Moto3 - Misano

The Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli hosts the Moto3 race as part of the San Marino and Rimini Riviera Grand Prix. This circuit, located in Misano Adriatico in the Province of Rimini, Italy, provides a demanding test for the youngest talents in Grand Prix motorcycle racing. The 2026 edition brings together promising riders from around the globe to compete on one of Europe's most modern racing facilities.

The Circuit

The Misano circuit measures 4.226 km (2.626 miles) in length and features 16 turns. The track runs clockwise, a configuration established during major renovations that brought the facility up to World Championship standards. The venue can accommodate up to 100,000 spectators and offers comprehensive facilities including modern pit garages, technical areas, media centers, and an advanced medical center.

The circuit's layout presents several challenging sections. The "Quercia" corner stands out as one of the most difficult braking points on the track, testing rider skill and nerve. Floodlighting systems installed at the circuit enable night racing, making Misano unique among Grand Prix venues. The facility operates nearly 300 days per year, hosting various racing championships and track activities.

The Moto3 Class

Moto3 serves as the entry-level class of the FIM Road Racing World Championship. The series focuses on developing young rider talent through close competition and strictly regulated machinery. All competitors use identical Pirelli tires, ensuring fair competition across the grid.

Technical Specifications

Moto3 motorcycles use 250cc single-cylinder four-stroke engines. The maximum bore size is limited to 81mm, and an official ECU controls engine operation with an RPM limit set at 13,500 rpm. Teams must use approved fuel from the official supplier. Fuel injectors must be positioned upstream of the engine intake valves. Variable-length inlet tracts and exhaust systems are prohibited.

The combined minimum weight of motorcycle and rider is 149 kg. Gearboxes are limited to a maximum of six speeds. The chassis must be a prototype design, though construction must comply with FIM Grand Prix Technical Regulations. Brake discs must be made from ferrous materials. Suspension systems must be conventional mechanical designs; active or semi-active systems are not permitted.

Riders must be at least 18 years old to compete, with exceptions for 16 or 17-year-old winners of the Rookies Cup or Junior GP championships.

Teams and Riders

The 2026 Moto3 grid features an international lineup of teams and riders. CFMoto Aspar Team fields Máximo Quiles from Spain and Marco Morelli from Argentina. CIP Green Power runs Adrián Cruces from Spain and Scott Ogden from the United Kingdom. Code Motorsports enters Cormac Buchanan from New Zealand and Ruché Moodley from South Africa.

Frinsa – MT Helmets – MSi campaigns Ryusei Yamanaka from Japan and Hakim Danish from Malaysia. Gryd – MLav Racing fields Eddie O'Shea from the United Kingdom and Joel Kelso from Australia. Honda Team Asia runs Veda Pratama from Indonesia and Zen Mitani from Japan.

Leopard Racing enters Adrián Fernández from Spain and Guido Pini from Italy. LevelUp – MTA fields Matteo Bertelle from Italy and Joel Esteban from Spain. Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP runs David Almansa and David Muñoz, both from Spain.

Red Bull KTM Ajo campaigns Brian Uriarte and Álvaro Carpe, both from Spain. Red Bull KTM Tech3 fields Rico Salmela from Finland and Valentín Perrone from Argentina. Rivacold Snipers Team runs Nicola Carraro from Italy and Jesús Ríos from Spain. Sic58 Squadra Corse enters Leo Rammerstorfer from Austria and Casey O'Gorman from the Republic of Ireland.

Circuit History and Character

The Misano circuit opened in 1972 as the Autodromo di Santamonica, with an original length of 3.488 km. The facility underwent significant modifications in 1993 when the track was extended and new facilities were built. Major renovations in 2006 changed the circuit direction to clockwise and extended the length to 4.180 km, allowing the venue to host World Championship motorcycle racing again.

MotoGP returned to Misano in 2007, and the circuit has remained on the championship calendar since. In 2012, the circuit was renamed to honor Marco Simoncelli, a local rider who died during the 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix. An access road also bears the name of Daijiro Kato, a Japanese rider who passed away, reflecting the circuit's commitment to remembering fallen competitors.

Misano sits in Italy's "Motor Valley" in the Emilia-Romagna region, an area known for motorsport heritage and innovation. The region hosts numerous legendary manufacturers and has produced many successful riders. The motorsport industry in this area generates revenues exceeding 16 billion euros, making it a significant economic resource for the region.

The Moto3 race at Misano brings together young talent competing on equal machinery at a world-class facility. The circuit's technical layout and professional infrastructure provide an ideal setting for close racing and skill development. Fans can expect competitive action as riders battle through the 16 corners of this challenging Italian circuit.