Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli

Circuit guide by Chris Pollitt · dates updated 2 November 2026

Misano opened in 1972 a short way inland from the Adriatic resorts of Misano Adriatico and Riccione, in the heart of Italian motorcycling country. It was renamed after Marco Simoncelli, who grew up nearby, following his death in 2011. Since 2007 it has run clockwise, and the current 4.226 km, 16-corner layout hosts the San Marino MotoGP round and World Superbikes.

It's a relatively flat circuit with a mix of slow hairpins, tight sequences and one big fast corner, the Curvone. The grip is generally good and run-off is generous, so it's a friendly place for a first European trip, particularly on a bike. Car days run regularly too. It suits novices and intermediates well, and experienced riders will enjoy the challenge of the Rio and Carro sections. With the beach ten minutes away, it's also the easiest track in Italy to turn into a holiday.

A lap of Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli

Layout: Grand Prix, 4.226 km (2.63 miles)

The lap starts with the Variante del Parco, a slow chicane at the end of the pit straight. Brake in a straight line and don't run wide on the exit, because you need to get the car or bike straight for the long, fast right that follows. That fast curve is followed by the Curva del Rio, a tight sequence of three changes of direction. The first part needs a firm stop, the middle part needs patience with the throttle, and the third part is where you short-shift and get your drive.

After a kink comes the Curva Quercia, a slow corner taken with a late apex. Don't rush the turn-in. Get it slowed down, turn it late and get on the power early. Then it's a short run to the Curva del Tramonto, the hairpin before the back straight. Stay mid-track on the way in, brake hard in a straight line and aim for a late apex, because the exit here sets your speed down the longest stretch of the lap.

The Curvone is the fast right at the end of the back straight, and it's the corner most people remember. It's taken at very high speed and needs commitment, but don't take a liberty on cold tyres. Stay wide through the second part to set yourself up for the Curva del Carro, a tight right that needs a straight-line stop and a late apex. Plenty of people dive in too early and run out of road on exit.

The final part of the lap is a fast left, which needs an earlier turn-in than feels natural, followed by the Curva del Misano, the last corner. Brake just before it, turn in and get on the power as early as you can. The pit straight isn't long, so a tidy exit matters here.

Track day tips

• Don't take a liberty through the Curvone on your out lap. It's very fast, and cold tyres won't hold you there.
• The Carro is a common spot to run wide on exit. Stay wide on the way in and wait for a late apex.
• Summers on the Adriatic are hot and humid. Plan for high track temperatures and keep drinking water.
• Misano is very popular with Italian bike clubs, so book early for spring and autumn dates.
• Riccione and Rimini are full of hotels, but prices jump in August and around the MotoGP weekend in September.
• Most organisers include lap timing as an extra. Check what's included in the price before you book.

Getting there

Misano is a long drive from the UK, roughly 1,400 km from Calais via Switzerland, Milan and the A1 and A14 down the Adriatic side of Italy. Leave the A14 at the Riccione junction, and the circuit is a few kilometres inland. Bologna is the most practical airport for UK flights, around 120 km away, and Rimini airport is close by but has fewer routes. Riccione, Misano Adriatico and Rimini have a huge choice of hotels, as this is one of Italy's busiest beach resort areas.