The Octo San Marino and Riviera di Rimini GP is just around the corner. To warm up the engines, we entertain ourselves with one of the Motor Valley’s most beloved characters among the two-wheel public. One who knows the Misano circuit well, having raced there for many years as a rider before starting to tell the story – with unmistakable passion and sympathy – in the commentary booth, as technical sidekick to his colleague-friend Guido Meda.

Mauro Sanchini was born in the Marche region but, like many of his fellow countrymen, he is “Romagnolo by attraction.” We interview him as he trains – uphill! – riding his bike. And mixing memories and anecdotes from his career as a rider, ‘the Sankio’ offers us many insights into the past, present and future of the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli.

Mauro, you come from that part of Motor Valley that extends outside the borders of Emilia-Romagna. What does the Misano circuit represent for you?

Misano has always been a special place. Even when I was a child, my parents would take me to see the 500, the night Endurance races, even the cars. It has always been a party, an open-air playroom. It is the track that is in the hearts of all fans, like Mugello. Unlike the latter, however, we (that’s what he says, ed) have a whole context around it. You also experience the Misano GP from the outside, thanks to the many events around it. People have a way to move around and have fun. In the bar in Riccione where I always have breakfast there is a sign that says “Smile, you are in Romagna!”: here, this is the extra weapon that differentiates Misano from all the other circuits.

The history of Misano is made up of various eras. You used to race on the old track, the one before the 2006 transformation. What was the Misano circuit like then?

That’s right, I really grew up as a driver on the old circuit, the “starboard,” left-handed one. It was a circuit full of charm, which had points that made it really unique. Only the Misano specialists could interpret it well. Detachment of the finish line, Misano 1 and Misano 2, ninety-degree right-hand turns, wonderful, where you had to come out with great mileage. Then came the point where you made time: dry left, Carro 1, in first gear, and from there in sequence Carro 2, 3 and 4 and big corner. A stuff, a lust… and then the Sunset curve, the Oak curve, they were really wonderful points. It’s beautiful even now though, let’s face it.

What characterizes it today? What is the specificity of its track?

The former circuit favored those with great mileage, because from Chariot 1 it was all a sequence of open corners. The sprinter who could pick the right ratio made the difference. Now it is a very technical track, perhaps more difficult to set up, because there are more corners that go to close. Like the Carro, or like the two Misano, which are very sharp. So the crucial moment now is braking.

Is there a particular memory that ties you to the Misano circuit?

The one from the 2004 GP. That year I was racing with a private team in a Superbike – very different from now – full of factory teams. Here comes the highly anticipated Misano GP. In free practice I am always first. Even in warm-up I’m first. When race time comes, it rains for a moment then stops. I put on the harder tire, lead a few laps, then Corser and Laconi pass me on the softer tires. I get behind them, waiting for the hard tire to give me an advantage in the final part of the race. I was convinced I could achieve my dream, and enjoy the ovation from the grandstands as I cross the finish line first. Those in and around my village were all there, and I felt I would make it. Instead, with four laps to go, when I had more tires than the others, it rains again. At the Misano 1 braking, my front end starts – even though it seemed to me that I had done everything right – I fall and end up on the ground. Sad, pissed off and ugly I walk away, away from everything and everyone. As if that were not enough two minutes pass, it starts to pour and they suspend the race. If I had stayed in the race one more lap I would have at least made it to the podium… Instead, no, in addition to the damage also the mockery! It is still a good memory for me, though. To have been in the lead in Misano, to have fought on an equal footing with the big teams… You always have to look at the full side of the glass! Just think then that my teammate was 20th… (laughs)

Now let’s talk about the future. Misano is a top place for training new riders. How likely is it that the anti-Marquez will come from the Motor Valley?

I don’t like to talk about anti-Marquez, but it’s only natural that it should be talked about and one should be found. The one who was supposed to be the new Valentino, to be clear, except that the new Valentino, moreover a timeless and unparalleled highlander, came from Spain and is Marquez himself. Italy has made some leaps forward, though. In addition to Dovizioso, our Romagnolo and a real fighter, we have a great nursery: there is Morbidelli, who in my opinion has a very high potential that for now has only given us a glimpse. Morbidelli is methodical: he learns one thing, he implements it, he takes another step forward… So he became world champion in Moto2, and I think he has all the cards to fight up there in front. Bagnaia himself has a lot of talent. He just needs some time to get familiar with the Ducati, which is more difficult for a rookie than a Yamaha… Then if we look at Moto2 and Moto3 there are so many riders who are doing good things: Celestino Vietti, Lorenzo Baldassarri, Enea Bastianini, Luca Marini… To say which of these can be the anti-Marquez is impossible. The level of now is very high, and these guys should be given time to make their way.