We’ve reached the final stop in our European tour, before it’s time for the flyaways, with an exciting weekend ahead at the Red Bull Grand Prix of San Marino and the Rimini Riviera. Misano has played host to plenty of iconic moments, many of which have shaped MotoGP history. Before the action gets underway, take a moment to enjoy some of the most iconic Misano moments for FREE!
2012: Pedrosa’s title twist
The 2012 San Marino GP was a true classic, delivering a little bit of everything, with drama before the lights even went out as Dani Pedrosa was forced to start from the back of the grid after a delayed start. Once the action got underway, Pedrosa’s hopes were shattered after he crashed out on the opening lap following an incident with Hector Barbera. At the flag, Jorge Lorenzo crossed the line in P1, marking a crucial moment in the title fight as he extended his lead to 38 points. Valentino Rossi took a dream second place with Ducati as Alvaro Bautista grabbed third, with an honourable mention to Jonathan Rea, who claimed eighth on his first MotoGP appearance.
2015: Flag-to-flag drama
If you think one bike change is dramatic, then you need to check out the 2015 San Marino GP… Jorge Lorenzo started from pole position, with the #99 leading the field in the opening laps as spots of rain began to appear. The majority of the field entered the pits on Lap 7, switching to wet tyres as the rain continued to get heavier. However, it wouldn’t be long until the rain stopped and the circuit began to dry, forcing a second round of stops in a true flag-to-flag classic. Marc Marquez stormed to victory as Bradley Smith’s roll of the dice paid off, with the Brit claiming second ahead of compatriot Scott Redding.
2016: Pedrosa wins as tension brews at Yamaha
Tension was high in 2016, with the on-track action quickly turning into off-track drama… Dani Pedrosa took victory on Sunday, carving his way from the third row after qualifying P8 on the grid. The #26 held a 2.837s advantage over Valentino Rossi, who claimed second place, defeating teammate Jorge Lorenzo. However, the headlines would be made in the post-race Press Conference, with a disagreement between Rossi and Lorenzo over an earlier overtake.
2017: Wet weather showdown
Misano always surprises us, whether it’s from the racing or from the weather – and 2017 was no different. Maverick Viñales started from pole position, with Jorge Lorenzo stealing the lead in the early laps. As the race continued, Danilo Petrucci worked his way towards the front, setting up a thrilling duel with Marquez. On the final lap, Marc Marquez pounced, overtaking Petrucci at Turn 1, with the #93 holding firm to the line. It marked another win for Marc Marquez, who finished ahead of Petrucci as his title rival Andrea Dovizioso crossed the line in third.
2019: The #93 vs the rookie
What more can you ask for than another final lap scrap? Maverick Viñales once again started this one from pole, claiming the holeshot before rookie Fabio Quartararo attacked in the opening laps. Marc Marquez soon placed himself in a position to attack the #20, with fans around the globe being treated to a nail-biting final 10 laps. Marc Marquez left his move until the final lap, with a simply stunning move at Turn 1. However, Quartararo would respond at Turn 4 before the pivotal pass arrived at Turn 8 – sending the Misano crowd to their feet. Marquez secured victory, beating Quartararo, whose wait for victory was extended as Viñales earned third.
2022: Bagnaia vs Bastianini
Casting our minds back to just a few years now, with Francesco Bagnaia and Enea Bastianini going head-to-head in a factory vs satellite team battle. Jack Miller started the Grand Prix from pole position, leading the way on the opening lap as Bastianini and Bagnaia battled for the podium. Miller’s hopes soon came to an end, crashing at Turn 4 and briefly promoting Bastianini into the lead before Bagnaia hit back. It was an incredible final two laps, leaving spectators in awe as just 0.034s separated the pair at the line. Bagnaia took victory ahead of Bastianini with Maverick Viñales in third – this time with Aprilia.
And that’s not all, we can’t forget 2008, 2009 and 2014, which also delivered some unforgettable Misano moments. Now all that’s left to do is to go racing in 2025, where a strong weekend for Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) could put the #93 on course for match point in Japan!