Built in 1972, this race track has become a reference for sport fans. And it’s the quintessential Italian grand prix.
At first, this wasn’t a racetrack, but a road circuit. The Mugello road circuit was born in 1914, before World Wa I stopped the competitions. Thanks to MotoGP and local champions like Valentino Rossi, this is more than a racetrack. It’s become an unmissable appointment in the calendar of any sport’s fan. Ahead of this weekend race at the Mugello, it’s time to introduce the Italian circuit.
Welcome to the Mugello Circuit
The 15 turns of this 5245 track challenge any driver, even the most experienced one. After the rocky beginning in 1914, the new chapter of this circuit began with the classic Mille Miglia and the 66km race during the 1960s. Then, the Automobile Club of Florence built in 1974 this track to avoid any dangerous races on the road. Now, lovers of the adrenaline and drivers had a safe place to compete.
In 1988, Ferrari bought the Mugello Circuit and started renovations. Following the science of road racing, safety is protagonist. Both for drivers and spectators. It’s also the perfect track for tests, thanks to its altitude of 41 meters. Here, racers can truly test their bikes, in all conditions of weather and track.
Not only MotoGP
Indeed, this is also a scenic circuit. It’s surrounded by the hills of Tuscany. And the noise of MotoGP and the Ferraris carries through the air. In fact, the Ferrari F1 tests here and it also celebrated its 60th anniversary. Plus, Kimi Raikkonen celebrated his championship win with Ferrari at the Mugello Circuit.
What might surprise is that even the cycling Giro d’Italia ended some stages here. For example in 1977 and 2007, when the professional cyclists celebrated the tour at Mugello. And running, of course, because this track has it all. So, this is an Italian track for the best Italian brands. And they fly through turns that ny sports and racing fan has heard of, like the San Donato curve.
Records at the Mugello Circuit
While this is a famous MotoGP track, it’s a Formula One driver who owns the record. Indeed, Lewis Hamilton hit the record of 1’15″144 aboard his Mercedes during the qualifiers of the 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix.
On the other hand, the most successful MotoGP rider is Marc Marquez -and it couldn’t be any different with this world champion. In 2013, he ran the lap at 1’14’’639. A winner, indeed. His brother, Alex Marquez, holds the record for the Moto 2 category, with a lap at 1’51’’881. It must be a family thing.
However, the best time for a pole position goes to local legend Valentino Rossi. With his Yamaha, he recorded a stunning 1’46’’208 in 2018. Perhaps the legend isn’t over yet. But the Mugello Circuit isn’t just fast. It’s also eco-friendly.
Speed and sustainability
In fact, the Mugello Circuit has obtained the international standard for the sustainable event management. The environmental and social impacts of the Tuscan racetrack respect the global guidelines. The circuit is energy-efficient and it promotes recycling. Plus, it fights any food waste. And it promotes the wellbeing of its workers, not to mention their safety.
The respect for the environment is one of the goals of Mugello’s management. To achieve the objective, the circuit choose carefully its contractors -and it respects its workers. Indeed, speed and sustainability, the two S.
But there is a third S: safety. Safety for the riders, but for employees and audience too. As the website of the Mugello Circuit states one of the goals is the “prevention of accidents, occupational diseases, and negative environmental impact.”
This Italian racetrack is safe. And it prides on being sustainable and fast. Speedy, without a doubt. Perhaps the MotoGP of Sunday, May 30th, will establish a new record. To find out, check out all the updates on Life in Italy.
