A Saturday dominated by Aprilia is the statement made at the Mugello circuit on day two of the 2026 Brembo Italian Grand Prix. The Noale-based manufacturer took it all: from Raul Fernandez’s Sprint Race victory to Marco Bezzecchi’s pole position, rewriting the history books along the way with a new lap record and an all-time top speed record of 368.8 km/h set by Jorge Martin (surpassing Brad Binder’s previous benchmark of 366.1 km/h). The Trackhouse Aprilia Spaniard mastered the 11 laps on the scorching Tuscan asphalt, courtesy of a medium tire choice and a stellar launch at the start that allowed him to hold off Bezzecchi and Marc Marquez. Meanwhile, the championship leader paid the price for an error at Turn 1, and the reigning World Champion, returning from yet another injury, brought home a fourth and fifth-place finish. As the race unfolded, Jorge Martin and Fabio Di Giannantonio charged through the field to secure second and third, confirming their stellar form. "Let's go get them!" the Roman rider shouted as he joined the fans packing the Mugello hills, celebrating a brilliant comeback from seventh on the grid. Di Giannantonio now sits 25 points off the championship lead. On the other hand, 'Bez', who holds a 12-point margin over Martin in second, has clear ideas on where the Sprint podium slipped away: "I made a mistake at the first corner. I lost touch with the leaders there, and taking any more risks was pointless." Fernandez's triumph was deeply emotional for the Trackhouse rider: "This isn't just a regular victory; I'm coming off a very difficult period. Without my family and my team, I don't know where I would be," Fernandez confessed, on the verge of tears. "I cried on the last lap. I proved that I am here." It was a heartfelt admission from a rider whose future remains uncertain and who is currently facing the risk of being left without a seat for next season. Pecco Bagnaia’s usual aversion to the short races continued as he finished seventh: "I’ve lost my strongest asset, which was my starts. The bike wheelies, and I lose a lot of time," a dejected Pecco admitted. Elsewhere, there were crashes with no consequences for Enea Bastianini and Franco Morbidelli. Tomorrow at 2:00 PM, the grid resets with an all-Aprilia front row featuring Bezzecchi, Fernandez, and Martin, setting the stage for the ultimate showdown over the traditional 23-lap race distance.

Right in the midst of the World Championship weekend at Mugello, Carlos Ezpeleta, Chief Sporting Officer of Dorna Sports, met with the Italian press inside the circuit to take stock of the first part of the MotoGP season and look ahead to its future prospects. Starting with the number of races on the calendar, which is set to stay exactly as it is: "For us, the maximum remains 22. We have an agreement with the teams not to exceed that threshold for the next five years. We believe it's the correct number. MotoGP must continue to grow, but this won't happen by increasing the number of GPs; instead, it's about delivering a better event every single weekend."

Carlos, how do you evaluate the updates introduced by Mugello, from the facilities to the overall organization? "We are very satisfied. For us, Mugello is always a special Grand Prix, because of the history of the circuit but also because of its surroundings. Being so close to Florence means everyone in the MotoGP paddock loves coming here. It's also clear that every year we have an event that grows from an organizational and logistical standpoint. We really needed this paddock expansion, and I must say the circuit did an incredible job, leaving us highly satisfied. That’s why we are also discussing long-term projects."

So, will you be making further proposals for the coming years? "Yes, there is truly a massive demand, and we want permanent infrastructure upgrades to help everyone grow. Because of this, it’s crucial that fans in every area—from the general admission lawns (prato) to the grandstands—enjoy an even better experience than they do now."

At this point in the season, a new safety alarm is ringing after the numerous crashes in Barcelona. There have been several meetings with the riders—is there something that needs fixing? "We are always highly attentive to safety, but that wasn't the case in Barcelona. The two incidents that occurred there were unfortunately severe and spectacular, but they are a part of the sport, even though we do everything possible to reduce risk. In Barcelona, emotions were running high because of those two crashes, but the riders were out of danger, and there were no safety reasons not to continue the race. Everyone was in agreement on this."

Do you intend to modify anything for the future? "Following the meetings with the Safety Commission, we are working on four specific areas. The first is studying a different design for the starting grid and the first turn for the future, to give riders more space and reduce risk. The second concerns the front ride-height device (hole-shot); we have proposed to the manufacturers to stop using it, and they are currently checking if this can be implemented as early as this year. The third is a protection for the rear wheel because, as Johann Zarco’s crash demonstrated, it’s a highly exposed area. The fourth—as seen in the contact between Pedro Acosta and Alex Marquez—is an system where the bike's rear light can alert the riders behind when a mechanical issue occurs."

A new era has begun for MotoGP with the arrival of Liberty Media and personnel coming from Formula 1. What has changed? "It’s a very positive impact. Having conversations with the people who built the F1 of today is an invaluable experience; they bring a fresh vision and mindset. However, everything we do will remain authentic to MotoGP, where pure competition must stay at the center. I think it’s hard to deny that these are the best motorsport races on the planet. Liberty sees the value in entering a sector where there's no need to 'fix' the sport itself. If anything, there will be more focus on the commercial side, marketing investments, the paddocks, or new locations, but we won't change things just for the sake of changing them."

Will Moto2 and Moto3 therefore continue to exist? "Absolutely, yes. Moto2 and Moto3 are intrinsic and fundamental parts of the championship. They are important products for broadcasters and fans alike, and they serve to build the stars of the future. We are working to make the procedures across all three categories as similar as possible to better showcase the young talent that can emerge."

Introducing new features helps expand the fanbase, but is there a risk of losing the "historical fan"? "This is the only possible path forward; we never look at it as having to choose between the fan of today and the fan of tomorrow. Innovations like the Sprint Race benefit both sides, as the Saturday TV ratings clearly demonstrate. We want fans to be closer to the riders—physically in the fan zones, and through content that allows them to truly get to know their personalities."

50 anni di emozioni è un traguardo che andava festeggiato ed il Mugello Circuit lo ha fatto sfogliando l’album dei ricordi e mostrando i volti di chi ha attraversato questi anni pieni di velocità. Inaugurata oggi, in occasione del cinquantesimo anniversario dell’impianto, una mostra fotografica che attraversa mezzo secolo di corse e di campioni sulle due ruote. “50 anni di velocità e leggende” si legge entrando al Media Center dell’autodromo dove le pareti sono tappezzate delle immagini di piloti e momenti storici, scelti pescando nel grande archivio del Mugello Circuit con l’aiuto di Gigi Soldano in veste di direttore artistico. A tagliare il nastro tricolore, al fianco del direttore dell’autodromo Paolo Poli, il sindaco di Scarperia e San Piero a Sieve Federico Ignes e lo stesso Soldano che hanno celebrato un legame indissolubile come quello tra il circuito ed il motociclismo. “E’ un modo per ringraziare tutti i nostri compagni di viaggio e ricordare il lavoro fatto. Siamo un circuito ormai riferimento a livello mondiale, capace di innovare su sicurezza e strutture ma anche di mantenere lo stesso layout di pista che ha messo alla prova tanto Agostini o Roberts quanto i campioni di oggi” le parole di Poli all’inizio del lungo week end di gara che coincide con l’imminente prolungamento del contratto per i prossimi cinque anni della MotoGp in Toscana. “Il rapporto è felice da oltre trent’anni, la trattativa è ben avviata entrambe le parti hanno la volontà di sottoscrivere l'accordo il prima possibile” conferma Poli ricordando che l’ultimo contributo dovrebbe arrivare dalla Regione: “Dobbiamo avere la certezza che ci sostenga in questo percorso dal punto di vista economico come ha sempre fatto in passato, ormai è l’unico modo per portare avanti eventi di questa portata ma siamo ottimisti, la discussione procede bene”. Mugello che ha aperto le porte alla prima invasione di tifosi, con un 10% in più sulle presenze dello scorso anno, ampliando i servizi a disposizione, dal Paddock ai parcheggi, per un investimento vicino ai 2,5mln di euro. “E’ il modo migliore per essere attrattivi a qualsiasi tipologia di gara nazionale o internazionale, penso al WEC (Campionato mondiale Endurance) ma anche se arrivasse una chiamata della Formula 1 siamo pronti” la conferma del presidente Poli. Riferimento di una macchina organizzativa imponente che ogni giorno porta in pista quasi mille persone per assicurare tutta la giornata di gara ed oltre 3mila impiegati in tutto il circuito del Mugello per gestire al meglio un evento che continua a generare visibilità, posti di lavoro e valore economico su tutto il territorio.

50 years of the Mugello Grand Prix, 100 years of Ducati  and a red thread connecting them along the fastest straight in MotoGP. It was a truly special evening at the Ferrari-owned circuit—the perfect stage to unveil the bespoke liveries created by Ducati for a once-in-a-lifetime milestone: the centenary of the Borgo Panigale manufacturer. Ten models, ten numbered editions limited to just 100 units each, retracing ten iconic moments in Ducati’s history. Of course, racing remained center stage. Fans at the track will get to see Marc Márquez and Pecco Bagnaia sporting a special design featuring the ten graphics of the Collezione 100 on their fairings, alongside the legendary historic 750 Imola Desmo. "It’s a beautiful bike. I know how important it was for Ducati to have Pecco and me here at Mugello; I could really feel it in my interactions with the team," confirmed Márquez, making his return following his injury. This birthday present was shared by the manufacturer with Mugello and its passionate supporters. "We took today’s bikes and made them special," emphasized Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali. He was joined by artist Ugo Nespolo—a leading figure in late 20th-century Italian art and a dedicated Ducatista—who was thrilled to bring multiples of his artwork to complement such a momentous anniversary.

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!