Gennaro Utech narrowly misses EMX125 podium at the MXGP of Latvia

Gennaro Utech delivered a strong performance at the MXGP of Latvia, narrowly missing out on a podium finish in the EMX125 class. After securing third place in the second race, Utech finished fourth overall, just two points shy of the top three. His teammate Bertram Thorius also impressed, placing fifth in the second race and sixth overall, marking a solid weekend for the Fantic Factory Racing EMX team as the series passed its halfway point. Both riders demonstrated consistent speed throughout the weekend, with Utech and Thorius qualifying fifth and sixth in their group during time practice. While Utech maintained a steady and mistake-free approach to secure a sixth-place finish in race one, Thorius recovered from a mid-race fall to finish 11th. In race two, Utech made an early move into third and held his position to the flag, while Thorius faced a challenge after a near crash during a passing attempt but still managed to finish fifth despite damage to his front brake. The MXGP of Latvia proved more challenging for the Fantic Factory Racing MXGP team, with Alberto Forato and Brent Van Doninck struggling to find their rhythm in the sandy conditions. Forato qualified tenth but finished 20th and 13th in the two races after a crash in race two, while Van Doninck ended 13th in qualifying but was forced to retire from race two due to a mechanical issue. Despite the setbacks, both riders expressed determination to improve ahead of the next round. Looking forward, the Fantic teams are preparing for the MXGP of Italy in Montevarchi, a home round that promises to be a significant event for the Italian manufacturer. Utech and Thorius remain well placed in the championship standings, fourth and fifth respectively, while Forato and Van Doninck aim to build on their experiences in Latvia. The upcoming races will be crucial as the teams seek to convert their potential into stronger results on home soil.