More than 70,000 spectators descend on Misano for a thrilling weekend of WorldSBK action
There was action everywhere you looked at Misano and more spectators than 2022 were on-site to enjoy the drama
A huge crowd gathered at the iconic Misano World “Marco Simoncelli” during the Pirelli Emilia-Romagna Round as the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship descended on the Adriatic coast in Italy for Round 5 of the 2023 campaign. More than 70,000 fans enjoyed the action at Misano with plenty of reasons to cheer for the Ducatisti at the venue as well as a chance to meet their heroes in the paddock or during the Paddock Show.
The fans in attendance enjoyed plenty of on-track action with every race providing drama and excitement throughout in WorldSBK, WorldSSP and WorldSSP300. The total number of spectators, 70,815 people, were able to watch Stefano Manzi’s (Ten Kate Racing Yamaha) stunning last-lap fight with Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) for home victory in Race 2, as well as wildcard Bruno Ieraci (ProDina Kawasaki Racing) taking a double win on his return to WorldSSP300 action.
Of course, in WorldSBK, they were able to enjoy local riders standing on the podium with Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) taking two and Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) one on Sunday, as well as Ducati winning all three races thanks to reigning Champion Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati). The passionate and partisan Italian crowd also saw Danilo Petrucci’s (Barni Spark Racing Team) strongest round of the season in terms of pace, even if the results weren’t quite there for the two-time MotoGP™ race winner.
Last year, almost 66,000 spectators travelled to the stunning Misano circuit meaning an increase of around 7.6% when compared to 2022, while the numbers were slightly higher than in 2019; the last visit before the pandemic. In 2019, 70,447 spectators watched the incredible WorldSBK action at Misano. Not only did fans get to enjoy the on-track action but there was plenty of off-track activities too, from the famous Paddock Show where fans can play interactive games and meet their favourite riders, as well as be in the heart of the podium celebrations with fans able to get as close as possible to watch the riders celebrate their success.
Gregorio Lavilla, WorldSBK Executive Director, said: “After a fantastic weekend of races we are happy to reflect on the success of the WorldSBK Round in Misano. This event not only demonstrated the unwavering passion of fans for the competitive tradition of Emilia-Romagna, but also highlighted the strong link between WorldSBK and Misano World Circuit. Together we demonstrated the power of unity and the ability of motorsport to bring people together even in difficult times.”
Andrea Albani, Managing Director at the Misano World Circuit, added: “The WorldSBK Emilia-Romagna Round success is an important signal for the area and motorsport. It is important in these weeks in which some Romagna areas have been wounded deeply. Everyone needed such an 'answer' like this. Tens of thousands people attending the Round and these last three weekends mean welcome organisation is at operating speed. We have welcomed fans and world level businessmen, involved by the events in a propositional atmosphere and choosing Motor Valley for their industrial and communication projects. It's the success of a system that works in a context addressed to keep growing.”
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