Misano World Circuit

The Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli stands as one of Italy's premier motorsport venues. Located near Misano Adriatico in the Province of Rimini, this circuit has served motorcycle and car racing for over five decades. The facility opened in 1972 under the name Circuito Internazionale Santa Monica. Since then, it has undergone significant renovations to meet modern racing standards and safety requirements.

Circuit History and Development

The circuit hosted its first race in 1972 and quickly established itself as an important racing venue. The track first welcomed a motorcycle World Championship race in 1980 as part of the Italian Grand Prix. Between 1985 and 1987, it hosted the San Marino motorcycle Grand Prix. After years without World Championship racing, MotoGP returned in 2007 with the San Marino and Rimini Riviera motorcycle Grand Prix, which continues today. The circuit also hosts the Emilia Romagna motorcycle Grand Prix multiple times throughout its calendar.

In 2012, the circuit received its current name to honor Marco Simoncelli, an Italian MotoGP rider who died in 2011 at the Malaysian Grand Prix. Simoncelli was born in nearby Cattolica and lived in Coriano, making this tribute particularly meaningful for the local community.

Technical Specifications

The current Grand Prix circuit measures 4.226 km (2.626 miles) and contains 16 turns. The track runs clockwise for World Championship races, a change implemented during major renovations in 2006. Previously, the circuit ran counter-clockwise. The track width measures 12 meters, with some sections reaching 14 meters after recent upgrades. The longest straight extends 565 meters. The circuit holds an FIA Grade 2 license and features a 3E (Formula E) grading for certain layouts.

In 2024, modifications created a shorter configuration for Formula E championships. These changes included a new chicane before Turn 2 and an amended Curvone bend, resulting in a 3.381 km (2.100 miles) layout.

Key Track Sections

The circuit features several challenging sections. Variante Del Parco (Turns 1, 2, 3) opens the lap with a right-left chicane followed by a long right-hand turn. Curva Del Rio (Turns 4, 5, 6) creates a technical sequence that demands precise throttle control. Curva Quercia (Turn 8) presents a tight, slow-speed left-hand turn known for its difficulty. Curva Tramonto (Turns 9, 10) forms a right-hand hairpin that leads onto the back straight. Curvone (Turn 11) flows into a sequence of fast right-hand turns before Curva Del Carro presents a tight right-hand hairpin. Curva Misano (Turn 16) completes the lap.

Racing Events and Championships

Misano has hosted the World Superbike Championship (WorldSBK) since 1991. Car racing events include the European Formula Two Championship (1973-1984), European Touring Car Championship, DTM (2018-2019), GT World Challenge Europe (2015-present), and International GT Open.

Safety Record

The circuit has witnessed serious incidents. In 1993, Wayne Rainey suffered a crash during the Italian Grand Prix that ended his career and resulted in a broken spine. In 2010, Moto2 rider Shoya Tomizawa died in a racing incident at the circuit.

Modern Facilities

The circuit accommodates 60,000 spectators, with some sources reporting capacity up to 100,000. A complete floodlighting system enables night racing. The paddock covers 70,000 square meters and includes well-equipped garages and hospitality suites. Additional facilities include tracks for flat track, karting, safe driving courses, and supermotard. The circuit operates approximately 320 days per year and offers track days and racing schools. The Santamonica Sporting Restaurant with a swimming pool serves visitors within the circuit grounds.