It is with profound sadness and sorrow that the Italian Motorcycling Federation (FMI) announced the passing of Andrea Barbieri, following a long illness.

Andrea was much more than a point of reference in the world of Motocross and motorcycling. He was a trusted person, always ready to help those who had known him for years as well as those who had only recently come into contact with him. Riders – from champions to amateurs – held him in great affection because he was an institutional figure who was always close to them, while industry professionals recognised his expertise and professionalism.

Wherever there was Motocross, Andrea was there. He worked behind the scenes, but everyone knew him. “Ask Andrea, he knows” was a familiar phrase heard at race tracks. He had decades of experience and was always willing to put it at the service of the sport he loved so dearly. His passion was such that he continued to follow it in person until the very end, attending the recently held Motocross of Nations in Ernée. The Maglia Azzurra project, in particular, was a great source of enthusiasm for him, and he followed the Italian team at the major Motocross and Supermoto events.

Barbieri led the FMI Motocross Committee for many years and remained a member of the Committee until his passing. In recent years, he served as Coordinator of the FMI Race Director Committee, also contributing his expertise to the Safety Commission. He was also Chairman of the Motocross Commission of FIM Europe. Throughout his career, he gained extensive experience as a Race Director at the highest national and international levels.

Infront Moto Racing President and CEO David Luongo expressed his condolences:

“The entire MXGP community is mourning the loss of Andrea [Barbieri] today. He represented the FIM Europe Motocross Commission for many years, but above all, he was a friend. Through the European Championships and the Italian Federation, he was devoted to the youth of our sport, and he never counted the hours when it came to motocross. He brought fantastic energy to our whole team, and it was a true pleasure to work alongside him all those years. He stood with us until the very end, as he did just last weekend at the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations. On behalf of Infront Moto Racing and the entire MXGP community, we extend our deepest condolences to his family.”

Particularly heartfelt are the words of FMI President Giovanni Copioli:

“I am deeply saddened because, with Andrea’s passing, I have lost a friend, and the entire Federation has lost one of the most beloved figures in the motorcycling community. We always had constructive discussions, in a spirit of cooperation and with the shared goal of helping motorcycling grow. He was a man of great experience and, in lighter moments, he loved sharing anecdotes and stories from a lifetime spent in Motocross. We will always remember him and carry with us his finest qualities: expertise and willingness to help. I would like to conclude by sending a heartfelt embrace to his son Stefano and to the entire family.”

Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations 2026 at Ernée, France

Andrea Barbieri (right) alongside Antonio Alia Portela (left) FIM/CMS President and the Peter Chamberlain trophy