The Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli will continue to host the San Marino MotoGP round through to the end of 2021, it has been confirmed.
The Rimini circuit has hosted grand prix racing since 1980, with the circuit run anti-clockwise until it was struck from the calendar following the crash that left triple 500cc world champion Wayne Rainey paralysed in 1993.
Misano returned to the MotoGP schedule in 2007, on a revised circuit and run in the opposite direction.
The circuit had a deal in place to host a MotoGP race until 2020, but this has been extended on the eve of this year's event by a year to coincide with the 25th grand prix at the track.
“I’m delighted that Misano will remain a fixture on the calendar until 2021,” says Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta.
“We’re very proud of this event and it’s always one of the most incredible atmospheres of the year, so to confirm that we will continue racing here until 2021 is a pleasure.
“It’s a true classic on our calendar. Today is an important day for us in Dorna, as well as for a Grand Prix that has taken on extraordinary dimensions thanks to the efforts of the promoters and the incredible passion the area has for our sport.”
In 2012, Misano renamed itself in honour of the late Marco Simoncelli, who came from the nearby town of Catollica.
The Misano round is typically one of the season's best-attended events, owing to the fact the San Marino race is seen as Valentino Rossi's true home event, given its close proximity to his home town of Tavulia.
Earlier this week, the provisional calendar for the 2019 season was launched, revealing an unchanged line-up of 19 races beginning on March 10 in Qatar.
Next year's race at Misano is scheduled for September 15, and has been placed one week before the Aragon Grand Prix to avoid clashing with the Italian Formula 1 Grand Prix.
