There looks to be some big changes coming for the factory Fantic Racing team as they prepare for the 2026 MXGP World Championship season. After a few years establishing themselves in the premier class, the Italian brand are set for a reshuffle both in management and in the rider line-up – and one of the key names linked with a move is Brent van Doninck.
While there’s been no official confirmation just yet, it’s widely expected that Jacky Martens will be involved in running the factory Fantic MXGP operation. Meanwhile, Louis Vosters, who has been heavily involved with Fantic’s MXGP programme in recent seasons, is strongly rumoured to be switching his focus to the Ducati MXGP team.
That managerial shuffle is likely to coincide with a big change in the team’s rider roster. Brian Bogers recently announced his retirement from professional motocross, bringing an end to a long and successful career in Grand Prix racing. Andrea Bonacorsi, who has been developing nicely in his first full MXGP season, is expected to follow Vosters to Ducati. As for Glenn Coldenhoff, the experienced Dutchman is weighing up his future – there’s talk of a possible move to the AMA Pro Motocross series in the United States, but retirement also remains a possibility.
With those three departures, Fantic suddenly have two top-level MXGP seats to fill – and one rider who has emerged as a strong contender is Brent van Doninck. The Belgian has spent the past three seasons with JM Racing Honda and during that time has shown is capable of running with the factory-backed competition. Despite not having full factory machinery, van Doninck has delivered some strong results racing the MXGP World Championship.
Since stepping up to the 450cc machine at the end of the 2019 season, van Doninck has been searching for the opportunity to return to a factory setup, and 2026 might finally present that chance. The 29-year-old is no stranger to factory machinery – earlier in his career, he spent three full seasons (2015–2017) as part of the Kemea Yamaha squad in the MX2 World Championship.
Should the move to Fantic go ahead, it would be a logical step for both sides. Van Doninck already has a proven working relationship with Jacky Martens, and the JM Racing structure – now aligning with Fantic – would provide an ideal environment for him to thrive with factory support behind him.
At this stage, nothing has been officially confirmed, but all signs point to Fantic making a fresh start for the 2026 season with van Doninck under the awning. The big question now is who will join him as the team’s second rider, with several names being quietly discussed around the paddock.
More updates as we hear them from around the MXGP paddock.
