There is a place in Tuscany where the roar of engines blends with the beating of the heart among the green hills of the Mugello. A track where every corner tells a legend, every straight is a promise, every victory a piece of eternity. Along its 5.245 meters, great champions of two — and four — wheels have written history, reaching a glorious milestone: 50 years since the first Italian Motorcycle Grand Prix was held.
It all began on May 16, 1976. Winning in the premier class, then the 500cc, was the legend Barry Sheene, with pole position by the iconic Giacomo Agostini. Johnny Cecotto won in the 350 class, Walter Villa in 250, Pier Paolo Bianchi in 125 and Ángel Nieto in the 50 class.
A stage for epic battles, from King Kenny Roberts (in the 1978 edition on Yamaha) to the pure talent of Freddie Spencer (1986 with Honda), Mugello has always been one of the most loved circuits by riders and fans.
The 1990s saw the rise of a new generation. Kevin Schwantz triumphed on the Tuscan track in 1992 on a Suzuki 500cc, before giving way to five-time world champion Mick Doohan, who with Honda HRC secured five consecutive victories from 1994 to 1997. Meanwhile, Max Biaggi was making his mark in the 250 class, winning in 1995, 1996 and 1997, and a very young Valentino Rossi claimed his first Mugello victory in the 125 class, carrying during the lap of honor the famous “Skiffer”, the inflatable doll inspired by supermodel Claudia Schiffer — a clear jab at the Roman rider. It was the first of many iconic moments by the Doctor at Mugello, from the “Peace & Love” livery to the speeding ticket skit and his legendary helmet designs.
The 2000 Italian Grand Prix went down in history for the unforgettable 500cc race won by Loris Capirossi in an all-Italian battle against Max Biaggi and Valentino Rossi, with an all-Italian podium that crowned a new generation of riders. From 2002, the circuit turned “Mugiallo” in honor of Valentino’s colorful tribe, with seven consecutive victories (2002–2008, two with Honda and five with Yamaha), while in the 250 class victories went to Marco Melandri (2002), Marco Simoncelli (2008), Mattia Pasini (2009), Andrea Iannone (2010 and 2012), just to name a few Italian riders.
In 2009, Vale handed over the crown of the premier class to his great rival Casey Stoner. Pedrosa won in 2010, followed by the era of Jorge Lorenzo with five victories (2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016).
To hear the Italian national anthem in MotoGP again, we had to wait for Andrea Dovizioso on Ducati (2017), followed by the determined Danilo Petrucci in 2019, also with the red bike. Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia has taken three victories with the Desmosedici from Borgo Panigale: in 2022, 2023 and 2024, including double wins (Sprint and GP) in 2023 and 2024. In the latest edition, last year, Mugello welcomed back Marc Márquez, who returned to the top step of the podium with Ducati, 11 years after his triumph with Honda HRC.
The story of 2026 is yet to be written, with the two Italian manufacturers Aprilia and Ducati leading the fight at the top of MotoGP. Expectations are high for the Italian riders, with strong ambitions in all classes.
