MotoGP Circuit Guide
Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli - MotoGP Grandstand Guide
Where to sit at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli for the MotoGP: grandstand recommendations, the best views, hospitality options and how to get there on race day.
Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli lies in Misano Adriatico, in Italy's Emilia-Romagna region near the Adriatic coast. The 4.226 kilometre track opened in 1972 and has undergone several reconfigurations, with its current layout established in 2008. In 2012 the circuit was renamed to honour Marco Simoncelli, a local motorcycle racer from nearby Cattolica who died in 2011. The venue now hosts the San Marino and Rimini Riviera Grand Prix as part of the MotoGP World Championship.
The circuit features 16 turns running clockwise, including distinctive sections such as the Tramonto and Curvone turns mid-track and the Curva del Carro toward the finish. The track is 14 metres wide with a longest straight of 530 metres, combining high-speed sections with technical corners that create overtaking opportunities throughout the layout. Spectators watching the race weekend can choose from numerous grandstands positioned around the circuit, each offering different vantage points. Tribuna Centrale sits opposite the grid with views of the start, finish and podium, whilst Brutapela overlooks turns 3 and 4 where much of the action unfolds. Additional seating includes Arena near turn 6, grandstands at turn 13 where riders approach head-on, and covered sections at turns 15 and 16. General admission zones provide views from other sections of the track.
Getting to Misano is straightforward for international visitors. Bologna Airport lies approximately 120 kilometres away and offers the widest range of flight connections, whilst Rimini's Federico Fellini International Airport is closer but primarily handles seasonal services. The nearest railway station sits 5 kilometres away in Misano, with local buses running regularly to the circuit on race weekends from Rimini and other coastal towns. Camping remains popular during the MotoGP weekend, and nearby seaside destinations including Rimini and Riccione offer additional accommodation options. The circuit sits roughly two hours from Bologna by road and approximately half an hour from Rimini.
Best grandstands at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli
Tribuna Centrale is the premier vantage point at Misano, positioned directly opposite the starting grid. This covered grandstand offers unobstructed views of the team garages, the start and finish line, and the podium ceremony, making it ideal if you want to capture the full race-day spectacle from one location.
Brutapela and Brutapela Gold
Brutapela Gold sits at the end of the main straight with excellent sightlines of the start and finish line alongside the pit area activity. For those seeking a broader track perspective, Brutapela is positioned between turns 3 and 4, where overtaking manoeuvres frequently occur. The upper rows of Brutapela provide a panoramic view of the entire layout.
Grandstands at turn 13 and the closing corners
Grandstand D TOP and Grandstand D are both located at turn 13 on the track's exterior, giving you a head-on view of riders approaching this demanding section. Moving towards the finish, Grandstand B curves around turn 15 (the penultimate corner) and is covered, while Grandstand A sits near turn 16, the final corner. These positions offer close action in the race's closing moments.
General admission alternatives
If you prefer general admission, Prato 2 is situated between turns 7 and 9, whilst Prato 1 occupies the back straight. Both areas offer budget-friendly access to the circuit and a different atmosphere from the enclosed grandstands, with Prato 1 positioned adjacent to the Misanino grandstand for added viewing options.
Getting to Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli
The circuit is situated approximately 10 km from Rimini and roughly two hours by road from Bologna. Federico Fellini International Airport in Rimini serves mainly seasonal and charter flights, so for better flight options consider Bologna Airport, which is around 120 km away. The nearest train station is at Misano, just 5 km from the circuit, with local buses and taxis available for the final journey.
On MotoGP weekends, local buses run regular services from Rimini, Misano rail station, and Riccione directly to the circuit, making public transport a convenient option. If you are driving, free parking spaces are available outside the circuit.
The circuit is located close to the Adriatic Sea on the Italian Riviera, with nearby coastal towns including Rimini, Riccione, and Pesaro offering a range of accommodation options. Camping is also popular at the circuit itself, allowing you to stay on-site for the full race weekend experience.
Frequently asked questions
What is the circuit's official name and why was it renamed?+
The circuit is officially called Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli. It was renamed in 2012 to honour Marco Simoncelli, a local motorcycle racer from nearby Cattolica who tragically died in 2011 at the Malaysian Grand Prix.
When did the circuit start hosting MotoGP races?+
The circuit began hosting the San Marino and Rimini Riviera motorcycle Grand Prix as part of the MotoGP World Championship in 2007.
What is the circuit length and how many turns does it have?+
The circuit is 4.226 km long with a total of 16 turns. It runs in a clockwise direction and has a longest straight of 530 metres.
Which grandstand offers the best view of the start and finish?+
Tribuna Centrale, positioned directly opposite the starting grid, offers the best all-round view of the start, finish line, team garages, and podium. It is covered and ideal for spectators wanting a comprehensive race-day experience.
Are there general admission areas if I don't want a grandstand seat?+
Yes, there are two general admission zones: Prato 2 between turns 7 and 9, and Prato 1 on the back straight near the Misanino grandstand. These offer budget-friendly access to the circuit.
How far is the circuit from Rimini and what transport options are available?+
The circuit is approximately 10 km from Rimini and around 120 km from Bologna. On MotoGP weekends, local buses run regular services from Rimini, Misano rail station, and Riccione to the circuit, or you can drive with free parking available outside.
What accommodation is available near the circuit?+
Camping is popular at the circuit itself, and the nearby coastal towns of Rimini, Riccione, and Pesaro offer a wide range of accommodation options, all within easy reach of the venue.
What other facilities does the Misano complex include?+
Beyond the main circuit, the Misano complex includes a 900-metre go-kart circuit and a 1,000-metre flat track for dirt biking, offering additional motorsport activities.
