Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli

The Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli stands as one of Italy's premier motorsport facilities. This racing venue sits in Misano Adriatico, a town in the Province of Rimini within the Emilia-Romagna region. The circuit lies close to the Adriatic coast and the famous seaside resorts of Rimini, Riccione, and Cattolica. The track opened in August 1972 under the name Autodromo Santamonica. It became the only privately owned racing circuit in Italy at that time.

Historical Development

The circuit hosted its first racing events in 1972. Between 1985 and 1987, Misano welcomed three San Marino motorcycle Grand Prix races. The track underwent significant modifications in 1993, which extended its length to 4.060 kilometers. A major transformation occurred in 2006 when the circuit direction changed to clockwise operation. This new configuration helped Misano return to the MotoGP calendar in 2007. The circuit received its current name in November 2011. The Italian motorsport community chose to honor Marco Simoncelli, a MotoGP rider who died in a racing accident that year.

Technical Specifications

The circuit measures 4.226 kilometers (2.626 miles) in length. The track width spans 12 meters throughout the course. Riders and drivers navigate 16 turns during each lap: 10 right-hand corners and 6 left-hand corners. The longest straight section extends 530 meters. The venue holds 60,000 spectators in standard configuration. The facility can expand to accommodate up to 100,000 fans during major events. The circuit holds an FIA Grade 2 certification for two different layouts. The FIM (Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme) awarded the track a Grade A rating. The entire circuit features full lighting systems, which allow racing operations during day or night.

Track Layout and Features

The circuit combines high-speed straights with technical corners. Drivers face sweeping curves that test their skill and precision. Several corners carry distinctive names that reflect the region's culture. "Curva del Carro" draws its name from the agricultural heritage of the area. Other significant corners include "Curvone" and "Tramonto." The track presents multiple low-gear acceleration zones. Strategic passing points appear at various locations around the circuit. This combination creates competitive racing across different motorsport categories.

Major Racing Events

Misano hosts the MotoGP World Championship, which runs as the San Marino and Rimini Riviera Grand Prix. The Superbike World Championship (World SBK) regularly features races at this venue. GT World Challenge Europe competitors test their skills on this Italian circuit. The European Truck Racing Championship brings heavy-vehicle racing to the track. In 2024, the circuit expanded its portfolio by hosting a Formula E World Championship race, known as the Misano ePrix.

Additional Facilities and Services

The circuit operates as a FMI federal technical center for driver training. The facility offers track days for enthusiasts who want to experience the circuit. A karting track provides racing opportunities for younger drivers and beginners. The venue includes a flat track specifically built for dirt biking activities. Racing teams frequently choose Misano for testing sessions due to its varied layout and excellent facilities. The location near popular tourist destinations makes the circuit accessible for international visitors and racing fans.