The historic circuit of Mugello would be full of dramatic atmosphere even if they were racing tractors. When the Italian heroes of the MotoGP class join battle, lifting their front wheels at more than 340 km/h (211 mph) on the front straight and jostling for position round the swooping final corner, then it is a really special day.

The circuit itself is magnificent, its 5.245 kilometres (3.259 miles) sweeping across both flanks of a steep valley. As with Brno, long medium/fast corners lead one into the next, making overtaking difficult; while the straight sees some of the highest terminal speeds of the year.

It is a challenge for both riders and machines: one of only a handful of tracks remaining where the 990cc MotoGP four-strokes run for any length of time with the throttles pinned wide open.

Italian riders have claimed more GP victories than any other nation. Mugello shows that a fine national obsession with motorcycle racing tradition is alive and kicking.