The Factory Fantic MXGP squad look set to turn to Estonian talent Jörgen-Matthias Talviku as a replacement for the injured Alberto Forato, with an announcement expected as soon as next week.
Forato had already been battling health issues before suffering a shoulder injury at the MXGP of Great Britain at Foxhill. The Italian has since undergone surgery and now faces a spell on the sidelines, leaving Fantic searching for a fill-in rider.
We understand that Talviku has already tested the factory Fantic machine and is expected to make his debut for the team at the MXGP of Belgium in Lommel – an important GP for the JM team based in Lommel. While the exact length of the agreement has yet to be confirmed, the initial deal is believed to cover three rounds – Lommel, Uddevalla and Arnhem.
Forato, meanwhile, will be working hard on his recovery in the hope of returning to racing as soon as possible.
Talviku has contested selected MXGP World Championship rounds over the past two seasons with Yamaha machinery and has showed some encouraging pace in 2026. His standout race performance came in Latvia at Kegums, where he finished an impressive eighth in the second MXGP moto. If he can consistently produce results like that on the factory Fantic machine, the Italian manufacturer will no doubt be pleased with their decision.
The opportunity represents a major step in Talviku’s career. Racing under the Factory Fantic awning alongside Brent van Doninck will give the Estonian a chance to measure himself against the world’s best on a full-time factory bike and put himself firmly in the shop window for future opportunities.
An official announcement is expected next week, and we’ll bring you confirmation as soon as it arrives.
