MotoGP heads to Tuscany for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix. A legendary fixture that, despite the departure of the iconic Valentino Rossi, continues to ignite the passion of the tifosi. With Ducati in strong form, Aprilia leading the championship, and a legendary circuit, the spectacle is set to be unmissable, even with a few notable absences following recent events.
The Italian Grand Prix is always a major highlight on the MotoGP calendar. Once again this year, the temple of speed, the Mugello circuit, will host spectacular racing. While the fervent public adoration for idol Valentino Rossi may have mellowed, the passion of the Italian tifosi remains undimmed, fuelled by the current successes of domestic manufacturers and a consistently high-calibre rider line-up.
An Intense Three-Day Sporting Programme
The race weekend kicks off on Friday with the initial free practice sessions, crucial for riders to dial in their set-ups on this demanding track. Saturday will feature the all-important qualifying session to determine pole position, followed by the highly anticipated MotoGP Sprint – a short, intense race promising bold overtakes. Finally, Sunday is dedicated to the main events, headlined by the MotoGP race itself, scheduled to start at 2 PM, after the Moto2 and Moto3 contests.
How to Watch the 2026 Italian GP Live
For fans in France, the Canal+ group remains the exclusive broadcaster of MotoGP. All sessions, from practice to the races, will be shown live across the group’s channels. Canal+ Sport 360 will provide comprehensive coverage of the Moto2 and Moto3 categories, as well as Saturday’s MotoGP Sprint. The main race on Sunday will be broadcast on Canal+.
Mugello: A Technical Challenge and a Speed Record Holder
The 5.2km Mugello circuit is renowned as one of the fastest and most spectacular on the calendar. Its main straight, stretching over 1.1km, allows riders to reach breathtaking speeds, holding the competition’s top speed record at 366.1 km/h. This straight, the second longest in the championship, leads into a particularly demanding braking zone at the San Donato corner, where riders decelerate from over 280 km/h to around 90 km/h in mere metres. The circuit features 15 corners – nine right-handers and six left-handers – blending fast sweeps like the Arrabbiata 1 and 2 with more technical sections requiring surgical precision and excellent throttle control on corner exit.
A Roll of Honour Dominated by Legends and Ducatis
Historically, the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello has been the playground of legends. Valentino Rossi claimed seven premier-class victories here, closely followed by Jorge Lorenzo with six wins – performances that significantly contributed to Yamaha’s dominance during their era. Honda, while present on the honours board, hasn’t tasted victory in Tuscany since Marc Márquez in 2014. In recent years, Mugello has become Ducati’s domain. Following wins by Andrea Dovizioso and Jorge Lorenzo, it was Pecco Bagnaia who made history with three consecutive victories, cheered on by his home crowd. Last year, however, Marc Márquez reclaimed the mantle, now riding for the Borgo Panigale marque. Ducati also frequently dominates qualifying and the Sprint.
The Contenders and Notable Absences
While Ducati will, as usual, be favourites on home turf, Aprilia, currently leading the world championship this season, must also be considered. Fierce competition is therefore expected. However, several riders will be absent for this seventh round of the season due to crashes at the previous Grand Prix in Barcelona. These absences could reshuffle the pack and offer unexpected opportunities to other competitors.
The Verdict: An Unmissable Event for Fans
- The Circuit: Mugello, a technical and spectacular challenge that pushes both machines and riders to their limits.
- The Favourites: Ducati and Aprilia, bolstered by recent successes and their current form.
- The Atmosphere: Unmatched Italian crowd fervour, even without the ‘Doctor’ on track.
- The Absences: Key riders will be missing, opening the door for potential surprises.
- Broadcasting: Canal+ offers complete coverage to ensure nothing is missed.
