Different MotoGP Brake Configurations at Mugello Circuit in Spotlight

Ahead of the Italian GP at Mugello, braking systems take center stage following Francesco Bagnaia’s brake disc specification change at the previous race in Aragon.

Brembo technical expert Andrea Pellegrini explains the differences in braking characteristics between both circuits. “Bagnaia started with the standard 340mm disc configuration in Aragon, but switched to 355mm during warmup due to high braking energy requirements,” he states.

“This track [Mugello] is lighter in terms of braking energy compared to Aragon, but using a 355mm disc requires additional covers for quick temperature management,” explains Pellegrini.

Temperature control becomes crucial for braking performance — too low temperatures reduce stopping power, while larger discs add weight to the front of the motorcycle.

Interestingly, the two Ducati factory team riders use different specifications at Mugello — Bagnaia with the standard 340mm disc, while his teammate Marc Marquez opts for the 340mm high mass disc for different temperature management.