees Andrea Adamo move from the MXGP class to MX Open, while Ferruccio Zanchi remains confirmed for MX2.
The Italian federation confirmed the news in the following press release:
Italy’s line-up for the Motocross of Nations, taking place this weekend in Ernée, France, has changed. Alberto Forato (Fantic) will replace Andrea Bonacorsi (Ducati), returning to the circuit where he was a standout performer at the 2023 edition of the event.
The Italian team will therefore consist of Alberto Forato in the MXGP class, Ferruccio Zanchi in MX2, and Andrea Adamo – initially selected for MXGP – competing in the MX Open class.
Andrea Bonacorsi’s physical condition, as he has not yet fully recovered from the virus he contracted in Türkiye, has prevented him from resuming motorcycle training. As a result, the FMI, in agreement with the Bergamo rider, has decided to replace him with a fast rider with proven experience.
