Yank looking to go to Mugello MotoGP for first time

[kendenton]

I've been to the Indy MotoGP race 3 times, but this year I have the chance to catch the race in Mugello  

I'm thinking of just getting a GA ticket since then my son will get in for free with me.  

Are there good opportunities to watch the race from the grass?

We are thinking of staying in either Florence or Bologna the night before and after and driving to the race on Sunday.  How crazy will traffic be?  I have no problem leaving early in the morning to get there for FP1.  Should we try to find someplace closer to stay?  Is there anyplace closer?

How hot is it likely to be?  My only Italy experience has been in th Dolomites where it was everything BUT hot.

What else do I need to know?  Any and all advice is greatly appreciated!

[Orson]

We are thinking of staying in either Florence or Bologna the night before and after and driving to the race on Sunday.  How crazy will traffic be?

I went to a Mugello track day so, I have no experience with race traffic however, I asked my Italian friend about GP traffic and he said that even on a motorcycle, it took him 2 hours to leave the track (normally takes 30 minutes)

So, in a car, I would plan on it taking a long time. I would maybe search for some type of shuttle service so that you could sit back and let someone else fight the traffic  

Should we try to find someplace closer to stay?  Is there anyplace closer?

Tuscany is a popular tourist place so, there are places to stay all over the place. I believe I stayed in a hotel in Scarperia, which is the closest big town to the circuit. You might consider paying more for a villa-style bed & breakfast to take advantage of their proximity to the circuit. Some upscale places around Firenzuola.

I'm guessing temperatures won't be as hot as Indianapolis but, it could get hot enough. I stayed in the pits the whole time so, I can't offer any tips on viewing locations however, it is a hilly terrain so, I imagine there are hillsides from which to watch the race.

You might try posting this over on www.visordown.com, a UK bike site. There might be some British fans who have made the trip.

[FJR-UK]

Sightseeing: Florence. Food: Bologna.
Pitti Palace: Florence. Lambrusco (no, really): Bologna.
Uffizi: Florence. Pizza (no, really): Bologna.
Florence:    Bologna:  

Hope this helps!  

[kendenton]

Sightseeing: Florence. Food: Bologna.
Pitti Palace: Florence. Lambrusco (no, really): Bologna.
Uffizi: Florence. Pizza (no, really): Bologna.
Florence:    Bologna:  

Hope this helps!  

Ha! I was just this minute buying the MotoGP tickets  

We've decided on Bologna as our base for Sat/Sun/Mon/Tue.  We'll only be going to the track on Sunday.

[kendenton]

About to pull the trigger on the tickets, followed the link from MotoGP.com.  This worries me:

After completing your online booking, you will be prompted to print your voucher(s). IMPORTANT: These printed voucher(s) are NOT your MotoGP event tickets. Participants must pick up their tickets onsite the weekend of the race

How much of a PITA is it to do this voucher/ticket thing at the race?  I'd much rather arrive with my tickets in hand and not have to worry about exchanging anything.

[kendenton]

never mind, went ahead with the vouchers.  The other ticket agencies could only mail physical tickets 2 weeks before the race - I will be in Europe by then.

[JamesG]

How old is your son?

The GPs at Mugello is a trip. Like an acid trip. The Italians are crazy about their races.  The parties Friday and Saturday nights makes the shenanaigans that go on here in the States look like a Church group social.  Sunday morning when you show up at the track, its likely to look like a freshly used battlefield with burned bikes and unconscious bodies everywhere.  Consider going Friday or Saturday night to experience it if you dare.

Getting in shouldn't be hard, it wasn't for us. People filter in all morning during practice. Get there early for easy parking and to find a good spot.  Getting out is going to take hours.

The area hotels and rentals get booked up during GP week. Make sure you confirm directly with the places you have reservations that they have you listed.  We'd booked online  months in advance at a hotel near the track but when we showed up, they said they didn't have anything for us.  We wound up staying at a nice place, but about half-way back to Florance.

June in Central Italy isn't to bad. Warm to hot, but not GA/FL "I'm gonna die" hot.  Tuscany is absolutely beautiful with awesome roads and beautiful towns.  Rent a motorcycle if you can.

[Orson]

We've decided on Bologna as our base for Sat/Sun/Mon/Tue.  We'll only be going to the track on Sunday.

Even if yer gonna be in a rental car, consider taking roads other than the Autostrada back to Bologna.

Passo della Futa was used as part of the Mille Miglia course and is still used by Ducati test riders.

Enjoyable on two-wheels or four  

[yotes65]

I've been to the Indy MotoGP race 3 times, but this year I have the chance to catch the are in Mugello  

Man... you really suck... I mean really suck...      

I am so looking forward to your writeup & pictures! Have a Great Time!

[kendenton]

Just to add to the "man, I hate you" vibe... I've confirmed a Ducati factory and museum tour for July 5th 

[dtor]

Just to add to the "man, I hate you" vibe... I've confirmed a Ducati factory and museum tour for July 5th 

Here's a little more to hang on that vibe. Both times I've done the factory tour, the tour guide was fluent in English, funny, knowledgeable, polite, and a very pretty young Italian woman. Yet another reason to love Ducati and Italy.

[JEFF ST4RS]

Just to add to the "man, I hate you" vibe... I've confirmed a Ducati factory and museum tour for July 5th 

Hi I've done the factory visit 3 times, make sure you get there on time or they won't let you in, I rode up with my son on the back of my bike from Florence, UK Ducati, kid on the back, 10 minutes late, they just said go away and come back after lunch!  

So don't think you can get them to change their minds as they won't.

Marenello is just up the road from the Ducati factory so you can go there if you book it?

Make sure you allow plenty of time to get to the track as traffic can be a nightmare.

I'll be there with my son for the 4th time, they've moved it time wise so expect it to be very hot!!!!!