MotoGP - San Marino GP

The San Marino GP brings premier MotoGP racing to the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli in 2026. Officially titled the Red Bull Grand Prix of San Marino and the Rimini Riviera, this race features the world's fastest motorcycle riders competing at one of Italy's most celebrated circuits. The event showcases all three Grand Prix classes: MotoGP, Moto2, and Moto3. The circuit holds a contract to host the championship through 2031, securing its place as a fixture on the racing calendar.

Circuit Overview

The Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli sits in Misano Adriatico, located in the Province of Rimini within the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. The facility lies approximately 20 kilometers from the Republic of San Marino. This proximity gives the race its name, as Italy already hosts its own Grand Prix elsewhere.

The circuit measures 4.226 kilometers in length and contains 16 corners. Riders navigate 10 right-hand turns and 6 left-hand turns as they race clockwise around the track. The longest straight extends 530 meters. The circuit can accommodate up to 60,000 spectators for major race weekends. The track surface is smooth tarmac that combines high-speed sections with technical corner sequences and gentle elevation changes.

Racing Action for 2026

The 2026 San Marino Grand Prix will feature competition from all major manufacturers including Ducati, Aprilia, KTM, Honda, and Yamaha. Marc Márquez enters the season as the defending MotoGP World Riders' Champion. The 2026 season sees Yamaha teams adopt a V4 engine configuration for the first time in the modern MotoGP era, marking a significant technical shift for the Japanese manufacturer.

The race weekend includes practice sessions, qualifying, warm-up sessions, and races across all three classes. Each session provides opportunities for riders to fine-tune their machines for the specific characteristics of the Misano circuit.

Technical Specifications

The 2026 MotoGP season represents the final year of current 1000cc engine regulations. The following season will introduce 850cc machines and a new tire supplier. For 2026, most manufacturers operate under frozen engine specifications based on previous designs, a cost-control measure. All engines are four-cylinder units with a maximum bore size of 81mm. Turbocharging and supercharging are not permitted.

Michelin remains the official tire supplier for 2026. Each rider receives 22 slick tires (10 front, 12 rear) and 13 wet tires (6 front, 7 rear) for all sessions during the race weekend. The motorcycles produce over 240 horsepower and can exceed 340 km/h. Advanced electronic control systems help riders manage this power.

Circuit History

The San Marino Grand Prix first took place in 1981 at Imola's Autodromo Dino Ferrari. Misano hosted the San Marino GP from 1985 through 1987. The Misano circuit itself was designed in 1969, built between 1970 and 1972, and opened in August 1972.

Extensive modifications and upgrades transformed the facility over the years. The track direction was reversed to clockwise to improve safety. The San Marino Grand Prix returned to Misano in 2007 and has remained there since. In November 2011, the circuit was renamed to honor Marco Simoncelli, a popular Italian rider from nearby Coriano who passed away that year.

What Makes This Race Special

Many Italian riders consider the San Marino GP a home race. Valentino Rossi, from nearby Tavullia, has deep connections to this circuit. His fans traditionally fill the grandstands with yellow flags and banners. The circuit's coastal location near the Adriatic Sea can create wind conditions that challenge riders on the straights.

Misano sits within Italy's Motor Valley in Emilia-Romagna, a region famous for its motorsports heritage and passion. The facility hosts multiple major racing series beyond MotoGP, including the World Superbike Championship. Additional facilities at the complex include tracks for flat track racing, karting, and safe driving courses.

The 2026 race promises close competition as riders and teams battle for championship points. The combination of technical corners and high-speed sections creates opportunities for different riding styles and bike setups to succeed. The Misano circuit tests both rider skill and machine performance across its varied layout.