The MotoGp heads to the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello this weekend, a track that is a favorite to racers, fans, and manufacturers. The highspeed track that runs through the Tuscan Valley will be surrounded by some of the MotoGp's most enthusiastic fans this weekend, as five top riders in the MotoGP will be returning to their home circuit. The Italian Grand Prix has been one of the biggest pieces in Valentino Rossi's legacy, as the Italian won 7 consecutive races, from 2001 to 2008, around the Mugello track. Casey Stoner broke Rossi's streak last year, but Rossi is fresh, healthy, and will be looking to take his tenth total win at the Mugello track.
Rossi, along with Yamaha teammate and season leader Jorge Lorenzo, could tie Honda's record of 55 wins with a win at Mugello. Since 2002, Yamaha has tallied 54 wins in the MotoGP, just one shy of Honda's record. But Yamaha will have to defeat Honda riders Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso around the Italian track to tie the title for most manufacturer wins.
What riders are saying about Mugello....
Andrea Dovizioso - "The circuit is really fascinating to ride - it's so challenging and demanding to get right and this is what makes it so appealing. Plus the support of the Italian fans is incredible. I like everything here: the people, the circuit, Tuscany, Firenze, the food... I really look forward to racing at Mugello"
Dani Pedrosa - "Mugello is one of the circuits you always look forward to because the atmosphere is incredible. It's very similar to Spain, people are very passionate, the viewing areas are normally full from the first day of practice and it helps you to get quickly in the mood for the Grand Prix."
Jorge Lorenzo - "Last year Mugello was one of my best races! I crashed in the warm-up lap, but otherwise it was almost perfect and I was so happy to get on the podium. The sessions and the race were amazing because the weather kept changing. For me, Mugello is the best circuit in the world, joint with Phillip Island. It's a classic circuit with many ups and downs and an incredible atmosphere. I have had a great start to the season and once again our aim will be to be strong from the first day and get on the podium."
Valentino Rossi - "Mugello is an incredible place to ride a motorcycle, there is nowhere else like it in the world with all the tifosi around the hills and when you go out for the first lap the sound is something amazing. I always look forward to racing there and I hope we will be in good shape this weekend."
