Like many, like everyone who has ever passed through the Mugello circuit. Some came in tents, some in camper vans, some with friends, some with family. Among them were also young motorcycle enthusiasts who today return to these hills as MotoGP protagonists fighting for the world championship. Because no Italian rider can remain indifferent to the energy and charm of this circuit, even now that it has become part of their daily routine.

"It was 2004 when Valentino won with the wooden helmet. It was a fantastic battle; the track here is always spectacular, the best weekend of the season," begins Bagnaia, who showed up holding a home-delivery pizza box: "It’s a way to highlight the conviviality of this place. Tents, campers, barbecues, and pizza are the watchwords here, and for me, it’s the most beautiful moment to share with the ones you love," says the Ducati rider, who is looking to bounce back and is once again paired with Marc Marquez, cleared fit for Friday's free practice following his injury.

Fabio Di Giannantonio arrives with the wind in his sails, having fought against Bezzecchi and Martin themselves during the 2018 Moto3 race. Today, he finds them as rivals in the world championship standings: "Walking along the track, it feels like a magical place every time; the way it changes color with the fans is pure Italian motorsport," smiles the VR46 rider, who has clear ideas on where to try and make a difference: "Casanova-Savelli, Arrabbiata 1 and 2," he says, stroking his brand-new, flaming black and gold helmet: "I just bought my dream car, and the idea came from those colors—a way to celebrate achieving that goal," 'Diggia' confesses.

Standing in his way is the world championship leader, Bezzecchi, with his usual smile and the pressure of a leader to manage: "Every rider's dream is to win their home GP, but it's only Thursday..." announces 'Bez', who adds to the album of personal memories experienced at Mugello: "I used to come here as a child with my family. Over the years, I was lucky enough to see many of Valentino's victories or the battle between Simoncelli and Pasini, which is definitely among my finest memories," notes the Aprilia rider before turning the engines on.

Tomorrow brings free practice, Saturday the sprint race and qualifying, and Sunday the race: the hottest week of the World Championship is about to begin.

Do you know when the first race was held at Mugello? Or when Enzo Ferrari raced there? These are just some of the many stories that revolve around this so special circuit that has literally crossed a century of adventures and races. You can find them told by the journalist Paolo Beltramo for the SkySport portal and which we propose again to you below:

THE EVOLUTION

Mugello is a world reference point for motorcycle races and for some car races. Formula One tried for years and in 2021 it even raced there. Having become property of Ferrari in 1988, it lost quite quickly that ancient and romantic patina of its, to become more and more modern in services and equipment (large and functional boxes, restaurant, grandstands, services) and also safer while maintaining the same layout of the beginnings.

THE FASCINATING ATMOSPHERE

The run-off areas have changed a lot, the protections have become more effective with the use of Air Fences and the medical assistance is more complete and equipped. However, there remains that unique charm linked to its use above all for motorcycles and to the type of atmosphere that one experiences at night, but also during the day in the race weekend. Only the tracks with the public sleeping inside them have this type of charm and problems.

THE HISTORICAL PILOTS

To arrive at being that of today, the Mugello Circuit started over 100 years ago, in 1914 with a regularity race immediately interrupted by the war. It resumes in the Twenties with a road race that from Scarperia goes up until Fiorenzuola to return through the Futa pass to the base. The best of the era race there: Campari, Brilli Peri, Enzo Ferrari (winner in 1921), Antonio Ascari. A momentary veil covered the circuit, overshadowed by the Mille Miglia.

THE DRIFTING LESIONS

With the disappearance of this race there is an attempt at relaunching in 1955, but one must wait for the 60s and the definitive end of the Mille Miglia to have, in '64, proposed again the old track of 66 km. It is an enormous success of public thanks to the prepared cars, and to pilots like Pinto, Nanni Galli Giuti, Nestri, Merzario. Even Fiorio and Maglioli with a "barchetta" of theirs made to allow Sandro Munari to give drifting lessons on the Apennines.

THE ROAD TRACK

In those final years of the road track of Mugello race pilots of the class of Stommelen, Toivonen, Galli, Vaccarella, Jo Siffert... In the end one arrives at the conclusion that that small Tuscan village famous for the production of knives, must become the seat of a new track, modern and technical. It is built in 1972 and on June 23, 1974 Formula 5000 baptizes one of the best-born tracks in the history of the world: since then the layout of the Tuscan track has no longer been changed. Everything else, yes.

BUSCHERINI AND TORDI

I have the fortune/misfortune of meeting it for the first time as a spectator in 1976 invited by Nico Cereghini, whom I knew since the times of the Lupetti (me) and the Scouts (him). I am in a lawn after the Arrabbiate, but one can see also the Bucine, the last big curve. But that is also the day of the death of Otello Buscherini and Paolo Tordi, two excellent Italian pilots. Back then, on the outside of the curves the run-off spaces were rather scarce and to slow down whoever went off road, bike and pilot, there were stakes driven into the ground connected by iron nets.

THE MAGIC

It was obvious that one could get very hurt there and even die, but the "air fences" and even the air bags were still beyond coming... To know it better I must wait for the end of the 70s. It is a matter of an Italian championship race. The world one of 1978 with the spectacular fight Read, Sheene and Agostini I miss it, unfortunately. But the magic already hovers, also thanks to this epic race, on the hills of Mugello. Mountain small roads, small villages, then finally Scarperia with its Tuscan beauty and the descent towards the entrance.

A SPARTAN PLACE

There is not the helmet of today, a double big gate and a small booth in the middle. Inside everything is still spartan: practically there is nothing or almost. The paddock that starts from the underpass and goes until where now park the Motor-homes of the pilots and the TV Compound. The clinic of the circuit, today so beautiful and equipped, absent. The boxes short, rather ugly, low.

AN ATTRACTIVE LAYOUT

And that underpass that brings you to a big house enclosed inside the track where everyone goes to eat in the interval or when they can. Very few the grandstands, but beautiful, unique the track with its curves in uphill and downhill, its "S" so different, the two splendid Arrabbiate uphill, the second blind, "by hair" [requiring guts] and then that big return curve that tempts you to close immediately the trajectory and instead you must resist it, wait to be able to exit stronger on the long straightaway.

THE ENTRANCE OF FERRARI

For the fortunate curious like me there is also a service road that follows the track like a shadow and allows you to go to see them where you want. A jewel still raw, which will be set as it should be in 1988 when Ferrari becomes its owner. Since then everything improved: boxes, paddock, services, there is a restaurant, many small rooms, a terrace for the sponsors, grandstands. There is no longer the restaurant inside the Bucine, the house is there, dilapidated and no one goes there.

AT THE "MUGIALLO" ONE DOES NOT SLEEP

The circulation outside the circuit also improved very much (within the limits of the possible). Mugello became "Mugiallo", it is where one does not sleep, but it remains the place in the world where one experiences an atmosphere that from no other part can be found again.

A MIX OF SENSATIONS

This mix between beauty of the places and of the track, this mix between who remains inside the fence and who instead goes even as far as Florence to find where to sleep, that unique confusion of one-way streets, detours, places, restaurants, motorbikes that whiz past.

WHERE EVERYTHING WAS BORN

In short, Mugello is like everything that was born in those years in the Italy of motors, of the passion for races and speed, almost unique. It deviates from Emilia and from Romagna, but from its passes you can throw yourself right down there, where everything was born and grew and with that name that is part of the life of Modena, Imola, Misano and Mugello: Ferrari.

Even before the engines roar to life, the race has already begun at the Mugello Circuit. On the afternoon of Wednesday, May 27th, more than 300 motorsport and running enthusiasts took to the track to conquer the 5 kilometers of the most iconic asphalt in the MotoGP World Championship during the highly anticipated 'Fan Run'. Joggers and motorsport fans joined forces, keeping pace with Lisa Migliorini—the lifestyle and running influencer known online as the ‘The Fashion Jogger’. As the frontrunner of this high-energy, lighthearted event, Migliorini led the crowd to soak in the electric atmosphere of the upcoming race weekend. The highlight of the lap came when participants crossed paths with Ducati factory rider and reigning World Champion, Francesco "Pecco" Bagnaia. While known for blazing speed on two wheels, Bagnaia revealed a personal passion for long-distance running. "I promise I will try it. Training to run a marathon is a real goal for me, but I want to prepare properly—you all know I like to go fast..." joked Bagnaia, smiling. The champion then reflected on the striking similarities between motorcycle racing and running: "In the end, you are always fighting against your own limits. You are always trying to push the bar a little further, whether you're nailing a braking point or shaving seconds off your kilometer split." Bagnaia’s insights officially kicked off what promises to be the most adrenaline-fueled week of the year at Mugello.

Mugello is not just a race. It is a collective ritual renewed every year on the Tuscan circuit, where the roar of the engines blends with the adrenaline of thousands of fans. This year, however, the Brembo Italian MotoGP Grand Prix carries an even greater emotional significance: the fiftieth anniversary of the very first Italian Grand Prix. A milestone to be celebrated in style, with a program designed to turn every minute of the weekend into an unforgettable memory. Opening the celebrations will be the inauguration of the exhibition “1976–2026: 50 Years of Speed and Legends”, scheduled for Friday, May 29 at 10:30 AM.

On and Off the Track

The weekend program embraces every class of the MotoGP World Championship: Moto3, Moto2 and, of course, MotoGP, with Saturday’s Sprint Race building anticipation ahead of Sunday’s main event, alongside the young talents of the Red Bull Rookies Cup. Among the new highlights is the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup, a spectacular competition featuring the iconic American maxi-cruisers, bringing an entirely new flavor to the Tuscan circuit by blending the world of sport bikes with pure custom culture. A surprise addition that further amplifies the variety of emotions on track.

At Mugello, Nobody Sleeps

As tradition dictates, the Mugello atmosphere comes alive long before the lights go out. On Friday night, music kicks off at 9 PM from the Correntaio Stage and continues until 5 AM. Saturday then takes things to another level: from 8 PM until 5 in the morning, the celebration becomes nonstop, because at Mugello, the fun does not wait for Sunday. From the Correntaio stage, the party never stops!

Three key experiences have been designed to bring fans closer to their heroes than ever before. The Hero Walk on Saturday and Sunday morning offers the rare chance for a close encounter: an autograph, a selfie, a direct glance with those preparing to give everything on track. Then there’s the Meet & Greet on the Correntaio Stage, Saturday from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM, where the crowd’s enthusiasm turns into shared energy. And finally, the Fan Parade: before Sunday’s Warm Up, fans will have the opportunity to relive the circuit through the eyes of those who know it like home.

The Frecce Tricolori Over Mugello

The fiftieth anniversary deserved a tribute worthy of the occasion. And what could be more iconic in Italy than a formation streaking across the sky in the colors of the national flag? On Sunday, just before the start of the main race, the Frecce Tricolori will fly over the MotoGP grid in one of the most photogenic moments of the season. Green, white and red across the Tuscan sky, while the riders await the lights going out: an image destined to become the symbol of this special edition.

On the Mugello main straight, performing the Italian national anthem in front of the starting grid, will be Andrea Cioffi — known simply as Cioffi — the Salento-born singer-songwriter from the class of 1996, one of the freshest and most authentic voices in contemporary Italian pop music, who rose to national fame thanks to major collaborations, including the duet with Noemi on the single Farfalle. At Mugello, his voice will set the tone for a legendary Sunday.

Track Invasion: From the Podium to the DJ Booth — DJ Ralf Turns Mugello into a Dancefloor

At Mugello, the celebration does not end with victory on the podium: when the checkered flag waves, the circuit transforms. As tradition dictates, the track opens to the public, becoming an open-air dancefloor. Making this moment truly unique will be DJ Ralf, legendary house music artist and icon of Italian club culture, famed as a historic resident DJ at Cocoricò during the 1990s. From the prestigious position atop MotoGP’s most famous podium, he will make thousands of fans dance through an unforgettable afternoon.

This is the magic of Mugello. Much more than a Grand Prix!

There is a place in Tuscany where the roar of engines blends with the beating of the heart among the green hills of the Mugello. A circuit where every corner tells a legend, every straight is a promise, every victory a piece of eternity. Owned by Ferrari since 1988, great two-wheel champions have written history along its 5,245 meters of track. On May 31, Mugello Circuit celebrates a glorious milestone: 50 years since the first Italian Motorcycle Grand Prix. Half a century of champions, legendary rivalries, memorable liveries, and racing culture turned into a pop phenomenon.

The Golden Era: when the myth was born

It all began on May 16, 1976. In an Italy captivated by the rebellious charm of motorcycles, Mugello ignited its world-class spectacle for the very first time. The 500cc pole position bore the signature of the legendary Giacomo Agostini, while Barry Sheene claimed victory in the premier class. From that moment on, the Tuscan circuit became the stage for a true racing epic: from the rides of Kenny Roberts to the pure class of Freddie Spencer.
In the 1990s, motorcycle racing became pop culture with Kevin Schwantz, Mick Doohan in the 500cc class, and a talented Max Biaggi triumphing in 250cc.
Then came him: Valentino Rossi. Young, irreverent, brilliant. His first victory at Mugello in 1997 in the 125cc class immediately entered the collective imagination thanks to the lap of honor with the famous “Claudia Skiffer.” From that moment on, Mugello stopped being just a racetrack: it became spectacle, fashion, and generational identity. Special liveries, iconic helmets, theatrical sketches, and the yellow army transformed the Italian Grand Prix into an event capable of blending sport, music, and entertainment like no other international motorsport event.

Mugiallo: the years of legend

From 2002 to 2008, Mugello turned yellow. The Doctor dominated with seven consecutive victories and the circuit experienced record-breaking attendance years. The hills came alive with flags, smoke flares, improvised DJ sets, and a uniquely Italian creativity that conquered the world.
Alongside Rossi, other Italian stars also shone, such as Marco Melandri, Marco Simoncelli, Mattia Pasini, and Andrea Iannone. In the following years, the torch passed to champions like Casey Stoner and Jorge Lorenzo, while Italy once again sang the Italian national anthem thanks to Andrea Dovizioso and Danilo Petrucci riding for Ducati.

2026 | Ducati red or Aprilia black. Who will be the new hero of Mugello?

The all-Italian showdown between the explosive Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martín (Aprilia) against the red army of Marc Márquez, Pecco Bagnaia, and Fabio Di Giannantonio is setting the Italian crowd ablaze.

The Coachella of engines

The spectacle on track continues on the hills under the slogan “At Mugello you don’t sleep,” an open-air festival, a dancing tribe. Over 100 hectares of equipped parkland transform the Grand Prix weekend into a truly immersive experience: campgrounds, live music, international DJ sets, and nights that never end. Three nights where adrenaline, streetwear fashion, racing culture, and nightlife meet beneath the stars of Tuscany.

Meet the riders

There are three key moments:

• Hero Walk on Saturday and Sunday morning for an autograph and a selfie
• Meet and Greet on the Correntaio stage on Saturday from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM
• Fan Parade before Sunday’s Warm Up.

Frecce Tricolori, music, and track invasions

Making the fiftieth anniversary even more spectacular, on Sunday the Frecce Tricolori will fly over the MotoGP grid.
The program features a full-throttle weekend: Moto3, Moto2, MotoGP, Sprint Race, and the new Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup. And as tradition dictates, the show will continue even after the checkered flag with the track invasion and DJ sets from the podium, with thousands of fans ready to transform the circuit into a gigantic dancefloor.

Ticket presale and info at mugellocircuit.com

Il Campionato Italiano Velocità 2026 arriva al Mugello Circuit per il secondo appuntamento della stagione. Dopo l’esordio di Misano, il tricolore della velocità approda tra i saliscendi del circuito toscano per un weekend che si preannuncia ricco di spettacolo, sfide aperte e grandi protagonisti.

SUPERBIKE: DELBIANCO DA BATTERE

Dopo un inizio di stagione perfetto, Alessandro Delbianco (DMR Yamaha) arriva al Mugello da leader della classifica e riferimento della categoria. Le due vittorie conquistate a Misano, unite a pole position e giri veloci in entrambe le gare, confermano il talento romagnolo come uomo da battere.

Alle sue spalle si preparano a dare battaglia Gabriele Giannini (Honda Scuderia Improve Firenze Motor) e Michele Pirro (Garage51 by DTO), entrambi protagonisti nel round inaugurale. Riflettori puntati anche su Michael Ruben Rinaldi (BMAX Ducati), chiamato al riscatto sul tracciato toscano.

Novità importante nel Yamaha GAS Racing Team, che per il round del Mugello schiererà Randy Krummenacher al posto di Lorenzo Gabellini.

SUPERSPORT: ZANNONI GUIDA LA CLASSIFICA

In Supersport è Kevin Zannoni (Broncos Ducati) a presentarsi in Toscana con il ruolo di leader dopo la doppietta conquistata a Misano. A inseguire ci saranno Lorenzo Dalla Porta (Promodriver Yamaha) e Andrea Mantovani (Scuderia D’Ettorre Ducati), mentre Niccolò Antonelli (AltoGo Yamaha) punta a rilanciarsi davanti al pubblico italiano.

Da seguire anche Glenn van Straalen (Black Flag Motorsports Kawasaki), veloce ma sfortunato nel primo appuntamento stagionale.

MOTO3: EQUILIBRIO E SPETTACOLO

La Moto3 si conferma una delle categorie più combattute del CIV. Valentino Sponga (We Race Pos Corse Beon) e Pablo Olivares (GP Project 2Wheels) arrivano al Mugello appaiati in vetta alla classifica dopo un avvio di stagione estremamente equilibrato.

Attenzione anche a Vicente Perez Selfa, vincitore di Gara 1 a Misano e determinato a riscattarsi dopo il ritiro nella seconda manche. Tra i protagonisti attesi anche Victor Cubeles (Team SGM) in una categoria che continua a regalare gare serrate e grande spettacolo.

Al Mugello tornerà inoltre la Superpole Race dedicata alla Moto3.

MOTO4 E SPORTBIKE: I GIOVANI TALENTI IN PISTA

Grande equilibrio anche nella Moto4, dove Luca Rizzi (We Race Pos Corse) guida la classifica grazie a un avvio di stagione estremamente solido. Alle sue spalle inseguono Sebastian Ferrucci (SM Corse – GEA Motorsport) e Davide Dotta (Buccimoto Factory), in una categoria che continua a mettere in mostra alcuni dei giovani talenti più promettenti del panorama nazionale.

Nella Sportbike, invece, è Filippo Bianchi (MMP Velocità Aprilia) a guidare il gruppo dopo la doppietta di Misano. Alfonso Coppola ed Emiliano Ercolani (Gradaracorse Aprilia) proveranno a inserirsi nella lotta per il vertice, mentre cresce l’attesa anche per il debutto di Luana Giuliani con il Team Rosso e Nero su Triumph.

UN WEEKEND RICCO DI EVENTI

Il fine settimana del Mugello ospiterà anche il via della stagione 2026 dell’European Handy Bridgestone Cup e della OCTO Cup, i campionati dedicati ai piloti con disabilità promossi dall’Associazione Di.Di. Diversamente Disabili.

A completare il programma saranno inoltre i Trofei Aprilia, Ducati, Honda e Yamaha, pronti ad animare ulteriormente il weekend del Mugello Circuit.

MOTOSPRINT POLE POSITION E ATTIVITÀ SPECIALI

Anche nel 2026 le pole position del CIV saranno firmate Motosprint: i piloti più veloci di ogni categoria riceveranno il riconoscimento dedicato e saranno protagonisti delle interviste live sui social ufficiali.

Tra le iniziative speciali del weekend anche quella organizzata da Radio Toscana, che metterà in palio ingressi VIP con accesso al paddock e alla Tribuna Centrale.

On Sunday, June 21, 2026, the Mugello Circuit will once again host the start of the Granfondo del Mugello, now in its eighth edition. This well-established event in the cycling tourism calendar has, over the past four years, become the Tuscan event with the highest number of participants, averaging more than 1,000 riders each year from across Italy and abroad.

The event will begin with a unique and evocative moment: a full lap of the Autodrome, after which cyclists will set off on one of five routes—three road courses and two gravel options—winding through the hills and mountains of the Mugello area.

Road cycling enthusiasts will also have the opportunity to test themselves on two timed competitive segments, Galliano–Panna and Passo della Sambuca, both entirely closed to traffic to ensure maximum safety. Those opting for the gravel routes will instead enjoy a more relaxed experience, taking in the stunning landscapes along the region’s characteristic white roads.

All routes will finish in the beautiful setting of Piazza dei Vicari in Scarperia, where participants will find refreshment points along the courses featuring local products, and at the end, the traditional pasta party with the famous Mugello tortelli.

The event is open to all FCI and EPS members with a valid 2026 license, as well as non-registered participants, who may join by purchasing a daily insurance pass. All types of bicycles are permitted, including e-bikes, which, however, will not be included in the individual competitive rankings.

Awards will be given to the top three finishers in each category for both the medium and long routes, as well as the overall male and female winners of the long route. At team level, the top fifteen teams in the cycling tourism ranking will be awarded, along with the top team based on the combined times of its three best riders on the long route.

Registration fees vary depending on the registration period, with the option to participate with or without the official Alè Cycling event jersey.

For further information and registration, please visit the official website www.granfondodelmugello.it or contact the organizing team through the dedicated channels.

MotoGP at Mugello Bus + Ticket packages now online

Bus + Ticket packages are back, offering the official way to experience the Italian Grand Prix with departures from across Italy and direct arrival at the circuit.

The countdown to the Italian Grand Prix at the Mugello Circuit has already begun, and once again there’s a smarter way to reach the Temple of Speed: hop on board the official buses with BusForFun.

A long-standing partner of the Mugello Circuit, BusForFun renews its collaboration for 2026, continuing to make the MotoGP weekend easier, more accessible and more enjoyable for thousands of fans. The goal remains the same: leave traffic, parking and stress behind, and focus only on the roar of the engines.

The perfect package for every fan

With BusForFun, you can book your trip to Mugello in just a few clicks, choosing from over 250 departure cities across Italy.

The offer is designed for those who want to enjoy the Grand Prix without complications:

• round-trip bus travel;
• departures from major Italian cities;
• direct arrival at Mugello Circuit;
• option to add your event ticket during booking;
• confirmation and tickets delivered conveniently via email.

A complete, safe and sustainable experience, perfect for enjoying every moment of the race weekend.

A journey that’s good for the planet

In 2025, thanks to BusForFun services for Mugello, more than 5,300 cars were taken off the road, saving over 7.6 tons of CO2. A concrete result that highlights the value of shared, efficient and forward-looking mobility.

Ready to race?

Mugello is waiting for you. Let BusForFun take care of the journey.
Bookings are now open on the official website:
https://www.busforfun.com/it/articolo/motogp-mugello