Hidden among the rolling hills of Tuscany near Scarperia e San Piero, the Mugello Circuit is one of the world’s most revered racing venues. Officially known as the Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, it combines spectacular natural scenery with one of the most beautifully flowing layouts ever created.
Owned by Ferrari since 1988, Mugello serves as Ferrari’s principal racing and testing facility while simultaneously standing as one of MotoGP’s greatest circuits. Its sweeping corners, dramatic elevation changes and exceptionally smooth rhythm have earned admiration from generations of drivers and riders alike.
Few circuits blend engineering excellence with natural beauty so completely.
In Brief
- The modern Mugello Circuit opened in 1974, succeeding the historic Mugello road circuit.
- Ferrari has owned the circuit since 1988.
- Mugello hosted Ferrari’s 1000th Formula One World Championship race in 2020.
- The Arrabbiata corners are widely regarded among the greatest high-speed corners in motorcycle racing.
- The kilometre-long main straight allows MotoGP motorcycles to exceed 360 km/h.
- Riders consistently rank Mugello as one of the finest circuits in the MotoGP World Championship.
History
Motorsport in Mugello dates back to the early twentieth century, when races were held on a demanding public-road circuit through the Tuscan countryside.
Seeking a safer and more permanent venue, organisers constructed the modern Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, which officially opened in 1974.
A defining moment came in 1988 when Ferrari acquired the circuit, transforming it into one of Europe’s most advanced motorsport facilities. Since then, Mugello has become Ferrari’s principal testing venue for racing and production cars while undergoing continuous investment in safety, infrastructure and sustainability.
The circuit joined the MotoGP World Championship in 1991 with the Italian motorcycle Grand Prix and rapidly became one of the championship’s favourite venues. In 2020, Mugello also hosted its first Formula One World Championship race, the Tuscan Grand Prix, which marked Ferrari’s 1,000th Formula One World Championship Grand Prix.
Circuit Design
The Grand Prix layout measures 5.245 kilometres and consists of 15 corners arranged in a clockwise direction.
Designed around the natural contours of the Tuscan landscape, the circuit flows seamlessly from one corner to the next. Rather than relying on repeated heavy braking zones, Mugello encourages maintaining momentum through long-radius bends linked by dramatic elevation changes.
The kilometre-long main straight allows Formula One cars and MotoGP motorcycles to achieve remarkable speeds before braking into the famous San Donato corner, while the middle sectors reward chassis balance, steering precision and rider confidence.
Every section feels organically connected to the surrounding terrain, giving Mugello a rhythm rarely matched anywhere in world motorsport.
LENGTH
5.245
kilometres
WIDTH
9–14
metres
DIRECTION
CW
clockwise
SURFACE
Asphalt
ELEVATION CHANGE
42.7
metres
OPENED
1974
52 years ago
Mugello is defined by speed, elevation and long sequences of interconnected corners, rewarding commitment and maintaining momentum rather than repeated braking and acceleration. After the long main straight, heavy braking for San Donato provides the principal overtaking opportunity before the circuit begins its characteristic climb through the Tuscan landscape.
The middle of the lap is dominated by flowing direction changes. Luco and Poggio Secco lead towards the rapid Casanova–Savelli transition and the celebrated Arrabbiata 1 and Arrabbiata 2, where substantial elevation and high cornering speeds demand confidence and precise positioning. Scarperia and Palagio then introduce slower changes of direction before the lap accelerates towards the final sector.
The long Bucine left-hander is particularly important because its exit determines speed onto the main straight. Although Mugello contains several significant braking zones, its defining challenge comes from preserving rhythm through its fast sequences, making aerodynamic stability, chassis balance and commitment especially important.
| # | Corner |
|---|---|
| 1 | San Donato Right |
| 2 | Luco Left |
| 3 | Poggio Secco Right |
| 4 | Materassi Left |
| 5 | Borgo San Lorenzo Right |
| 6 | Casanova Right |
| 7 | Savelli Left |
| 8 | Arrabbiata 1 Right |
| 9 | Arrabbiata 2 Right |
| 10 | Scarperia Right |
| 11 | Palagio Left |
| 12 | Correntaio Right |
| 13 | Biondetti 1 Left |
| 14 | Biondetti 2 Right |
| 15 | Bucine Left |
Mugello has been closely associated with Italian motorcycle racing since the permanent circuit opened in 1974, continuing a regional competition tradition that previously used public roads around the Mugello area. Its demanding layout and location in Tuscany helped establish it as one of Italy’s most important permanent racing venues.
The circuit is particularly associated with the Italian motorcycle Grand Prix, becoming one of MotoGP’s most recognisable venues and a major gathering point for Italian riders, manufacturers and enthusiasts. Mugello has also hosted international and national automobile competition, while Ferrari’s ownership has made the circuit an important venue for testing and the company’s motorsport activities.
In 2020, Mugello hosted its first Formula One World Championship race, the Tuscan Grand Prix, during Ferrari’s 1,000th World Championship Grand Prix weekend. Together with its motorcycle heritage, Ferrari connection and enduring high-speed character, this gives Mugello a distinctive position at the intersection of Italian motorsport, engineering and racing culture.
Visitor Experience
Few race weekends equal the atmosphere of Mugello.
Natural spectator banks overlooking the sweeping Tuscan hills provide spectacular panoramic views, while Italian tifosi transform the MotoGP weekend into one of the sport’s greatest celebrations. Ferrari events bring an equally passionate atmosphere, with thousands of enthusiasts gathering to witness the marque’s latest racing and road cars.
Beyond the circuit, visitors can explore medieval villages, vineyards and the artistic heritage of Tuscany, combining world-class motorsport with one of Italy’s most beautiful regions.
Location
The Mugello Circuit is located near Scarperia e San Piero, approximately 35 kilometres north of Florence.
Surrounded by the Mugello hills, the circuit enjoys one of the most picturesque settings in international motorsport while remaining easily accessible from central Tuscany.
Address
15 Località Senni
50038 Scarperia e San Piero
Città Metropolitana di Firenze, Toscana
Italy
Website