You're coming along with us to the Italian MotoGP race at the Mugello Circuit. The beauty of this legendary racetrack that's nestled in the heart of Tuscany is only eclipsed by the understatement of its motto during race weekend: "Al Mugello, non si dorme" - "At Mugello, you do not sleep." Equal parts motorcycle race, wild campground, and music festival, the Italian MotoGP brings out the most passionate race fans from all over Europe (and the world), armed with the loudest engines they can get a hold of; like chainsaws with the blades taken off, modified leaf blowers, or scooters with the mufflers removed. We talk to Friné Velilla, who's been responsible for handling all the media coverage with MotoGP for over fifteen years; "Fast" Freddie Spencer, who racked up a few race wins at Mugello, and my ex-pat best friend Mike Fischer, who had no idea what he was getting into. Nothing can prepare for you Mugello, but we give you a taste of what it's like to experience it firsthand.
If spectating at a MotoGP race in Europe is on your bucket list, then the Italian Grand Prix at Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello won’t disappoint, as “Driven to Ride” host Mark Long discovered firsthand this past June. Long spent the week traveling with his buddy Mike, who lives in Switzerland. Together, they enjoyed the full, immersive race-weekend experience camping on the scenic (and noisy!) Tuscan hillsides.
To better understand the nuts and bolts of a MotoGP race, especially one held on the Continent, Long spoke with Friné Velilla, who has worked for series commercial rights-holder Dorna for 20 years, the past 15 as media manager. FIM MotoGP Stewards Panel Chairman Freddie Spencer knows his way around Mugello, too, the three-time world champ having won both the 250cc and the 500cc races on the same day in 1985.
One of the fastest circuits on the calendar, Mugello is also one of the most difficult to nail as a rider. “It’s technical, it’s high-speed,” Spencer explained, “but it challenges you mentally.” Long met two more Americans, J.J. and his son Connor. “This is number one on my list of the tracks I wanted to go watch,” J.J. said about Mugello. And Long’s post-event advice? Go. Just go. But remember to bring earplugs. You’ll need ’em.