The Gran Premio d’Italia TIM has been announced as the winner of the 2011 IRTA “Best Grand Prix” award, thus securing its fifth title from the Teams’ Association since hosting a Grand Prix for the first time in 1976. Almost 85,000 MotoGP™ fans were gathered at the Mugello Circuit on the 3rd of July last year to witness the Gran Premio d’Italia TIM, which saw then reigning World Champion, Jorge Lorenzo, take his second victory of the season after battling with his eventual sucessor as title holder, Casey Stoner. Once again, the Italian venue provided a thrilling spectacle in all three World Championship classes and, despite the weekend being marred by intermittent rain, riders were able to fully enjoy the improved grip levels thanks to the recently laid new tarmac. Off-track, teams and staff were able to work in excellent conditions in a paddock upgraded to MotoGP standards over the past few years. Proud of the recognition given to the Mugello Circuit, the track CEO Paolo Poli declared: “I consider this award a recognition to Italian excellence in the world. This is proof that Italy is able to answer with the strength of tradition and the quality of innovation to the big global challenges defining this difficult historical period. The Italian Grand Prix will remain the most important event of our sporting calendar in years to come. In addition we will continue our positive relationship with Dorna and IRTA, whose professionalism has allowed motorcycle racing to be more successful and popular than ever.” IRTA President Herve Poncharal noted: “The best Grand Prix is voted by the teams, and the teams talk to the riders, mechanics and press officers. So it’s not only the track, it’s everything, how everybody feels about the Grand Prix and how everybody feels at home there. So I’m personally very happy that they’ve won it for the fifth time. I’m delighted to think we’re going to go back there quite soon and this is well-deserved.” Last year, Dorna Sports S.L and the Mugello circuit reached an agreement on a new five-year deal, meaning the Italian Grand Prix will continue to be held at the Tuscan circuit until at least 2016. In 2012, the Tuscan circuit will host the 9th round of the MotoGP World Championship on the 15th of July.