Meet Fantic Racing Lino Sonego’s new recruit, Barry Baltus. We asked the 20-year-old from Namur, Belgium three questions ahead of the 2025 Moto2 season, his first with the Italian team.
1) A warm welcome to the Fantic Racing family! Have you started practicing your Italian yet? Jokes aside, can you share your feelings about heading into the 2025 season with fresh colours and a new crew?
I don’t speak Italian yet but for sure I will learn during the season, with so many Italians and Spaniards on the team! I am really happy to be a part of the Fantic family. It is like a dream for me to join this team – the team that has just secured second place in the World Championship. It is an amazing opportunity for me. I am looking forward to giving my all to achieve the best possible results, I want to enjoy the season and fight at the front as often as we can.
2) 2025 is shaping up to be a big year for you. How was your first impression working with the Fantic crew? And what is it like sharing the garage with last year’s Vice World Champion?
For sure, this will be a big season for me. 2024 wasn’t an easy year for me. I got my first podium in the World Championship but I really want to work hard and get where I need to be. I will just have to learn from Aron as much as I can, and try to be with him in the races, while also enjoying it together with the team. I got to know them at the first test we did together, and it really is an amazing team and amazing crew.
3) You mentioned you stood on the podium for the first time in the previous Moto2 season, securing second place at the Qatar GP, and as we know, once you have had a taste of success, you only want more... What is your biggest motivation, what is your goal for the new season?
It is a big motivation for me that the Fantic team has already achieved so many amazing results. I have had one podium in my career so far, while they are fighting for it every weekend. As I get the opportunity to become a part of this group, I really want to match the high level of the team. I hope for a successful season, with as many podiums as we can get. I am looking forward to working hard with this crew and I can’t wait to get back on track with them in February.
