Moto3, Italy continues to rely on Dennis Foggia and Romano Fenati

It was 2012 when a young Romano Fenati surprised everyone and won the Spaniard GP ahead of the late Luis Salom and Sandro Cortese. Along with Niccolò Antonelli's eighth-place finish, that victory came as a bright light in the darkness that was the Italian school, short on competitive riders at that time. The 2021 championship, dominated (up until now) by Spaniard Pedro Acosta, motorcycling’s rising star, has somewhat obscured the performance of the Italian contingent, which appears to be struggling despite a generational changeover that has produced countless riders over the last nine years, many of whom have made strong progress. We analyse the current situation as Moto3 enjoys its summer break.

 Foggia and Fenati the references

Pedro Acosta’s achievement have inevitably meant that attention in Moto3 is directed towards the young Spaniard, the rider having won four races and currently leading the championship with 158 points ahead of fellow countryman Sergio Garcia. The Aspar rider is closely followed by the first of the Italians, or rather Dennis Foggia, winner of the Mugello GP and the latest Assen race.

He is Italy’s leading light right now, representative of a technical and mental growth that bodes well for the future. There are those who view Foggia as the last bastion, coming from the same breeding ground that has produced so many fast riders, from Moto2 title winners Bagnaia and Bastianini, to Marini, as well as Di Giannantonio, Bezzecchi, Arbolino, Dalla Porta and Vietti, all currently competing in Moto2.

As we’ve said, this period of rebirth dates back to 2012, and the explosion of Romano Fenati. Nine years later, the Italian is still a frontrunner, one of the quickest every weekend, as proved by his current tally of two podiums and fourth place in the overall standings, behind Foggia.

 Migno and Antonelli fast but not very incisive

The other Italian protagonists are Andrea Migno and Niccolò Antonelli, two Moto3 veterans who, in the last nine races, have harnessed their experience but haven’t reaped the kind of rewards that appeared within reach. Migno, who has scored pole position twice, lies tenth in the standings, with one podium to his name. He’ll need to transform his evident speed and competitiveness into results during the second part of the season.

Seventh in the standings, and with one podium to date, Antonelli is another talented rider who is just missing that extra spark. Further back, Nepa, Rossi and Bartolini need to gain as much experience as possible during the second part of the championship in order to boost what appears to be a waning Italian movement as of next year.

Translated by Heather Watson

A memorable weekend for Aprilia, winners in BSB and MotoAmerica