News An in-depth look at the Mugello Circuit with the Brembo team.

When someone offers you the chance to go watch the Italian Grand Prixat Mugello, you don't say no!!!
I’d been to Mugello before on a motorcycle camping trip with some friends; back then, Valentino Rossi was thrilling the tifosi on his Yamaha. It was quite an experience. “Mugello NON SI DORME” (at Mugello, you don’t sleep)—it wasn’t just a legend; a Mad Max-style atmosphere was guaranteed.
In 2026, I’m heading back as a special correspondent for Motoplanète, invited by Brembo, the main sponsor of the Italian MotoGP. Not exactly small potatoes.

Friday, May 29—Exploring Tuscany

I met up with six other guest journalists, and the taxi took us to a charming bed-and-breakfast nestled in the heart of the Tuscan countryside. The place was magnificent and just a few kilometers from the racetrack. It was like something out of a postcard.
We settled in, took a quick dip in the pool, and then headed to the restaurant.

Dinner in the small town of Borgo San Lorenzo with journalists, engineers, and executives from the Italian company—the atmosphere is relaxed, and the conversation revolves around motorcycle racing, technology, tuning, food, wine… life, basically! They presented the weekend’s schedule—Brembo really pulled out all the stops. The experience promises to be extraordinary, both on and off the track.
Alright, one limoncello and off to bed.

Saturday, May 30: Transfer to the track

A ristretto before heading to the Brembo truck. Andrea Pellegrini, chief engineer at Brembo Performance, shows us all the components that equip the Moto3, Moto2, and MotoGP prototypes. Calipers, master cylinders, carbon discs—we see it all. It’s all stunning—exuding competition, performance, and elegance. True works of art. Those Italians are something else!

We take a closer look at the GP gear: the GP4 calipers, made from a single block of machined aluminum, delivering maximum power and surgical precision. Andréa explains how the pads release instantly to minimize friction and highlights the ventilation fins that allow for optimal cooling of the caliper. Controlling the temperature ensures consistent braking power and efficiency.

This is also why MotoGP bikes use carbon discs. In terms of braking power, they aren’t superior to steel discs, but they can withstand much higher temperatures—up to 900C. They are also much lighter, and we know how important weight is in competition, especially for moving parts. A 340-mm disc like those used at Mugello weighs 1.2 kg, while a carbon brake pad weighs 50 grams. It’s a relentless quest to shave off every gram at every level. On the other hand, in this world where everything is geared toward speed, the process of manufacturing a rotor requires patience—it takes nine months.

While we admire the finest pieces from Brembo’s “jewelry collection,” Jorge Martin clocks 368.6 km/h in qualifying—a new top speed record in the premier class. That Aprilia sure is flying! It’ll need all the power of its Italian machinery as it enters the San Donato turn.

I leave the Brembo engineers to head out to the track and watch the Baggers race. Harleys on a racetrack—what’s the point? They’re heavy, they’re big, and just because you fit them with Öhlins, Brembo, and slicks doesn’t mean they’ll become race machines—no matter what Andrea Iannone, winner of the second race, says. Personally, I could wax my legs and put on my nicest “Tu me fous” cycling shorts—but put me on a bike, and I’d never be the king of Alpe d’Huez.

I position myself at the side of the track to watch the start. The riders open the throttle wide, and when the lights go out, it’s like a squadron of B-52 Stratofortresses taking off. The 2,150 cm³ V-twins, equipped with Akrapovic exhausts, deliver a demonic melody that’ll tear your eardrums apart. First braking point: they pass each other, pass again, and accelerate while sliding—it’s a real spectacle.
OK; if I had to choose between electric motorcycles and baggers, I’d go with America.

While waiting for the Sprint race, I enjoy the Brembo lounge—air conditioning, drinks, pastries; the masters of braking really know how to host—followed by a tour of the paddocks. I get the chance to check out the video control room, as well as the timing room; the timing experts explain the split times, the transponders, and the camera for the photo finishes—a gadget that shoots 20,000 frames per second. If the difference were less than a millimeter, it would be a tie.

3:00 p.m.: Sprint race

Bezzecchi on pole, the crowd is fired up, and so is the weather. What a treat to experience the race from the safety run-off areas. And to see just how fast they go—it’s impressive. You’re going to tell me that’s what they’re there for, and you’re right. But damn, they’re fast!

A Spanish one-two by R. Fernandez and J. Martin on Aprilia; F. Di Giannantonio rounds out the podium, saving face for the Italians and Ducati. Because let’s face it, the underdog Aprilia is giving Ducati a real thrashing on its home turf; Mugello is less than 100 km from Ducati’s headquarters in Bologna, and Ducati has dominated the podiums in recent years.

6:00 p.m.: We leave the track

After a debrief and set out to discover the treasures of Tuscany. Another postcard-perfect scene—a feast for the eyes and the taste buds—lush green hills, olive oil tastings, local specialties, Tortelli del Mugello al ragu di carne (Valentino Rossi’s favorite dish), and the unmissable tiramisu. That’s all I need to hear—I’m in love with Tuscany.
Alright, one limoncello and off to bed.

Sunday, June 1: Mass Day

And the Mass is shaping up to be absolutely beautiful. Bright sunshine over the Mugello Cathedral; pilgrims are arriving in droves, noisy and colorful.
You can feel the pressure gradually building in the paddock. Warm-up for the final adjustments, then the Moto3 bikes take to the track for the race. I’m invited onto the grid and find myself surrounded by the prototype bikes. The riders are focused; some take off their helmets—they’re just kids, barely old enough to get their driver’s license. I’m hardly exaggerating. In any case, it’s great to see these future champions in action.
We’re asked to clear the track; the mechanics are bustling about, removing the heated blankets and workshop stands. Everything picks up speed; the 250-cc single-cylinder bikes rev up and head out for a warm-up lap. Everyone takes their place on the starting line.

As for me, I’m standing right next to the front row. I turn my head: Pecco Bagnaia, Marco Bezzecchi, and Enea Bastianini are right beside me, watching the start! I feel like a kid, with the atmosphere of the start, the noise, the smells, the superheroes. It’s crazy—I’m living a dream.

Bim Bam Boom—it’s the start! The Moto3 bikes dive into the first corner; I watch the first lap with my new friends on the giant screen, and everyone heads back to their pits. As for me, I’m gently escorted to the Pit Lane exit; I’ve got a huge grin from ear to ear.
I’m having a blast watching the Moto3 race, followed by the Moto2 race.

1:30 p.m.: The grandstands and hills are packed

The fans are fired up, and the Frecce Tricolori (Italy’s aerobatic team) tears through the blue sky with their green, white, and red flag. The highlight of the show can begin—the MotoGP bikes take the stage. Pre-grid, warm-up lap—we know the drill.

2:00 p.m.: The race starts amid collective hysteria.

Raul Fernandez messes up his first braking, allowing the Italians to take control of the race. Pecco, in the midst of a resurgence, holds the lead until Bezzecchi passes him and pulls away for the win—it’s all over. Behind them, Acosta battles with a struggling Marc Marquez. Ogura, Digia, and Aldeguer are going head-to-head like never before. It’s tough but fair, as they say in rugby.

It was an extraordinary Grand Prix, with Bezzecchi first, Martin second, and Bagnaia third—but as happy as if he’d won. The Mugello crowd is over the moon and floods the track to celebrate their heroes. Two Italians on the podium, two Aprilias, and one Ducati—a perfect scenario for the Italians. Bezzecchi’s emotion was a sight to behold, and the scenes of jubilation seem endless.

I’m taking a five-minute break—I feel like I haven’t had a moment to catch my breath. It was incredible: Tuscany, the spectacle, the paddocks, the riders’ performances, the passion, the technical expertise, and the warmth of the people at Brembo—all wonderful encounters. I had a truly exceptional weekend. For my first experience as a journalist, I started with the best part.
And whether you’re in the VIP section or in the grandstands, getting to Mugello is a challenge because the road access is from another era. It’s total chaos at night, but it’s the most beautiful event on the calendar (after Le Mans, for us French).

4:00 p.m., it’s over

It’s time to head to the airport. I’d like to thank Daniele and Alessia from Brembo, who organized our trip. And a huge thank you to Greg and Kinc—it’s thanks to them that I was able to come here.

4:15 p.m., I get a text: flight canceled!

Brembo is handling the issue. I won’t be able to get home until tomorrow, so I’ll have to spend the night in a hotel in downtown Florence—there are worse places to be. An unexpected extension to this dream trip, and I know I won’t be able to sleep because at Mugello, YOU JUST CAN’T SLEEP!

Jérôme P.