The Misano World Circuit, located near the picturesque town of Misano Adriatico in Rimini, has a rich history since its inception in 1969. Originally 3,488 metres long, the track was extended to 4.064 km (2.525 miles) in 1993, to offer both long and short track configurations.
Following a major renovation in 2006, the circuit reopened at 4,180 metres with a clockwise layout, making it suitable for prestigious motorsport events.
Renamed in 2012 to honour local motorcycle legend Marco Simoncelli, the Misano World Circuit is the only circuit in Italy and one of the few in the world to host the two most prestigious motorcycle world championships.
From 07.30 Accreditation and equipment collection
08.30 - 09.00 Driver briefing
09.00 - 09.20 Driver sighting laps
09.30 - 12.30 First driving session
13.00 - 14.00 Lunch
14.00 - 14.15 Group photo
14.30 - 17.30 Second driving session
17.30 - 19.00 Closing aperitif and awards ceremony
All event times are subject to change
The Misano World Circuit is located on the Romagna Riviera, near Rimini and Riccione.
Originally designed in 1969, based on an idea by Enzo Ferrari, it was opened in 1972. After some restyling, in 2006 the direction of travel was reversed (becoming clockwise) and the track length increased to 4,180 metres. With some further changes, in 2008 it reached 4,226 metres and in 2012 it was named after Marco Simoncelli as a tribute to “Sic”, the motorcycling champion, who died in 2011.
The track includes 16 bends, 6 left and 10 right: the first section is quite distinctive, it resembles a wide chicane and is very technically demanding. One of the slowest corners is the fourth, the Rio, which is a point where overtaking may be possible. Coming out of number five you have to stay on the right of the track to be ready for the swift change of direction to enter number six. After a short straight you arrive at La Quercia, which represents an overtaking point for all classes. You can choose various trajectories here: you can go in narrow and then get wider or keep a slightly wide line on entry, go to the line and then take advantage of accelerating out to the Tramonto corner. This is a unique section that lends itself to various driving techniques, but it is crucial to step on the accelerator as soon as possible as it opens onto the fastest stretch: the “Curvone”. Immediately after, you enter a sequential section (twelve and thirteen) leading up to il Carro (fourteen) where the challenge is to strike the right balance between braking and pace to maintain a good exit speed and take the last two corners. Overtaking at this point is extremely difficult and dangerous because if you choose an inside line, you won't come out of it fast enough on the straight.