Big changes are on the horizon in the MXGP paddock as the rider and team market continues to take shape for the 2026 season. One of the biggest stories revolves around JM Racing, who announced just after the Belgian Grand Prix that they would part ways with Honda at the end of the 2025 campaign. The news sparked plenty of speculation about their future, with some even suggesting the long-standing team could step away from the world championship scene altogether if support from another manufacturer couldn’t be secured.
Fortunately, it now looks like there’s good news in store. From what we understand, JM Racing are set to remain in the world championship beyond 2025, with rumours strongly linking them to Fantic. The Italian manufacturer has been represented in MXGP over the last two seasons by Louis Vosters, but as previously reported, Vosters is expected to lead Ducati’s MXGP project from 2026 onwards. That has left Fantic searching for a new structure to run its premier-class effort, and it appears JM Racing have been chosen to take on the role.
If confirmed, this would be a significant move for JM Racing. Since losing Husqvarna factory support a number of years ago, the Belgian-based team have been operating as a satellite squad, albeit still running at a very high level. They have mostly been associated with MX2 talent over the years, bringing through plenty of young riders and developing them at world championship level. More recently, however, they have ran Brent van Doninck in MXGP so they are familiar with racing in the premier class as well.
The partnership with Fantic would mark a return to full factory status for JM Racing with the squad placing all of its emphasis on MXGP rather than dividing resources between classes. That in itself underlines Fantic’s intent to remain competitive at the very highest level of the sport, even after Vosters’ departure to Ducati.
In terms of rider structure, there are still plenty of question marks. Fantic have fielded three riders in MXGP under Vosters’ management during the last two years, but the latest information suggests Fantic will scale that back to two riders for 2026. On paper, the ideal scenario for the manufacturer would be to retain current riders, Glenn Coldenhoff and Andrea Bonacorsi. Coldenhoff has brought experience and consistency to the squad, while Bonacorsi continues to impress and is seen as a rider with long-term potential.
Coldenhoff is thought to have offers from America, which could see him follow the path of other established GP names who have crossed the Atlantic in recent years. Meanwhile, Bonacorsi is reportedly attracting attention from rival MXGP teams, and one concrete offer is already believed to be on the table. Losing both riders would leave Fantic in a position of heading into the 2026 season with a new rider line up.
Noel Zanocz and David Braceras who are currently under the JM Racing awning will be expected to move on from the team at the end of the season.
Nothing has been officially announced yet, but the signs are pointing toward JM Racing becoming the new home of the Fantic factory MXGP effort in 2026. If that comes to fruition, it will be a fascinating new chapter for both the team and the brand, and it could shake up the competitive order in the premier class.
One thing is for sure — there’s still plenty more to come from the 2026 “silly season”, and we’ll keep you updated with the latest as the pieces continue to fall into place.
