Situated on Italy’s Adriatic coast near Misano Adriatico, the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli is one of the world’s most celebrated motorcycle racing venues. Since opening in 1972, the circuit has evolved into the spiritual centre of Italian motorcycle racing, hosting MotoGP, World Superbike and countless national championships while serving as an important development venue for manufacturers and racing teams.
Renamed in 2012 in memory of local rider Marco Simoncelli, Misano combines flowing corners, technical braking zones and excellent spectator facilities within the heart of Italy’s renowned Motor Valley.
Few circuits enjoy such a close relationship with both the motorcycle industry and the community that surrounds it.
In Brief
- The circuit opened in 1972 as Circuito Internazionale Santa Monica.
- Its direction was reversed from anti-clockwise to clockwise in 2006 to improve motorcycle safety.
- It was renamed in honour of Marco Simoncelli in 2012.
- Misano is regarded as Ducati’s home Grand Prix due to its proximity to Bologna and Italy’s Motor Valley.
- The circuit regularly hosts MotoGP, WorldSBK and manufacturer testing.
- It is located only a short distance from the headquarters of numerous Italian motorcycle manufacturers and racing teams.
History
Misano officially opened in 1972 under the name Circuito Internazionale Santa Monica. During its early decades the venue hosted national motorcycle racing before becoming an increasingly important destination for international competition.
The circuit joined the MotoGP World Championship in 1980 and later became the permanent home of the San Marino and Rimini Riviera motorcycle Grand Prix. Extensive redevelopment during the 1990s and 2000s modernised the venue while preserving its flowing character.
One of the circuit’s most significant changes occurred in 2006 when the direction of travel was reversed from anti-clockwise to clockwise, improving safety for motorcycle competition and fundamentally changing the rhythm of the lap.
Following the tragic death of Marco Simoncelli in 2011, the circuit was renamed in his honour, ensuring that one of Italy’s most beloved riders would forever remain part of the venue that lay close to his hometown.
Circuit Design
The current Grand Prix layout measures 4.226 kilometres and consists of 16 corners arranged in a clockwise direction.
Unlike circuits dominated by long straights, Misano is built around a balanced sequence of medium-speed corners connected by technical braking zones and smooth acceleration points. The layout rewards rhythm without demanding the extreme commitment required by Mugello, making it equally suitable for motorcycle racing, GT competition and national championships.
Wide run-off areas, modern safety barriers and excellent visibility reflect decades of continuous development, while the circuit’s compact configuration creates close racing and strong spectator engagement.
LENGTH
4.226
kilometres
WIDTH
12–14
metres
DIRECTION
CW
clockwise
TURNS
16
6 left – 10 right
SURFACE
Asphalt
LONGEST STRAIGHT
506
metres
ELEVATION CHANGE
10.2
metres
OPENED
1972
54 years ago
Misano is defined by a mixture of tight technical corners and faster, increasingly committed sections, with strong acceleration and braking performance required throughout the lap. The opening sequence through Variante del Parco and Rio demands precision and rapid changes of direction before the circuit begins to open into faster territory.
The character changes through the middle and later sections. Quercia provides a significant braking challenge, while Tramonto places emphasis on rotation and exit traction before the long acceleration towards Curvone. The exceptionally fast Curvone and the following sequence through the Carro corners reward confidence, aerodynamic stability and accurate positioning at high speed.
Although Misano contains several relatively slow corners, its defining challenge comes from the contrast between technical direction changes and the commitment required through its fastest sections. A strong lap depends on maintaining rhythm through these transitions while balancing braking stability, mechanical grip and high-speed confidence.
| Corner |
|---|
| T1 068° · Right · 86 m |
| T2 088° · Left · 51 m |
| T3 · Variante del Parco 090° · Right · 171 m |
| T4 · Rio 126° · Right · 45 m |
| T5 070° · Right · 25 m |
| T6 066° · Left · 35 m |
| T7 016° · Left · 586 m |
| T8 · Quercia 152° · Left · 205 m |
| T9 030° · Right · 23 m |
| T10 · Tramonto 156° · Right · 149 m |
| T11 · Curvone 033° · Right · 45 m |
| T12 032° · Right · 71 m |
| T13 063° · Right · 46 m |
| T14 · Carro 154° · Right · 65 m |
| T15 064° · Left · 49 m |
| T16 · Misano 082° · Left · 47 m |
Misano has been an important centre of Italian motorcycle racing since the circuit opened in 1972, with its location in Emilia-Romagna placing it within a region deeply connected to motorcycle manufacturers, racing teams and rider development. International motorcycle competition has consequently formed a central part of the venue’s identity across successive generations.
The circuit is particularly associated with MotoGP and World Superbike, bringing the highest levels of prototype and production-based motorcycle racing to the Adriatic coast. Its major events draw upon the exceptional concentration of riders, teams, manufacturers and enthusiasts that makes the surrounding Romagna region one of the centres of Italian motorcycle culture.
Since 2012 the venue has carried the name Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, commemorating the Italian rider who grew up nearby. Together with international competition, national racing and extensive testing activity, this connection makes Misano an important meeting point between Italian motorcycle culture, industry and international motorsport.
Visitor Experience
Few circuits offer a stronger connection between racing and local culture than Misano.
The grandstands provide excellent visibility across much of the circuit, while MotoGP weekends transform the Adriatic Riviera into a celebration of Italian motorcycling. Fans from across Europe gather to support Ducati, VR46 Academy riders and Italy’s home-grown talent, creating one of the championship’s most passionate atmospheres.
Away from the circuit, visitors can explore the beaches of the Adriatic coast, the historic centres of Rimini and Riccione, or venture inland into Italy’s celebrated Motor Valley.
Climate
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rainfall mm | Rainy days | Daylight h |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9° | 5° | 69 | 11 | 9.3 |
| February | 10° | 5° | 72 | 10 | 10.5 |
| March | 13° | 7° | 69 | 9 | 12.0 |
| April | 16° | 10° | 68 | 10 | 13.5 |
| May | 20° | 15° | 61 | 9 | 14.8 |
| June | 25° | 19° | 46 | 6 | 15.4 |
| July | 27° | 21° | 36 | 5 | 15.1 |
| August | 27° | 22° | 48 | 7 | 13.9 |
| September | 23° | 18° | 80 | 9 | 12.5 |
| October | 19° | 14° | 90 | 11 | 11.0 |
| November | 14° | 10° | 100 | 12 | 9.7 |
| December | 10° | 6° | 92 | 13 | 9.0 |
Monthly averages for Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, 1991–2020.
Generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information 2026 (CC BY 4.0).
Neither the European Commission nor ECMWF is responsible for any use that may be made of the Copernicus information or data it contains.
Location
Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli is located near Misano Adriatico, approximately 15 kilometres south of Rimini.
Positioned between the Adriatic coast and the hills of Emilia-Romagna, the circuit lies within one of the world’s richest concentrations of motorcycle manufacturers, racing teams and engineering companies.
Address
10 Viale Daijiro Kato
47843 Misano Adriatico
Provincia di Rimini, Emilia-Romagna
Italy
Website
