MotoGP Misano 2026: Complete Guide | Schedule, Times, How to Watch, Local Events

In 2012, the Misano World Circuit changed its name to honor Marco Simoncelli, the rider from Romagna who represented the future of MotoGP before his tragic death at Sepang on October 23, 2011. He was 24 years old. The circuit, conceived decades earlier by Enzo Ferrari himself to bring racing from the streets to the track, has become a mecca of Italian motorcycle racing. And this weekend, September 11–13, it returns to its place on the world calendar with a more wide-open race than we’ve seen in years.

Jorge Martin leads the championship with 256 points, but Marc Marquez is just 19 points behind, and Marco Bezzecchi trails by 24. The three are so closely packed that every mistake, every tactical decision, and every qualifying session will carry the weight of a verdict. This is no foregone conclusion: it’s the race that will decide the title or shape the final strategies.

For Italian fans, this weekend holds special significance. Francesco Bagnaia, the Turin-born rider who dominated the 2022 and 2023 seasons with Ducati, will take to the track for the last time in Maranello’s official red—he’ll be switching to KTM starting in 2027. It’s not a farewell to MotoGP, but it is the end of a chapter. Joining him on the grid will be three other Italian riders who consider Misano their home track: Fabio Di Giannantonio (Rome, VR46) and Franco Morbidelli (Gresini), who won here in 2020 and returns eager for redemption. It’s Romagna racing against itself, with a divided but passionate crowd, and the circuit exuding the atmosphere that has always set it apart: pure excitement, high-level skill, and the memory of Marco Simoncelli lingering over every turn.

If you’re a car enthusiast and love true stories, this is the weekend for you. Here’s everything you need to know.

Schedule and times: Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Friday, September 11

The new MotoGP format kicks off on Friday and doesn’t wait for the weekend—and Misano knows this all too well.

What to expect: These are practice sessions where the teams gather data on the track, the tires, and the setups. Friday doesn’t decide anything, but it determines everything: who advances directly to Q2 on Saturday, and who will have to go through Q1. You can already feel the adrenaline, but it’s the calm before the storm.

Saturday, September 12

Saturday is the crucial day.

Qualifying: The moment when every thousandth of a second determines the starting grid and pride. Drivers who don’t finish in the top 8 in FP2 advance through Q1, while those who have already secured a spot go directly to Q2.

Sprint Race: Six frenetic laps that count toward the world championship, deliver a thrilling show, and often shift the balance of power. This is where the unexpected happens—where a young rider pulls off a masterpiece or the favorite stumbles.

Sunday, September 13

The grand finale.

The MotoGP race: 25 laps, two and a half hours of adrenaline, as the three title contenders give it their all on the track while both Italian and international spectators hold their breath. The sun begins to set over the Riviera.

Circuit Hours

• Friday and Saturday: Opens at 7:00 a.m., closes at 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday: Opens at 6:30 a.m., closes at 7:30 p.m.

Note: All times are in Italian time (UTC+2 in September).

Tickets, prices, and how to get there

Where and How to Buy Tickets

Official channels:

• TicketOne.it — main official ticket office
• motogpmisano.com — direct bookings with free shipping or print@home
• Official MotoGP Ticket Store — discounts of up to €75 on packages

Ticket Categories and Prices

Additional costs:

• Service fees: 12% of the ticket price (minimum €15)
• PDF tickets: no shipping fee
• Paper tickets (DHL): small surcharge

👉 Book directly on motogpmisano.com for the best prices and maximum security.

How to get there

By car:

By train:

• Arrive in Rimini (main station)
• From there: take a bus or taxi to the racetrack (~30 minutes)
• Direct connections from Modena to the Riviera

Air:

• Recommended airport: Bologna Marconi (direct flights from all over Europe)
• From Bologna to the racetrack: ~1 hour by car

Important notes:

• Secure parking is available at the racetrack
• Prohibited: glass bottles, prohibited items, weapons
• Accessibility: complete information at motogpmisano.com
• Tip: If you’re coming from Maranello, add an extra day before or after your visit to tour the Ferrari Museum or enjoy a driving experience in Motor Valley

The Circuit: The Track That Inspired Enzo Ferrari

Technical Specifications

The Curva Quercia – The Most Critical Point

“La Quercia” (Turn 8) is where it all comes down to. The drivers brake from 289 km/h to 80 km/h in just 4.7 seconds. It’s a brutal braking maneuver that puts a strain on the brakes and tires—and this is often where overtakes and battles are decided.

Track characteristics: Essentially flat, which tests precision rather than raw power: slow and medium-speed corners that require flawless traction coming out of the turn, and fast chicanes that test the car’s ability to change direction.

History of the Circuit

The 1970s: Enzo Ferrari wanted a racetrack in Romagna. The circuit was born out of his desire to move racing from the streets to the track.

2006: A Complete Overhaul — the direction of traffic was reversed, the asphalt was repaved, and safety was improved.

Since 2007: MotoGP has raced there regularly. The circuit has become the setting for many memorable moments.

2012: Following the tragic death of Marco Simoncelli, fans voted to name the circuit after him. The rider from Romagna, born in Cattolica and raised just a few kilometers from the track, was the symbol of a generation of Italian talent. That 24-year-old could have won. Today, his name echoes around every turn, and the Misano weekend remains the most emotional of the year for Italian fans.

MotoGP Winners at Misano

• Valentino Rossi: 3 wins (2008, 2009, 2014)
• Enea Bastianini: victory in 2024
• Francesco Bagnaia: wins in previous years — this is his final weekend in Ducati red

Drivers to Watch

Fabio Di Giannantonio — The Roman’s home race

Number: 49 | Team: Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team | Nationality: Italian (Rome)

League standing: 4th with 208 points (48 points behind leader Martin)

Connection to Misano:

• Moto3 Podiums (2017, 2018)
• Moto2 Podiums (2019)
• Sprint Podium 2024

What to Expect: This is his home track. He’s coming in fired up after a tough race at Aragon. The crowd will be cheering him on in droves—he’s the only Italian rider competing at his home race with a real shot at the podium.

Franco Morbidelli — The Returning Champion

Number: 21 | Team: Gresini Racing | Nationality: Italian-Brazilian

Special connection to Misano:

• First MotoGP victory: 2020 at Misano
• 2024 Sprint podium

What to expect: After a difficult stretch, the rider is brimming with confidence. The team emphasizes that “Misano is always amazing; the atmosphere is magical.” If the bike performs well, he could surprise everyone with a memorable performance.

Francesco Bagnaia – The Final Chapter in Ducati Red

Number: 63 | Team: Ducati Lenovo Team | Nationality: Italian (Turin)

The Moment: This is his final official race weekend in the red of Maranello. Starting in 2027, he will race for KTM.

Record at Misano: Victories during his best years (2022–2023)

What to Expect: It won’t be a triumphant farewell—he isn’t among the favorites for the title this year—but it’s still the closing chapter of an era. The crowd will give him a special ovation. He’ll want to deliver one last memorable performance for the team that nurtured him.

The trio in the title — Martin, Marquez, Bezzecchi

The Situation: The three know each other well and are sizing each other up, and every weekend is a three-way battle where a single mistake can prove costly. At Misano, with the Italian crowd split between Ducati and Aprilia fans, the atmosphere will be electric. The battle is still wide open.

What to Do on the Weekend Besides the Race

If you’re not spending the whole day at the track, or if you’re looking for something else to do, the area around Misano offers experiences and fun for everyone.

Riders Land Experience Rimini — The Official Show

When: During the GP weekend

What it is: An area adjacent to the track featuring:

• Races for Spectators
• Professional simulators
• Motorcycle and team exhibitions
• Main stage featuring meet-and-greets with riders and autograph sessions

Perfect for: Anyone who wants to experience the thrill of the Grand Prix from a different perspective, without being in the grandstands at the circuit.

Gradara — Medieval castle and history

Distance from Misano: 20 minutes

What you’ll find: A charming medieval village with a castle. The story of Paolo and Francesca (immortalized by Dante) fills the air.

Perfect for: People who love history as well as cars—an ideal stop in the afternoon.

Cattolica — Beaches, aquarium, sea

Distance from Misano: 5 minutes

What you’ll find:

• Blue Flag Beaches
• Cattolica Aquarium (one of the largest in Italy)
• Fishing port with an authentic atmosphere

Perfect for: Families, those looking to relax between races.

Portoverde in Misano — Harbor and cuisine

Distance: In the center of Misano

What you’ll find: A marina with a Mediterranean atmosphere and high-quality seafood restaurants.

Recommended restaurants:

• La Banchina
• La Darsena
• Paradise Restaurant (Via dei Gigli, 11)
• Le Vele (71 Via Litoranea Sud)
• Moi Ristorante (on the waterfront)

Romagna Cuisine — Must-Try Dishes

Don’t miss:

• Rustida: mixed Adriatic seafood grill, served piping hot
• Marinated saraghina: with warm piadina (classic)
• Clam risotto
• Tagliolini with fish
• Stuffed piadina: a thousand variations, perfect for an aperitif at sunset

Riccione — Beachfront, shopping, nightlife

Distance from Misano: 5–10 minutes

What you’ll find: The liveliest and most glamorous part of the Riviera—an elegant boardwalk, boutiques, and trendy beach bars.

Perfect for: Those who love the party scene, shopping, and nightlife.

Where to Stay: Hotels, Campgrounds, Recommended Areas

Misano Adriatico

• Distance from the track: closest
• Atmosphere: quiet
• Beach: 3 km
• Tourist traffic: moderate
• Ideal for: Those seeking peace and quiet and proximity to the track

Riccione

• Distance from the racetrack: 5–10 minutes by car
• Hotel options: wide range (from 2-star to 4-star luxury)
• Amenities: restaurants, nightlife, shopping
• Packages: Most include a packed lunch and Wi-Fi for the weekend
• Ideal for: Those who want convenience and a variety of options

Rimini

• Distance from the circuit: 15 minutes
• What it offers: the cultural riches of an art city—the Arch of Augustus, the historic center, the Fellini Museum
• Beach: beautiful beaches
• Ideal for: Those who want to combine motorsports and culture

Camping Adria — Riccione

A historic landmark for MotoGP and motorcyclists

• Tent sites
• Campers and motorhomes
• 5-star mobile homes
• Community of enthusiasts

Recommended Hotels (3-4 stars)

Important tip: Book early—MotoGP weekends sell out quickly.

How to Watch It on TV

Sky Sport (full coverage)

• Sky Sport 1 (channel 201): all sessions live
• Sky MotoGP (channel 208): dedicated coverage
• Subscription required

TV8 (free-to-air broadcast—Sunday)

• Moto3: 11:00
• Moto2: 12:15 p.m.
• MotoGP: 2:00 PM
• Completely free

Streaming and Video Pass

MotoGP Video Pass: €139.99 for the entire season

• All Live Sessions
• Commentary in Italian
• On-demand access to highlights

The Bridge to Maranello: Expand Your Motor Sports Experience

A Natural Extension of Your Trip

If you’re in Misano for the MotoGP, the next step is a logical one. Maranello, the heart of Motor Valley, is about 170 km away— a 1-hour, 50-minute drive via the A14 and A1.

It is the same region that exudes speed and a passion for motorsports—a region where Ferrari’s four wheels have shaped the history of global motorsports.

Things to Do in Maranello

Ferrari Museum: A must-see for fans of classic cars and motorsports.

The Driving Experience: The real thrill—driving a real Ferrari on the winding roads where the company still tests its prototypes. The roads around Maranello—the same ones traveled by Lamborghini, Ducati, and Ferrari—offer a completely different perspective on the passion for motorsports.

It’s not just a show to watch from the stands—it’s an experience to enjoy firsthand.

Discover our Motorvalley Marathon for a full day packed with excitement

The Fulfillment of a Dream

For those who arrive in Misano already passionate about motorsports, the trip to Maranello is the natural culmination of that passion. It’s a weekend where motorsports come to life in all their forms: from motorcycles (MotoGP) to simulators, legendary cars, and the roads where motorsports history is made every day.

Turn your MotoGP weekend into a deeper experience of Motor Valley.