Image: Supplied.

Team Maddii Honda ABF Italia has split with MX2 signing Marc-Antoine Rossi prior to the 2026 world championship commencing, with the French teenager opting to step away from racing altogether.

Following two injury-affected seasons at Red Bull KTM (2025) and GASGAS (2024), 19-year-old Rossi landed an opportunity with the Maddi Racing Team-operated Honda operation for this year.

“After years at the highest level of motocross, I have decided to step away,” Rossi said. “The injuries have added up. There comes a time when you have to be honest with yourself and listen to your body.

“That time has come for me. I want to thank everyone who made this journey what it was, my family, the teams I raced with, Maddii Racing and Honda HRC. I am not looking back with sadness. I am looking forward. The next chapter starts now, and I am excited about it. To the fans who followed me through it all, thank you. It meant everything”

Team Maddii Honda ABF Italia manager Marco Maddii commented: “We understand the difficult time Marc-Antoine is going through and we respect his decision to take a break. We wish him all the very best for the future.”

While it’s unclear if Maddii will replace Rossi in the MX2 World Championship, the team also has a three-rider roster of Nicolo Alvisi, Elias Escandell and Niccolo Mannini onboard for the EMX250 European Championship.