The 2016 Gran Premio d’Italia TIM will be the 31st time that the Autodromo del Mugello has hosted a Grand Prix event, with the circuit ever present on the World Championship calendar since 1991. The first GP was held back in 1976 and saw Barry Sheene win the 500c race and the basic layout of the 5.2km circuit hasn’t changed since.
How to go fast - The Autodromo del Mugello runs through the Tuscan hills and provides a spectacle for race fans like no other. The track itself is one of the most demanding on the calendar, with fast flowing sections, multiple elevations changes and a 1.141km main straight. Find out from the teams themselves how they plan on being quick around a circuit where, as they admit themselves, “stability is key.”
Overtaking hotspots - When it comes to exciting racing Mugello is right up there with the best of them. It has a number of favourite overtaking areas and over the years has seen some spectacular passes from riders. Find out where most of them took place last year and where we expect the action to occur in 2016.
Season so far - Mugello used to be a happy hunting ground for Italians in the premier class at their home GP, with eight victories in the nine races between 2000 and 2008, although their last success was eight years ago. In the last six races it has been Spaniards who emerged victorious in the premier class, much to the dismay of the passionate Italian fans. Can an Italian rider reclaim their home grand prix in 2016?
Flashback - One man who was responsible for sending the Mugello fans in raptures during that period was Valentino Rossi. The nine-time World Champion recording one the most incredible streaks in motorsport as he won seven MotoGP™ races in a row between 2002 and 2008 at his home grand prix. Take a look back at all of The Doctor's premier class victories at Mugello over the years as he aims to end his seven-race streak at Mugello without a win.
One to watch - Talking of Italians, one to watch at the Italian GP is the Moto3™ rookie who has impressed everyone so far during his debut season, Nicolo Bulega. The 16-year-old is part of the VR46 Rider’s Academy and before the Italian GP he spoke to motogp.com about his season so far and the role his mentor Valentino Rossi has played in his career.