A Luminescent Yellow Flame: Misano
- Sienna Wedes
- Oct 31, 2019
- 4 min read
La famiglia (‘the family’) is an intrinsic part of Italian culture and in Misano it was clear that the people were there for more than just the motorbikes. ‘The Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli’ was the ultimate family affair and a reflection of MotoGP’s ability to connect with people from across the globe. But, here in Italy it feels just a little bit more special. The familial atmosphere overflows from the towns, to near by streets, to the very circuit itself and having already completed the first Italian round of the year in Mugello, it was clear that the two rounds are quite different.
Driving through the nearby towns of Rimini and Cattolica with the mountains and oceans as a backdrop, spots of yellow appear through the horizon and not just any yellow. Its that luminescent Valentino Rossi yellow that we know all too well. Telegraph poles are decorated with the famous 46 and traditional ‘give way’ signs are spray painted with a small Valentino Rossi kissing the kerb. The nine time World Champion’s backyard is a mere twenty minutes away in the town of Tavullia, his merchandise factory is around the corner and the famous flat track ranch just down the road. The late Marco Simoncelli grew up exploring the near by streets and several other Moto3 and Moto2 riders call it home. It is one of the first circuits I have been to where you can feel the deep-seated roots which connect the people to the towns and to the circuit.
The familial theme runs consistently through Rossi’s career from his relationships with long term friends and mechanics, to the close knit group of young men in the VR46 academy and its all centred around the place where he grew up. Fans hitchhiked kilometres with flags in hand and were considerably less chaotic than that of Mugello. Last year I described the Tuscan event as ‘a grand celebration on crack’ and this year was much the same. The Tuscan hills were left untouched and you’d only know of the event once you approached the entrance. Like a firework being lit, it was quiet and then all at once the crowds appear. It was predominantly yellow but as time went on the patriotism grew strong. Whether Rossi, Andrea Dovizioso or Danilo Petrucci finished on the podium the passion for Italian success explodes. But here, it’s #popologiallo domain. The track is smaller, simpler, greater attendance numbers than its sister event and overall is a little more civilised. Rossi has managed to turn his brand into one big family event, like a Sunday barbecue at mums and dads place. His fans don’t know him, the real him, but somehow he has won over millions of people. Babies dressed to the nines in official merchandise, kids and teenagers googly eyed at the sight of a grown man having fun and adults besotted by a local town hero and for others an international legend. Misano is the base of that secret VR46 pizza that has been perfectly baked each year and we keep coming back for.
Long term Monster Energy Yamaha mechanic Alex Briggs has a strong connection to both circuits and explained to me how the two differ in his eyes. “Mugello is a camping track so many people stay at the track. Misano is a day crowd. Everyone goes back to their beachside hotels at night. So each day the crowds tend to build to a crazy peak. Mugello never drops to zero. It slows but it is always bustling, sort of like New York City. I love Mugello. It is one of my favourite tracks. When I first came to Italy I saw Florence and Mugello in the same week. The hills of Tuscany, the small towns and the local food. It all added up to the love of the place. But, Misano is the home track of my rider, and for that I love it. Over the last few years I had the pleasure of riding at the Ranch with my rider during the Misano weekend too. This for me is a great pleasure and something I will remember forever. So, in deciding which race to go to.. I say, Mugello is the home of Italian motorcycle racing for me and Misano is home of the greatest Motorcycle racer! You’ll have to choose both.”. He made it clear that both tracks bring different experiences for each individual, but for him it’s hard to separate the love for a country and the love for one of the countries greatest sportsmen. Misano however, is close to his heart and growing up we’re always told to listen to the things that bring us the most happiness.
Sunday didn’t feel as hectic and crowded as it did in Mugello, where your lungs inevitably end up coated in a thick yellow film. There were several blank chairs in the grandstand, but the grass was covered in a subtle yellow/brown hew from the juxtaposition of yellow shirts and golden brown bodies. Flares were predominately lit at the end of the race (more civil than I have ever seen), chanting only sounded as Rossi did his sighting lap and when the track invasion took place it was like an army marching proudly towards the podium to support their fourth place rider. Don’t take the sweet accent for granted, they pack a punch when they’re passionate and shared their disappointment when Marquez took the top step. Misano felt like they had Rossi’s back, Mugello felt like they had the whole of Italy. Both share an intense passion for encouraging their people and its unlike anywhere else we go. Marquez has a large fanbase and there are millions of Spanish fans, but you can truly feel the Italian support deep in your gut and at every Italian round you feel just as welcome here as when you walk in the front door of your own home.
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