The second trip to Italy, the second time we say just how excited we are to touch down in what is the “Motor Valley” of the country. Although this is technically the Grand Prix of San Marino, we race in the culturally-rich region of Emilia-Romagna, known the world-over for being one of the great food capitals of the globe – although for one week a year, the Italian Adriatic Coast goes into overdrive MotoGP in town – so this is how to enjoy your week of motorsport and MotoGP in more ways than one.
Whilst Mugello may be his spiritual home, Valentino Rossi’s closest circuit to his birthplace of Urbino is Misano and just 10km away through the winding roads you arrive at what is a shrine for any VR46 fan: Tavullia. This place is Rossi madness; his pizzeria, restaurant and bar, shop and the entire old town covered in all-things VR46, it’s a pilgrimage that every Rossi fan – and indeed MotoGP fan – has to make.
Then, the small village of Coriano where you can find the Marco Simoncelli museum. Since MotoGP lost ‘SuperSic’, Misano has always been a special Grand Prix for Gresini Racing and indeed his father Paolo’s SIC58 Squadra Corse team. From Riccione, jump on the number 58 bus that takes you to Coriano where you can pay tribute to one of MotoGP’s larger than life characters. His home-town of Cattolica is hive of activity throughout the summer but is one of the best places to stay during the MotoGP weekend, which we’ll come onto next!
So, the Rimini Riviera, you’re spoilt for choice in terms of places to stay; favourites amongst fans and those in the paddock include Cattolica, Misano Adriatico and Riccione, all of which offer good accommodation, wide-open beaches, bars, clubs, restaurants and perhaps more important than anything during the weekend – a walking option to the circuit. The traffic is crazy on Sunday morning so grab a coffee (or something stronger) and walk up to the Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli”, something that takes no more than an hour. Walking through the fields and the countryside from the beach resort towns and getting a bite to eat on the way, it’s the true way to start Sunday.
The other thing where Misano is one of the winning destination GPs on the calendar is because of its public transport from all major cities. From the north, trains take less than 2 hours and are well affordable from Bologna to any of the aforementioned beach towns. From the south, Ancona serves as the major city and again, is just 2 hours away whilst Milan and Bari are connected with one train that makes stops at Cattolica, meaning wherever your journey starts, it’s convenient to get to. As for the closest major city with an airport, Rimini, it’s historic old town blends with perfect beaches and is a real treat to visit too. The Ponte di Tiberio bridge is one of the oldest, still functioning and completely intact Roman Bridges in the world, built between 14 AD and 21 AD.
San Marino itself is absolutely well worth a visit too; easier by car than public transport but still accessible with the latter, it’s dramatic views, high-class restaurant and just as high old city makes it one of the most unique countries in the world. Entirely surrounded by Italy but insistent on being different, the country hosts the Guaita Tower and is part of three towers on the Monte Titano.
However, if you’re coming from overseas then probably, your trip will start in Bologna; one of the bigger international airports and the biggest in Emilia-Romagna, it’s your gateway to the rest of the region. Bologna itself is one of the most underrated cities in Europe; the home of ragu and mortadella as well as an abundance of other, lesser-known local products, it’s a foodie’s dream. It also has a remarkable old town, dominated by the two remaining towers from the medieval period. Whilst you can’t climb them to the top like a decade ago, they’re worth marvelling at as both lean – similar to the Tower of Pisa. Piazza Maggiore is one of the central gathering points to get out and explore the rabbit warren of tiny streets filled with bars and taverns. 5km outside the city in Borgo Panigale, the Ducati museum – literally part of the factory – is a must-visit on your MotoGP weekend visit.
So, San Marino, Emilia-Romagna and Italy in general, there really is nothing to dislike about it!