Niccolo Antonelli flew the Gresini flag aboard the Gresini FTR Honda in Moto3™ in 2012, showing some promise along the way, which prompted the youngster to stay with the team for 2013. A disastrous start to the year had many doubting Antonelli, however a strong second part of the year saw him stay with the team for 2014, riding a KTM. He was unable to make the breakthrough as a top five regular last year and in 2015 he made a fresh start on the Ongetta-Rivacold Honda. A tough start to the year came strong towards the end with a first win in Brno, repeated in the Japanese GP. Podiums in Britain and San Marino helped the Italian secure fifth in the world standings and remain with the Ongetta-Rivacold team in 2016, when he took another win. The Italian moved to Red Bull Ajo KTM in 2017 to replace outgoing World Champion Brad Binder and it was a difficult start and season, but the Italian did take another podium. For 2018 he moved to SIC58 Squadra Corse and secured some solid top five finishes, although he struggled with injury later in the year. In 2019 he continued with the Italian team and earned the team's first victory in Jerez. 2020, in his ninth year in the lightweight class, and again with SIC58 Squadra Corse, the season proved difficult and Antonelli could not quite find his rhythm. For 2021, a change of scenery with Reale Avintia Moto3 saw Antonelli end an almost two year wait for a podium at the Doha GP. Three further podium finishes saw the Italian claim 6th overall in the Championship race and he will be targeting a title tile with VR46 Racing Team in 2022.