Italian motorcycle Grand Prix at Mugello to 2011. The circuit
looks to its future
This weekend, the Mugello International Circuit hosts the
Italian Grand Prix Alice, the sixth round of the 2006 MotoGP
series.
On the eve of the event, Ferrari Managing Director Jean Todt
and Dorna Sports SL CEO, Carmelo Ezpeleta, signed today in
Maranello a five year agreement (2007 – 2011) which
endorses Mugello with the title of the Italian Grand Prix.
“Over the years, the Mugello International Circuit
has increased in importance for Ferrari, its owner,”
commented Jean Todt. “This agreement is proof of the
high standards achieved in our operation at all levels and,
at the same time, constitutes a new starting point, given
the projected plans we have for the future. I am therefore
very happy to announce that MotoGP, the blue riband category
of motorcycle racing will be represented here at Mugello in
the shape of the Italian Grand Prix; the most important event
on our racing calendar, for the next few years. The agreement
also sees us continue the positive cooperation with Dorna,
whose professional qualities have seen motorcycle racing reach
an unparalleled level of popularity.”
“We are delighted with this agreement which renews
our cooperation with the Mugello International Circuit for
a further five years,” commented Ezpeleta. “We
are proud to be able to collaborate with Ferrari, a legendary
name in motor sport on a global level, while also being able
to count on staging a MotoGP World Championship event at a
track like Mugello, a circuit and an organisation that operates
at the highest level and which has always provided the backdrop
to one of the most exciting and popular rounds on the MotoGP
calendar.”
The 2006 event gets underway on Friday with the first day
of practice. The Autodromi Ferrari Organisation which runs
the Fiorano and Mugello circuits and is managed by Ferrari’s
Motor Sport department and its Sporting Director Stefano Domenicali,
has made over 30,000 free parking spaces available in outside
car parks near the circuit. Access has also been improved
thanks to the initiative of the authorities in Florence and
Scarperia, with two new roads and temporary traffic controls,
aimed at improving flow into and out of the circuit.
Train company, Trenitalia will run an increased service on
Sunday, (in conjunction with a free shuttle bus service to
and from the Borgo San Lorenzo station.) On presentation of
a valid travel document from Ferrovie at the entrance one
can receive a “general admission” ticket at reduced
prices.
Further reductions are available to members of the Scuderia
Ferrari Club. Security checks will also be increased when
compared to the past, to ensure the event is run as a great
festival of sport, to be enjoyed in the right atmosphere.
Looking to the future, the Mugello International Circuit
has several projects in the pipeline, aimed at increasing
the spectacle on the track and improving conditions for spectators
and workers alike. In the short term, on the safety factor,
efforts have been concentrated on widening the escape road
at the first of the two “Arrabbiata” corners.
In general terms, the logistics of the entire set up will
be radically altered, especially in terms of the buildings
within the circuit, including the press office, which even
for the Italian Grand Prix Alice 2006 will provide the media
with all the latest technology. Special attention has been
paid to the main entrance with a gate in the shape of a helmet,
making the Mugello International Circuit look even more special.
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