Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello
Honda HRC Castrol mount up for Mugello
Fuelled further by the highs and lows of the previous round, Luca Marini and Joan Mir arrive at the Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello with ever-improving targets and an insatiable hunger for more.
One of the most iconic and instantly recognisable circuits on the MotoGP World Championship calendar, the Italian GP in Mugello is a giant amongst the classics. Having been a permanent fixture on the calendar since 1991, the Tuscan hills it is nestled amongst create a fast and flowing layout, pushing rider and machines to the limit - a true test of top speed, the run into Turn 1 is an infamous sight on race day.
The 2026 edition of the Italian GP will be just Luca Marini’s second time racing there as a factory Honda rider having missed the 2025 race due to injury. A bruising Catalan GP saw the Italian leave Barcelona with more points in the bag and maintain his lead as the top Honda rider in the World Championship standings with 43 points – just four shy of Aldeguer and the top ten overall. Excited to race again in front of the home fans, the #10 must conquer Friday’s crucial afternoon session to secure his spot in Q2 and avoid the unlucky situations which tense Q1 sessions can create.
Crossing the line in second place last time out in Barcelona, Joan Mir arrives in Italy brimming with confidence after being able to convert his undeniable speed into a race result. The 2020 MotoGP World Champion is under no illusion that recreating this performance in Mugello is by no means guaranteed, but he and his team are aiming to use their learnings to maximise their chances. No matter what, it’s a guarantee that Mir will give his all when the lights go out on Sunday.
Luca Marini 10 Honda HRC Castrol
“Unfortunately last year I was only in Mugello as a spectator, so I am really looking forward to it this year. It’s a really special race for any rider, and as an Italian you enjoy the weekend a lot with the fans – it’s one of those really iconic races on the calendar. As Honda, we arrive to Italy in a good way after a strong weekend and a positive Monday Test so I want to hit the ground running. Like always, Friday afternoon might be the most important session of the weekend. A lot to do, a lot of potential to show.”
Joan Mir 36 Honda HRC Castrol
“We arrive in Italy with great motivation and confidence. Our weekend in Barcelona ended in a strong way and I want to carry that into the Mugello weekend. It’s a track which isn’t amongst our strongest, but usually the Honda has some struggles in Barcelona so I think we can be a bit optimistic. Of course we need to put everything together, lap by lap, day by day and see the situation of the weekend but I am confident in my speed. As we saw in several of the past weekends, a strong grid position can make all the difference for us.”