On the eve of the MXGP of Loket, Fantic Factory Racing has confirmed the rider who will step in for Alberto Forato during his recovery from injury.
The Italian suffered a fractured shoulder blade in a crash at last weekend’s MXGP of Great Britain at Foxhills and has been ruled out for an indefinite period, forcing the team to seek a replacement for the remainder of his absence.
Starting with the MXGP of Flanders in Lommel, Belgium, Forato’s seat will be taken by Estonian rider Jörgen-Matthias Talviku. The 24-year-old has established himself as one of the strongest privateers in the MXGP paddock, securing multiple top-10 finishes while competing with independent and satellite teams.
The move marks a significant milestone in Talviku’s career, as it will be his first opportunity to race for a full factory team in the premier class of the FIM Motocross World Championship.
Talviku has already begun testing with Jacky Martens’ squad as he prepares for his debut aboard the factory Fantic machine. His first appearance with the team is scheduled for the MXGP of Flanders at Lommel on August 2–3, one of the most demanding sand races on the calendar and a fitting stage for the Estonian to begin this new chapter in his MXGP career.
