Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli · Rimini Riviera, Italy
“Misano has a special place in the hearts of Italian MotoGP fans. The circuit is named after Marco Simoncelli — "Super Sic" — and his presence is felt in every corner of the paddock and grandstands. The tifosi pack Misano in numbers that rival Mugello, and the emotion here is raw and genuine. But the setting is what makes this round unique: the circuit is literally minutes from the Adriatic Sea. After Friday practice, you're on the beach. Saturday qualifying ends, and you're eating grilled fish at a seafront restaurant in Misano Adriatico. No other MotoGP circuit offers this combination of elite motorsport and Mediterranean holiday.”
The Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli sits in the hills above Misano Adriatico — a small Adriatic coast resort 12 km south of Rimini. The circuit is unusual in that it's genuinely close to the sea: from the top of the main grandstand on a clear September day, you can see the Adriatic. The surrounding area is the Rimini Riviera — a long strip of Adriatic beach resorts that extends from Rimini south toward Cattolica. In September, the summer crowds have thinned but the weather is still warm and the sea is at its best temperature.
The circuit was renamed in 2012 in honour of Marco Simoncelli, the extraordinarily talented Italian rider from nearby Cattolica who was killed in a racing accident at Sepang in October 2011. He was 24 years old, the 2008 250cc World Champion, and was widely considered a future MotoGP World Champion. His face is everywhere at Misano — murals, tribute displays, the iconic #58. The emotion among Italian fans at this circuit is unlike anywhere else on the calendar.
Rimini (12 km north) is a city of two halves: a modern Adriatic beach resort stretching along the coast, and a compact historic centre with genuine Roman and Renaissance monuments. The Arco d'Augusto (Augustus Arch, 27 BC — one of the best-preserved Roman arches in Italy), the Ponte di Tiberio (Tiberius Bridge, 20 AD, still in use), and the Tempio Malatestiano (Renaissance masterpiece by Alberti) are all within the walkable historic centre. Rimini is also the birthplace of Federico Fellini — the Fellini Museum opened in 2021 and is excellent.
The Rimini Riviera in September is ideal — warm (24–28°C), less crowded than August, and the sea temperature peaks in late summer. The beach at Misano Adriatico is immediately adjacent to the circuit; the beach at Rimini stretches for kilometres. Evening on the seafront promenade — aperitivo, fresh seafood, and the Adriatic light — is the quintessential race weekend experience here.
The circuit is named for San Marino but the tiny republic is actually 25 km inland — a medieval fortress-state on top of Monte Titano, one of the smallest and oldest countries in the world. The Guaita and Cesta towers on the ridge are extraordinary. The old town is touristy but genuinely historic. Worth a 2–3 hour visit on Thursday or the Monday after. Duty-free shopping is a bonus.
Emilia-Romagna is Italy's greatest food region — no contest. Piadina romagnola (flatbread with prosciutto, squacquerone cheese, and rocket — the Romagna street food classic), tagliatelle al ragù (Bolognese, from Bologna itself), tortellini in brodo (pasta in broth), parmigiano-reggiano, prosciutto di Parma, mortadella, aceto balsamico di Modena (balsamic vinegar), and Lambrusco wine. In Rimini and Misano, look especially for brodetto romagnolo (Adriatic fish stew — the local seafood masterpiece) and grilled fresh Adriatic fish at the seafront restaurants.