Following a strong start to the Moto2 season, we caught up with Fantic Racing Lino Sonego Team Manager, Roberto Locatelli, to reflect on the team’s current form, the progress of his riders, and their ambitions moving forward. Here is what he had to say ahead of the much-anticipated Mugello Grand Prix, Fantic’s home round.
We are now well into the season – what is your overall assessment of this first part of the year for the team and your two riders, Aron Canet and Barry Baltus?
The start of the season has been extremely positive. We have consistently been at the front with both riders, and the team has proven itself to be one of the most sought-after structures in the paddock – a key step for young talents aiming to fulfil the dream of reaching MotoGP. Canet has delivered a win and more podiums, while Baltus has grown race after race, claiming three podiums himself. Today, we are leading both the riders’ standings with Aron and the team standings. We couldn’t ask for a better start, but we are not even halfway through the season – there is still a long way to go.
Barry Baltus is one of this season’s revelations. Did you expect him to be this strong from the get-go?
Barry surprised us right from the first test sessions. He immediately showed he was in the right place, with the right mindset. From our side, we knew we had the structure to support him properly, but it is always the rider’s personality that makes the difference. Barry has listened a lot, while still keeping his own identity – which is important. He is a talented rider, and talent should be respected, not over-polished. Much of the credit goes to him, but also to the team, which has provided the technical and human environment for him to shine.
Canet is back on top of the standings, tied on points with his main rival. What is missing for him to make that final step?
Aron is leading the championship again – and it doesn’t come as a surprise to us. From the very first race – where he finished second behind González, with whom he now shares the lead – he has been a strong contender for the title. There is still a bit missing to reach 100%, especially in qualifying, where Aron hasn’t quite found the perfect feeling with the bike. We have carried out several comparisons between the 2024 and 2025 setups, also taking tyre wear into account. Pirelli is doing an excellent job, as shown by the lap times in Moto2, but at the same time, we need to fine-tune the technical package carefully. We are working hard to find the right balance.
In your view, what’s the factor that sets the Fantic Racing Lino Sonego team apart from the rest?
Our biggest strength is the human factor. In Moto2, every team has access to the same materials – that is what the regulations ensure. But you can’t buy cohesion, trust, or the passion of a united team. As Team Manager, it is essential for me to defend and support the decisions we make collectively – especially when they are not the easiest. We are 13 people working side by side in the garage, and every choice comes from open dialogue. That unity is what makes us strong, especially in tough moments. Our team spirit is what sets us apart.
Mugello is just around the corner – what are your expectations for Fantic’s home GP?
We always aim to be up front. We don’t change depending on the circuit or the moment – we have a clear identity, and we bring that with us everywhere. In Mugello, just like last year, we want the entire Fantic family to feel involved, on and off the track. It is a special round, and we want to take it on as front-runners.
After so many years in the paddock, do the emotions still feel as strong?
The emotions are always intense – even after all these years. The passion never fades. It is quite the opposite, I feel the responsibility and adrenaline even more now. I am actively involved in every decision. I may not be the one riding the bike, but I am right there beside those who are. And perhaps, because I can’t step in directly, I feel it all even more now.
Three words to describe the soul of Fantic Racing Lino Sonego?
Passion, family, competition. These values are part of me – running in my blood – and I try to pass them on to the team every day. Passion is the engine behind everything. Family is our strength. And competition is the stage on which we challenge ourselves every weekend. Together, they form the soul of Fantic Racing Lino Sonego.
