Mugello Attendance Hits Record High as Tuscany Backs MotoGP Future

The 2006 Italian MotoGP Grand Prix at Mugello attracted a record 178,723 spectators over three days, according to figures released after the race weekend. The event was also the 50th edition of the Italian Grand Prix to be held at the Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, located about 30 kilometres north of Florence.

The total marks a significant increase from last year’s attendance of 166,074 and is being described by organisers as a new record for the circuit, located in Scarperia, about 35 kilometres north-east of Florence.

Attendance was spread across the three-day event, with 33,048 spectators on Friday for practice sessions and pre-qualifying, 57,050 on Saturday for qualifying and the sprint race, and 88,625 on race day.

The strong turnout comes as the future of several MotoGP venues is under increasing scrutiny amid competition from circuits around the world seeking places on the championship calendar.

Speaking at Mugello on Sunday, Tuscany regional president Eugenio Giani said the region intends to support efforts to keep the Italian Grand Prix at the circuit through the next round of MotoGP hosting agreements, which are expected to run until 2031.

Giani said Tuscany would need to contribute both to the circuit itself and to surrounding infrastructure in order to strengthen Mugello’s position. He highlighted the importance of improving access roads, parking facilities and traffic management around the venue.

Among the projects cited was work linked to Provincial Road 107, which forms part of broader efforts to improve transport connections in the Mugello area during major events.

The regional president also pointed to examples elsewhere in Italy, noting that regional authorities in Emilia-Romagna provide support for motor racing facilities such as Misano and Imola.

Mugello is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and technically demanding circuits on the MotoGP calendar. The event generates a significant economic impact for the Mugello area and for the wider Florence metropolitan region, bringing thousands of visitors to hotels, restaurants and local businesses during race weekend.

The attendance figures announced on Sunday are likely to strengthen the circuit’s position as discussions continue over the future composition of the MotoGP calendar in the coming years.

(Cover photo by Bernardo Baluganti, via the Mugello Circuit Facebook page)

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