Located in the scenic Tuscan hillsides, Mugello is a truly unique circuit and is the first Italian stage of the 2019 Grand Prix Motorcycle Championship.

It is known to deliver an atmosphere like no other GP on tour, mainly attributed to the energy levels of the 90,000 Italian fans who attend each year.

Nominated as one of the top circuits on the calendar due to its track dynamics, location and enthusiasts, Mugello is more than home to Valentino Rossi, it is home to MotoGP craziness.

Ahead of the Mugello GP this Sunday, here are five distinctive facts about the circuit.

Mugello circuit

The current circuit has been a regular host of the Grand Prix since 1994.

It is owned by Ferrari who bought it in 1988 and used it for Formula One testing.

While the Mugello GP attracts over 90,000 fans on race-day, grandstand capacity sits at 50,000 with many fans enjoying general entry for a fraction of Grandstand tickets with matchable views.

The track combines a unique marriage of slow and fast corners, with the longest straight on the calendar at 1.141 kilometres. 

There are vantage points where fans can see across the entire 5.245-kilometre circuit, a unique feature among any track on tour.

Peak mania hits during the post-race invasion when fans flock to the podium.

Rossi’s home

Mugello is Rossi’s home track.

It attracts Rossi mania and often a masterclass from the nine-time world Champion himself.

The Doctor’s name has been scribed in the history books for many records and Mugello is no different.

From 2002 to 2008, Rossi held a seven-year winning streak at Mugello, his most consecutive wins on one track.

No other rider holds more wins at Mugello then Rossi.

Fascinatingly, he has never finished first at Mugello since.

We know he is extremely superstitious, so let’s hope he can round that up to eight.

Rossi’s exclusive Mugello helmet

One of the most anticipated moments of the Mugello MotoGP is the unveiling of Valentino Rossi’s exclusive Mugello helmet, designed specifically for this circuit.

It is unveiled at the first practice session of the weekend, where cameramen will flock to Rossi’s garage to capture the first look.

It is a collaborative creation between Rossi and famed Italian designer Aldo Drudi and often pays homage to Rossi’s fans, his team or himself.

In the past, Rossi has not been shy of using the helmet to take a dig at himself for mistakes he has made on the track.

Keep an eye out for Rossi’s 2019 Mugello helmet this race weekend, which will be unveiled on Friday.

The Rossi Grandstand

There are two types of very distinct fans at Mugello – those decorated in yellow and those in red.

The “Yellow People”, as they refer to themselves as, are dedicated Rossi fans.

They figuratively own Turn Three of the circuit known as Poggio Secco and will erupt each time Rossi shoots past.

Loyal to Rossi, some will meet as early as the Thursday before the race to get to know one another.

The number of attendees has grown so vastly over the years that no forum on site can contain all of them.

For this reason, they are instructed to meet in the Poggio Secco meadow before making refuge in the Grandstand.

Fan Club Staff give them free gadgets for the yellow choreography that many of us will see on TV.

In the flesh, the “Yellow People” have been described as mental for Rossi with extremely nice attitudes and love painting the sky yellow with a flare or two.

The Ducati Grandstand

The Italian manufacturer Ducati are loyal to their fans offering exclusive perks for anyone purchasing a Ducati Grandstand ticket ranging from 190 euro and up.

Similar to the Rossi Grandstand, Ducati fans are given a Fan Kit with a Ducati t-shirt, hat, bag and souvenir.

The benefits do not stop there with a hand delivered pocket snack on the Sunday, and a few other rewards subject to availability including locker room and coat check service.

They are located far from the “Yellow People” on Turn 12 known as Correntaio and are assured a “truly exclusive experience” from Ducati.

Ducati placed first last year with former Ducati rider, Jorge Lorenzo.

Ducati is now seating two Italian riders, Andrea Dovizioso and Danilo Petrucci.

If either wins, it will be a double dose of Italian celebration.

Catch the Italian GP this Sunday, June 2, 2019.