WorldSBK - Pirelli Emilia Romagna Round

The Pirelli Emilia Romagna Round brings WorldSBK action to the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli in Italy for the 2026 season. This race weekend features the premier Superbike class alongside supporting championships at one of Italy's most respected motorcycle racing venues. Fans will witness production-based motorcycles compete across multiple races on a circuit that has served the championship since 1991.

Misano World Circuit Details

The Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli sits near Misano Adriatico in the Province of Rimini, Emilia-Romagna. The facility opened in 1972 and has undergone significant updates since its original design. The circuit received its current name in 2012 to honor Marco Simoncelli, the Italian motorcycle racer from the local area.

The track measures 4.226 kilometers in length and features 16 corners, with 10 right-hand turns and 6 left-hand turns. The circuit runs clockwise for World Championship races, a configuration adopted in 2006 when officials lengthened and widened the track. The longest straight extends 530 meters. The venue can welcome up to 60,000 spectators.

Race Weekend Format

A standard WSBK weekend at Misano World Circuit includes three practice sessions where teams refine their setups. Superpole qualifying determines the starting grid for Race 1. The schedule features three points-paying races: Race 1, the Superpole Race, and Race 2. The Superpole Race serves as a sprint event and influences the grid positions for Race 2. Points from all three races count toward the championship standings.

The 2026 season introduces the new WorldSPB class, which will compete at Misano alongside the established categories. The WorldSSP and WorldSPB classes accept a maximum of 34 participants, including one Wild Card entry.

Technical Regulations for 2026

WorldSBK machines derive from production motorcycles. The regulations permit 4-stroke 3-cylinder and 4-cylinder engines between 750cc and 1000cc, while 4-stroke 2-cylinder engines can range from 850cc to 1200cc. Manufacturers must produce 2,000 units of a model before homologation. Teams can use seven engines throughout the Superbike season.

Pirelli supplies all tires for the championship, with 24 tires allocated per race weekend. The minimum weight for Superbike machines remains at 168 kilograms. Riders below the reference weight of 80 kilograms must add 50 percent of the difference to their machine's weight.

WorldSPB Class Regulations

The new Sportbike category sets the minimum rider age at 16 years. New contracted riders cannot exceed 25 years of age, though this extends to 28 for riders with previous category participation.

Circuit History and Records

Misano World Circuit held its first event in 1972 and welcomed WorldSBK in 1991. The venue has hosted numerous championship rounds under various names including the San Marino Round and Italian Round before becoming the Emilia Romagna Round. Troy Bayliss holds the record for most WorldSBK wins at this circuit with six victories. Other notable winners at Misano include Doug Polen, Carl Fogarty, Max Biaggi, Carlos Checa, Tom Sykes, and Jonathan Rea.

Circuit Features and Facilities

The Misano World Circuit stands as a prominent facility in Italy's Motor Valley region. Full lighting around the track allows for night racing capabilities. The venue serves as a federal technical center for rider training and houses a comprehensive medical center.

Beyond the main circuit, the facility includes tracks for flat track racing, karting, safe driving courses, and supermotard. Hospitality services feature a restaurant with a swimming pool. The circuit maintains strong connections to local racing heritage, serving as a home circuit for multiple Italian champions including Valentino Rossi.

What to Expect at the Pirelli Emilia Romagna Round

The 2026 edition at Misano World Circuit offers fans close racing on a technical circuit that tests both rider skill and machine performance. The 16-corner layout requires precise braking and acceleration, creating multiple overtaking opportunities. Italy's strong motorcycle racing culture ensures a passionate atmosphere throughout the weekend.

The event showcases the speed and agility of production-based motorcycles in the Superbike class, while the supporting categories add depth to the racing program. The introduction of WorldSPB in 2026 brings a new dimension to the championship calendar. This race weekend in Emilia-Romagna represents a key moment in the season for riders and teams pursuing championship points.