Eric de Seynes, the former CEO and Supervisory Board Chairman of Yamaha Motor Europe, has been named as the new owner of the Fantic Racing Moto2 team. This transition marks a notable shift in Fantic Moto2 team ownership, signaling both continuity and fresh ambition for the successful racing outfit.
De Seynes is widely recognized as the first non-Japanese executive to lead Yamaha Motor Europe, having spent ten years supporting key racing initiatives from the R3 Cup to WorldSBK and MotoGP. His leadership extended further in 2024 when he became Chairman of Yamaha’s Supervisory Board, and he continues his influence in the motorsport world as a board member at Decathlon. Reflecting on his new chapter, de Seynes emphasized the deeply personal nature of this new endeavor, stating,
“First of all, this is a human story, driven by passion,”
Eric de Seynes, Team Owner.
A Vision for Fantic: Honoring Success and Driving the Future
De Seynes’s dedication to motorsport was evident as he outlined his vision for Fantic, emphasizing a desire to safeguard the inspirational spirit of racing for the next generation. He highlighted the unique qualities of Moto2 as a championship, describing it as a pinnacle for “the ‘normal’ racing pyramid” and a launchpad for rising talent. De Seynes explained,
“It is in this spirit that I chose to invest in the team, with full respect for everything that has been built and achieved so far. The Teams’ World Championship title claimed this past season is further proof of how solid this project is,”
Eric de Seynes, Team Owner.
Fantic entered the Moto2 championship in 2023 by acquiring the VR46 entry and soon celebrated a victory in its debut season with Italian rider Celestino Vietti. In 2024, Aron Canet delivered more success by finishing runner-up in the Moto2 title chase with Fantic’s Kalex chassis. Although Canet was overtaken for the world championship bronze by his teammate Barry Baltus, their combined performance clinched the Moto2 teams’ crown for Fantic.
Looking ahead, Barry Baltus is set to continue representing Fantic in 2026, while Aron Canet moves to Marc VDS and is succeeded by Tony Arbolino, a six-time Moto2 race winner.
Strengthening Continuity, Building on a Winning Foundation
De Seynes reiterated his commitment to continuity and ambition, emphasizing his goal to reinforce the project rather than disrupt what’s been achieved.
“Coming in as Team Owner, my goal is not to create discontinuity, but to reinforce this project: I offer my full support to a winning team, to the values of the sport and the passion we share, and to the two riders committed for next year,”
Eric de Seynes, Team Owner.
He described his leadership approach as one animated by a long-term strategy and energetic drive, promising hard work and performance. De Seynes also shared his aspiration for broader influence, saying,
“Beyond being a winning team, I also want us to become a point of reference for fans who love motorsport, offering new generations the opportunity to experience the dream of racing,”
Eric de Seynes, Team Owner.
Fantic Leadership Praises New Era and Future Prospects
Fantic’s CEO, Costantino Sambuy, welcomed the new partnership, expressing confidence in de Seynes’s leadership and what it means for the team’s legacy. Sambuy celebrated the team’s recent Moto2 Team World Championship title and noted,
“Eric has recognised the value of the work carried out and shares the values of Fantic Racing, ensuring continuity in the path undertaken with a forward-looking vision.”
Sambuy further declared,
“On behalf of Fantic, we confirm our full support for the team, with the hope of experiencing another successful season for our colours,”
Costantino Sambuy, CEO of Fantic Motor.
Mariano Roman, Fantic’s Head of Racing, detailed the competitive targets for the 2026 season, particularly focusing on Barry Baltus, who achieved remarkable results with seven podiums and a bronze medal last season. He expressed the team’s intent to restore Tony Arbolino, their newest signing, to stronger race positions, reflecting Arbolino’s status as one of the fastest Moto2 riders. Roman summarized the team’s ethos:
“We are building the future of the team on solid foundations, which allow us to continue dreaming big,”
Mariano Roman, Head of Racing at Fantic.
Implications and the Road Ahead for Fantic Moto2
Under Eric de Seynes’s stewardship, Fantic Moto2 looks set to build on its competitive strengths and further embed itself as a reference point within the world of motorsport. With leadership that values both legacy and innovation, Fantic aims to nurture new generations of racing talent, all while maintaining its momentum in major championships. As the team prepares for a new season, the synergy between established figures like Barry Baltus and promising talents such as Tony Arbolino, supported by the combined vision of de Seynes and Fantic management, positions Fantic Moto2 for ongoing impact in the sport.
