Moto2 - Misano

The Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli in San Marino hosts the Moto2 San Marino Grand Prix as part of the FIM MotoGP World Championship. This intermediate class of motorcycle racing brings together talented riders competing on standardized three-cylinder engines across a challenging Italian circuit. The 2026 edition continues the tradition of high-level competition at this popular venue near Misano Adriatico in Italy's Province of Rimini.

About Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli

The circuit opened in 1972 and has undergone significant renovations to meet modern racing standards. The venue was officially renamed in November 2011 to honor Marco Simoncelli, the late Italian rider from nearby Cattolica. Before 2006, it carried the name Circuito Internazionale Santa Monica Misano.

Circuit Configuration and Layout

The current Grand Prix layout runs clockwise and has been used since 2008. The track measures 4.226 kilometers (2.626 miles) in length with a width of 12 meters. Riders navigate 16 corners during each lap, consisting of 10 right-hand turns and 6 left-hand turns. Key sections include the fast Curvone right-hander, the tight Tramonto hairpin, and the technical Carro corner. The longest straight extends 530 meters, providing opportunities for overtaking.

Circuit Capacity and Facilities

The Misano World Circuit can accommodate up to 60,000 spectators. The venue features full lighting systems for night racing capability. A major renovation in 2006 reversed the track direction to clockwise, extended the length, and widened the circuit to meet contemporary World Championship safety standards. The circuit's location near the Italian Riviera makes it a popular destination for racing fans and tourists alike.

The Moto2 Class

Moto2 serves as a development class for rider talent within the MotoGP World Championship structure. The class uses a "one-make" engine philosophy to level the playing field and highlight rider skill.

Engine Specifications

All Moto2 motorcycles use a three-cylinder 765cc Triumph engine that produces approximately 140 horsepower. This engine specification was introduced in 2019 and continues for the 2026 season. Each rider receives an allocation of 7 engines for the entire championship.

Chassis and Technical Components

While the engine remains standardized, teams select their chassis from specialized manufacturers. Kalex and Boscoscuro represent the primary chassis suppliers. The championship promoter provides a uniform electronic management system for all teams. Each rider receives 8 front tires and 9 rear tires for the race weekend. The combined minimum weight for motorcycle and rider stands at 217 kilograms.

Race Weekend Format

A Moto2 Grand Prix weekend includes two 40-minute free practice sessions. The fastest 14 riders from combined practice times advance directly to Qualifying 2 (Q2). Other competitors compete in Qualifying 1 (Q1) for the remaining grid positions. Unlike the premier MotoGP class, Moto2 does not feature sprint races. Wildcard entries remain permissible in Moto2.

Participants for 2026

The specific rider lineup for the 2026 Moto2 San Marino Grand Prix will be confirmed as the season progresses. The Moto2 class typically features a competitive field of riders from various nationalities, all aiming to demonstrate their abilities and advance their careers. Teams and rider configurations are announced closer to the championship start.

Circuit History and Notable Events

The Misano circuit has served as a consistent host for the San Marino motorcycle Grand Prix since 2007. The venue also hosted the Italian motorcycle Grand Prix in earlier years. The circuit holds cultural significance in Italy, particularly for motorcycle racing.

In 1983, circuit corners were renamed after nearby towns to promote local tourism, though many original names remain in common use. Beyond Moto2 and MotoGP, the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli hosts other major motorsport series, including rounds of the Superbike World Championship and GT World Challenge Europe.

What to Expect from the 2026 Race

The Moto2 San Marino Grand Prix at Misano offers close racing action on a technical circuit that tests rider precision and bike setup. The combination of fast corners and tight hairpins creates multiple opportunities for position changes. The circuit's proximity to the Adriatic coast and its connection to Italian motorcycle racing heritage add to the atmosphere. Fans can anticipate competitive racing as riders push their standardized Triumph-powered machines through the 16-corner layout.