With its origins firmly rooted in the high-tech world of MotoGP, it is no surprise that Zaeta utilises cutting-edge technology to produce its highly-specialised machines and proof of their effectiveness is being clearly demonstrated by Spain’s Gerard Bailo who is currently sitting sixth in the 2025 FIM Flat-Track World Championship powered by HKC Koopmann, Anlas, Kineo and Blackburst.
Zaeta’s Italian parent company In-Motion Group worked alongside the Aprilia and Honda HRC racing departments from the mid-1990s until 2007 when, having managed the technical activity of the Konica-Minolta Honda team, the decision was made to stop MotoGP activity.
A passionate motorcyclist and huge fan of the Flat-Track discipline, Paolo Chiaia created Zaeta in 2009 with In-Motion Group initially working alongside as a collaborator before becoming the unique supplier four years later. A very small series of thirty Zaeta road bikes – called the DT530 – was built using an Italian TM 530cc single-cylinder engine and sold to customers in Europe and the USA.
During these formative stages, talented racer Marco Belli – the winner of the very first FIM Flat-Track World Cup in 2011 – was closely involved in Research and Development, helping to produce a racing version of the DT530. Nicknamed ‘the Professor’ and known globally for his passion for Flat Track, Belli has won multiple titles around the world and has raced a Zaeta to a podium finish at the infamous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb – aka the Race to the Clouds – in Colorado.
Featuring a 450cc fuel-injected engine, the first Zaeta completely dedicated to Flat-Track was created in 2017 and in the highly capable hands of Francesco Cecchini dominated the FIM Flat-Track World Cup for three consecutive seasons.
After acquiring Zaeta in 2020, In-Motion Group has continued to develop the Flat-Track model in the demanding environment of the FIM Flat-Track World Championship, using the skills of riders including Kevin Corradetti, Daniele Moschini, Matias Lorenzato and Masatoshi Ohmori and, for the previous two seasons, 2022 FIM Flat-Track World Champion Bailo.
Much more than what is referred to in America as a ‘framer’, a custom-built frame built around a bought-in commercial engine, the Zaeta is entirely built in Italy and uses exclusive components manufactured in-house in very small production runs. The machine Bailo is using this season is the result of this ‘deep evolution’ process and the ultimate aim is to bring the first-ever race-ready Flat-Track and Supermoto machines to market by the end of next year.
Giulio Bernardelle, In-Motion Group Company Founder and CEO, said: “Over the years we have seen the important role Flat-Track plays on a global basis in developing young riders’ skills and for this reason we have always supported the FIM in the development of this category that we believe is fundamental for the growth of motorcycle sport in the coming years.
“In the expert hands of a rider as skilled as Gerard Bailo we have seen the Zaeta challenge for podiums at an elite level and I am tremendously excited by its potential. We also believe in the growth potential of Flat-Track as a sport and personally, after all the years spent in MotoGP, I find the international flavour that the discipline attracts incredibly encouraging.
“At the most recent round of the FIM Flat-Track World Championship there were riders representing more than ten different nations spread across three continents and that sends out a very positive message of the sport’s growing popularity.”
Fabio Muner, FIM Marketing and Digital Director, stated: “It has been incredibly encouraging to watch the continued and ongoing technical evolution of Zaeta taking place hand-in-hand with the development of the FIM Flat-Track World Championship. We have seen the discipline continue to grow and prosper over recent seasons and I find the expertise and passion that In-Motion Group brings to the series both exciting and inspiring and a positive indication of the bright future that lies ahead for Flat Track.”
Armando Castagna, Director of the FIM Track Racing Commission, added: “Zaeta has been in the FIM Flat-Track Championship project since the beginning when it was initially created as an FIM World Cup. When the championship evolved to become a full FIM World Championship in 2020, Zaeta upped its effort, and this investment is paying off this season with some very positive results in a series that every year becomes even more close and competitive. We are happy and proud to have them as part of the series.”
