Meeting with Barry Baltus during the test organized by Johann Zarco in Cartagena, who is shaping up to be one of the strongest men in Moto2 again this year.
We continue our series of interviews conducted in Cartagena, as part of the track day organized by Johann zarco, with Barry BaltusThird in the 2025 Moto2 World Championship, he has taken a significant step forward. Since his move to Fantic Racing, one of the most successful teams on the grid, the 21-year-old Belgian has established himself as one of the most promising talents in the category. On the eve of a pivotal 2026 season for his future, he discusses his progress and his ambitions… all the way to MotoGP, with PaddockGP.
Photo credit: Zelos
Hi Barry, congratulations on your excellent 2025 season. It was your best Grand Prix campaign, do you have a favorite race from it?
Yes, there are. First, the first podium with my new team was great. Then there was the first time I led a Grand Prix, in Aragon. [Spain, Editor's note.]The team and I had agreed that the priority wasn't to finish the race, but to lead laps. In the end, I led for two-thirds of the race. It was a really good season; I impressed everyone.
Were you impressed too?
Yes, I wasn't expecting this. Actually, I'm battling with all the riders who were with me in the Spanish Championship 10 years ago. When I arrived in the World Championship, I wasn't at their level. So it's been an excellent season, I really enjoyed it. Finishing third in the championship was definitely the icing on the cake. Obviously, the win is still missing, but as I often say, it's just a matter of time before it happens this year.
What triggered the breakthrough you had this year?
I'd say I have a lot more confidence, and wearing Fantic's colors in the paddock has helped me a lot. This confidence comes from the team. Before, I rode a lot on instinct. This season, I've discovered what it means to work methodically: setting specific goals for each session. The team has taught me that performance doesn't just depend on talent or feeling. There's a huge amount of work behind the scenes, off the track. Now, every session has a purpose. Before, there was no plan; I rode on instinct.
How would you describe the 2025 season in one word?
Awesome!
How is the Barry Baltus of 2026 different from the one from last year at the same stage of the season?
Ah, it's completely different. Last year, I always positioned myself behind Johann Zarco to try and keep up with him when we trained together. Now, I forge my own path. I start at the front, I do my job, without worrying about what others are doing. It proves that I've gained confidence, but also maturity. I'm growing, and that's perhaps the most important thing. This confidence allows me to approach my goals differently: the first five races of the season will be crucial. As we know, many things will change in MotoGP in 2027, and my main objective is to secure a contract in the premier class.
A win on your CV would open more doors for you…
Yes, it opens a hundred times more doors for you, and it gives you confidence. That's what I was missing last year, a small victory. I led races, I got a pole position, but I haven't won a race yet. That's a new goal for the coming year.
You seem much stronger mentally.
I changed mental coaches, and it did me a world of good. It's also true that positivity breeds positivity, and in 2025 I didn't have any really bad weekends. I learned to put things in perspective, to understand why a session wasn't going well, and to bounce back. Before, bad weekends sometimes followed one after another. During the last campaign, even when we finished a session in 20th place, we knew why. That's what keeps you from doubting yourself.
You also seem to have learned to “let go”, especially after a bad result.
Yes, letting go of the event, the stress of being a Grand Prix rider, and simply enjoying every moment on the bike. When you get a podium finish, you have to savor it until Monday morning, because it's hard to achieve one. It's clear that I'm letting go much more than before.
In which aspect do you think you have made the most progress on the track?
Race pace. From now on, starting on Friday, we focus on that, not on lap times, and it changes everything. We're looking for consistency: when we put on a new tire, it's not to go for the best lap time, but to maintain it for as long as possible. Now my lap times after 15 laps are much better than before.
On the contrary, in which aspect do you need to improve the most in 2026?
The starts, clearly. If I had better starts, I would have at least won 2 or 3 races in 2025.
Let's continue with 2026. You will remain a Fantic rider, one of the best teams in the Moto2 paddock. What makes it different?
Everything is professional: the methodology, the engineers, the organization. It's like going from an amateur club to the training center of a major club. The smallest details make all the difference. Those two tenths of a second you might lose elsewhere, you gain at Fantic without doing anything extra, simply because everything is optimized.
This season, you'll have a "number 1" spot on the team, does that change anything?
Not really, I'm going to try to learn from all the mistakes of my last teammate [Arón Canet, Editor's note.] when he was number 1, and trying to grow with that status.
You'll have Tony Arbolino as a teammate. What's your relationship like?
We first met at the end-of-season tests last year, and he seemed really nice. He's a hard worker, and the goal is to be world team champions. That would be the best reward for everyone. I think he'll be fast right away. That's great for the team, and it's a good sign.
It will certainly be simpler than working with Arón Canet… Was it complicated at times this year?
At first, it wasn't difficult. It's true that as the season progressed, we barely spoke anymore, and everyone just focused on their own job. At one point, I decided to let go. It's a shame; it's true that working with him isn't easy. Nevertheless, with my side of the garage, the working atmosphere is excellent, and if my teammate wants to participate, he's happy to; if he doesn't, that's fine too. We're open, but above all, very focused on our work.
Is the Moto2 world championship title on your mind?
The title, of course, is in the back of my mind. But just repeating the same season as in 2025 would be exceptional. What matters most to me is securing a MotoGP contract.
Does it put pressure on you to be one of the most anticipated drivers on the grid, or even in the paddock in 2026?
No pressure. I've already shown what I can do. Now I need to prove it. We're keeping the same method, the same team, and normally, everything should go well.
Could the return of a Belgian rider to the MotoGP grid change anything for motorcycling in Belgium?
I don't know if I can really change things. The circuit needs some modifications, but it's clear that if I move up to MotoGP, and the sport returns to Spa, it would be incredible. I sincerely hope so; it's a magnificent circuit.
Xavier Siméon told us recently that you are not only the greatest Belgian talent, but one of the most promising riders that the world of motorcycling currently has.
It's very flattering. But I prefer to remain modest. What I want is to prove on the track that I deserve my place in MotoGP. Today, you have to be the best to get a ride in MotoGP. Our nationality can work in our favor. I know that, so I'll keep working for it.
