The recognition was conferred by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Antonio Tajani, as part of the initiative "Moto d'Italia – Culture Beyond the Track."

Rome, July 14, 2026 – The Mugello International Circuit has been awarded the title of "Ambassador of Sports Diplomacy," a recognition that highlights the role of the Tuscan circuit as an Italian excellence capable of promoting, through sport, the image, values, and heritage of our country around the world.

The award ceremony took place in Rome at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Farnesina) during the event "Moto d'Italia – Culture Beyond the Track," chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Antonio Tajani, who presented the plaque to the Director of the Mugello International Circuit, Paolo Poli.

Owned by Ferrari, the Mugello Circuit has for decades represented one of the symbolic venues of Italian and international motorcycle racing. The history of the circuit, the prestige of the events it hosts, and its deep connection with the local area make it a benchmark facility, capable of combining sport, innovation, sustainability, and the promotion of Made in Italy.

Over the years, Mugello has established itself as one of the most prestigious international showcases of Italian motorsport excellence, contributing to the promotion of the culture of two- and four-wheel mobility while generating significant economic, tourism, and image benefits for the country.

"With Moto d'Italia – Culture Beyond the Track, we wanted to highlight the contribution of motorcycle racing and the Italian two-wheel industry to promoting innovation, creativity, and the excellence of Made in Italy at the international level," said Minister Antonio Tajani. "Italian sport is a fundamental instrument of our foreign policy, as well as of our trade policy. Motorcycles are an integral part of our tradition and our territories: they represent an authentic expression of the Italian way of life. In motorcycle racing, we transform passion and culture into an industry of excellence that we export all over the world. 2026 is a highly symbolic year for this sector: it marks the 100th anniversary of the Ducati brand, the 80th anniversary of the Vespa, and the 50th anniversary of the first Motorcycle Grand Prix held at the Mugello Circuit, which last May welcomed 180,000 attendees from all over the world."

Upon receiving the recognition as Ambassador of Sports Diplomacy, the Director of the Mugello International Circuit, Paolo Poli, stated:

"It is a privilege for us and for Ferrari, the owner of the facility, to receive this important institutional recognition. One cannot speak about Italian motorcycle racing without also telling the story of the places where this passion takes shape. Racing circuits are strategic sporting infrastructures, but also places of tourism, innovation, safety, territorial identity, and collective memory. This year our circuit celebrates the 50th anniversary of the first Motorcycle Grand Prix held here in 1976. The awarding of this title is a source of great pride for Mugello and an encouragement to continue promoting sport as a tool for growth, international promotion, and economic development. Confirming this, according to the latest study relating to the circuit's 2025 sporting season, the overall economic impact generated across the country amounted to €205 million, with 250 days of on-track activity."

The initiative brought together representatives from institutions, the motorcycle industry, and the world of sport, confirming the role of the two-wheel sector as an ambassador of Italian excellence worldwide. Among those in attendance, alongside Minister Tajani, were Carmelo Ezpeleta, Chief Executive Officer of MotoGP Sports Entertainment; Matteo Zoppas, President of ICE Agency; Mariano Roman, President of ANCMA; Giovanni Copioli, President of the Italian Motorcycling Federation (FMI); Claudio Domenicali, Chief Executive Officer of Ducati; Massimo Rivola, Chief Executive Officer of Aprilia Racing; together with riders Pecco Bagnaia, Luca Marini, Max Biaggi, Kiara Fontanesi, Giacomo Agostini, and Franco Uncini.

The recognition conferred upon the Mugello International Circuit further strengthens the circuit's role as an international benchmark not only for motorsport competitions, but also as a meeting place for sport, culture, innovation, and diplomacy, contributing to the promotion of Italy and its excellence on the world's leading international stages.