This weekend, the Mugello International Circuit hosts the Italian Grand Prix Alice, the sixth round of the 2006 MotoGP series. On the eve of the event, Ferrari Managing Director Jean Todt and Dorna Sports SL CEO, Carmelo Ezpeleta, have signed in Maranello a five year agreement (2007 - 2011) which endorses Mugello with the title of the Italian Grand Prix.

"Over the years, the Mugello International Circuit has increased in importance for Ferrari, its owner," commented Jean Todt. "This agreement is proof of the high standards achieved in our operation at all levels and, at the same time, constitutes a new starting point, given the projected plans we have for the future. I am therefore very happy to announce that MotoGP, the blue riband category of motorcycle racing will be represented here at Mugello in the shape of the Italian Grand Prix; the most important event on our racing calendar, for the next few years. The agreement also sees us continue the positive cooperation with Dorna, whose professional qualities have seen motorcycle racing reach an unparalleled level of popularity."

"We are delighted with this agreement which renews our cooperation with the Mugello International Circuit for a further five years," commented Ezpeleta. "We are proud to be able to collaborate with Ferrari, a legendary name in motor sport on a global level, while also being able to count on staging a MotoGP World Championship event at a track like Mugello, a circuit and an organisation that operates at the highest level and which has always provided the backdrop to one of the most exciting and popular rounds on the MotoGP calendar."

The 2006 event gets underway on Friday with the first day of practice. The Autodromi Ferrari Organisation which runs the Fiorano and Mugello circuits and is managed by Ferrari's Motor Sport department and its Sporting Director Stefano Domenicali, has made over 30,000 free parking spaces available in outside car parks near the circuit. Access has also been improved thanks to the initiative of the authorities in Florence and Scarperia, with two new roads and temporary traffic controls, aimed at improving flow into and out of the circuit. Train company, Trenitalia will run an increased service on Sunday, (in conjunction with a free shuttle bus service to and from the Borgo San Lorenzo station.) On presentation of a valid travel document from Ferrovie at the entrance one can receive a "general admission" ticket at reduced prices.

Further reductions are available to members of the Scuderia Ferrari Club.  Security checks will also be increased when compared to the past, to ensure the event is run as a great festival of sport, to be enjoyed in the right atmosphere.

Looking to the future, the Mugello International Circuit has several projects in the pipeline, aimed at increasing the spectacle on the track and improving conditions for spectators and workers alike. In the short term, on the safety factor, efforts have been concentrated on widening the escape road at the first of the two "Arrabbiata" corners. In general terms, the logistics of the entire set up will be radically altered, especially in terms of the buildings within the circuit, including the press office, which even for the Italian Grand Prix Alice 2006 will provide the media with all the latest technology. Special attention has been paid to the main entrance with a gate in the shape of a helmet, making the Mugello International Circuit look even more special.