REBUILT. EVOLVED.
BACK ON TRACK.
From the crash to the return at Ottobiano: the #85 MiniGP is back with major technical developments. Emanuele is riding again, but the work to return to full competitiveness has only begun.
This was never simply about repairing a motorcycle. Following the crash that stopped Emanuele before qualifying, rebuilding the #85 MiniGP became an opportunity to take the project through another stage of technical development.
REBUILDING — AND EVOLVING
It has been an intense few weeks. The first priority was naturally to return the MiniGP to a safe, track-ready condition, but during the rebuilding process the work went far beyond simply replacing the damaged components.
The opportunity was used to reconsider several technical solutions, expand the available setup range and create a new development baseline for the motorcycle as Emanuele continues to grow as a rider.
A NEW BASE FOR THE CHASSIS
A major part of the work focused on the chassis. Several geometry angles were revised, the rear subframe structure was modified and changes were made to the positioning of the pivot mounting points.
These are not simply structural changes. The new configuration has been designed to expand the MiniGP's setup range and allow more precise work on centre-of-gravity management and chain pull.
• revised chassis geometry;
• modified rear subframe structure;
• revised pivot mounting-point arrangement;
• greater adjustment range for centre of gravity and chain pull;
• modified slipper clutch;
• selected internal engine modifications;
• revisions to specific elements of the exhaust system.
The objective was therefore not simply to create a different motorcycle, but to give the MiniGP a broader range of tools for changing and refining its behaviour throughout the development process.
MB Impianti, EMA85 Team technical partner, also contributed during this phase. Mattia Bonora, son of company owner Massimo Bonora and part of the company, worked directly on several exhaust-system details during the repair and development process.
TUESDAY: FINALLY OTTOBIANO
Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for: returning to the track.
On Tuesday, at Ottobiano, the #85 MiniGP finally returned to the asphalt. After a significant crash, however, the first opponent is not necessarily the stopwatch. The first job is to rediscover references, automatic reactions, feeling and, above all, confidence.
There was another variable for Emanuele. Although he was returning to his own motorcycle, the MiniGP now offered different characteristics and a wider adjustment range compared with its pre-crash configuration.
Chasing outright performance immediately therefore made little sense. The priority was to ride, understand the motorcycle, make adjustments, evaluate the results and return to the track.
AN EMPTY TRACK. THEN THE SUPERMOTOS
The day provided particularly useful conditions for the work that needed to be done.
Emanuele was able to complete several sessions with the circuit entirely to himself.
No traffic to manage and no need to alter a line because of what was happening ahead or behind: just Ema, the MiniGP and the circuit.
It was an ideal situation in which to rebuild his references progressively while concentrating on the reactions of the new configuration.
In other sessions the situation changed completely. Emanuele shared the track with Supermoto motorcycles, machines with very different dimensions, power, acceleration and dynamic characteristics.
That became valuable training in its own right. Differences in speed, lines and braking points require a rider to constantly read what is happening around him and adapt without losing his own riding rhythm.
THE BIKE IS READY. EMA IS READY.
BUT THAT ISN'T ENOUGH.
The Ottobiano test provided many of the answers we were looking for.
The MiniGP is back on track. Emanuele is riding again. The work completed has created a new and concrete foundation for continued development.
But if the track is going to be the judge, we also have to accept what it told us: something is still missing.
We are talking about small technical details and further setup work, not problems that prevent the motorcycle from racing. But a National Final is not an event we want to enter simply because the bike is capable of starting.
WE WANT TO BE READY TO COMPETE.
NO NATIONAL FINAL:
A TECHNICAL DECISION
The crash, the time required for repairs and the resulting delay in returning to the track left us too close to the October 3–4 event at the Circuito Internazionale del Volturno in Limatola (BN).
We need more track time to test, evaluate and complete the setup. That time is simply no longer available before the event.
EMA85 Team has therefore decided not to take part in the 2026 National Final.
It is a difficult decision, particularly because Emanuele had the opportunity to chase the third national title of his young career.
But the importance of such an event demands a consistent approach. Entering a National Final without being able to express the real potential of both rider and motorcycle is not what we want.
THE NEXT STOP?
OTTOBIANO AGAIN.
The programme changes, but the season is not over.
EMA85 Team will return to Ottobiano for the final round of MotoLive & SB Corse.
The championship objective has already been achieved: Emanuele mathematically secured the interregional trophy at Rioveggio, with three scheduled rounds still remaining.
That means Ottobiano can also be approached with a different objective: using the race as another important testing opportunity.
Continue working on the MiniGP's new configuration, evaluate the expanded setup range, accumulate track mileage and collect the information needed to prepare the #85 for the winter season and the upcoming Winter Trophy.
ON TRACK WITH MATTIA RATO
The Ottobiano test day also delivered something that was not part of the technical programme.
Emanuele had the opportunity to share the circuit with Mattia Rato, a rider with WorldSBK experience.
For a young rider, being able to observe a high-level approach to riding, track work and session management at close range is an experience with its own value.
These are experiences that cannot be measured only with a stopwatch. You watch, listen, try to understand and then return to your own motorcycle carrying something extra with you.
DON'T RECOVER THE TIME.
USE IT BETTER.
The crash cost us time.
We do not intend to recover it by rushing. We intend to recover it by doing the job properly.
We have a functioning motorcycle again, a wider range of setup possibilities and a rider who is back in the saddle.
Most importantly, we once again have what this project really needs to continue developing: miles on the track.
EVOLVED.
EMA IS BACK.
THE RACE JOURNEY CONTINUES.