MotoGP Italy Mugello Brembo: 5 facts about the Grand Prix

A week after the Superbike World Championship round in Misano, the MotoGP also makes a stopover in Italy, this time at Mugello. This year, Brembo celebrates its 50th anniversary in motorsport by taking on the role of main sponsor of the Tuscan circuit for the second consecutive year.

GP data
According to Brembo technicians who work closely with all MotoGP riders, the 5,245 km Mugello circuit falls into the category of moderately demanding circuits for the brakes. On a scale of 1 to 6, its difficulty rating is 3, because the brakes are only used 8 times per lap, for a total of 25 seconds. Of these, 3 braking sections are classified as difficult, 3 as medium and 2 as easy.

The most difficult turn
The most challenging corner for the braking system at Mugello is the first: the MotoGP bikes accelerate from 342 km/h (or even more with the slipstream) to 92 km/h in just 5 seconds, covering 279 meters while applying 5,5 kg of force to the brake lever. Deceleration reaches 1,5 g, the Brembo brake fluid pressure peaks at 11,7 bar, and the temperature of the carbon discs climbs to 710 °C.

We are racing at home
For the second consecutive year, the Italian Grand Prix has Brembo as its main sponsor. Matthew Tiraboschi, executive chairman of Brembo, explains the strategy: "It was a deliberate choice to celebrate Brembo's 50 years of history and success in motorsport, a truly special anniversary. We are recognized by all drivers and teams as the technological leader in braking systems, clutches, wheels and suspensions."
Brembo and Marchesini components are manufactured in Curno, in the province of Bergamo, while Öhlins products are made in Sweden.

The Bagnaia series
With 9 victories, including 7 in MotoGP, Valentino Rossi is the most successful driver at Mugello. The last three premier-class Grands Prix held on this circuit have, however, been won by Francis Bagnaia, who also won both Sprint races held so far, both on a Ducati. Of course, both riders triumphed thanks to Brembo brakes. Bagnaia's last setback at Mugello was in 2021, when he crashed on the second lap at Turn 8 while leading the race. It is interesting to note that Marc Marquez also crashed on the same lap, but in turn 3.

Pecco's choice
After a disappointing sprint at the Aragon GP, Francesco Bagnaia used 355mm Brembo carbon discs during the warm-up, leaving aside the 340mm discs he had been using until then. This technical change was confirmed for the race, giving Bagnaia greater braking confidence, which allowed him to finish in 3rd place. According to him, this is due to better control when entering corners. A larger disc, with the same lever pressure, offers greater braking torque, but also weighs more.