John McPhee is set for an extra special Sterilgarda Husqvarna home race at Mugello as owner Max Biaggi enters the MotoGP hall of Fame.

The Italian Grand Prix, set amidst the hills of Tuscany, always enjoys an air of magic but the team’s celebrations will be heightened this weekend as four-time 250 GP Champion Biaggi officially becomes a MotoGP Legend. The 50-year-old will be back on track himself this weekend as he completes a lap of honour ahead of Sunday’s main event.

McPhee’s return to fitness after five missed races saw the Scot score points last time out in France with continued rehabilitation hoping to wield more from Mugello’s 20-lap battle around the 5.2km venue.

“It was so nice to be back racing and with my team in LeMans,” McPhee confirmed ahead of the Italian round. “I feel like we had a solid first weekend back and now I’m really looking forward to the next two races back-to-back starting in Mugello.

“It’s always a special place with so much atmosphere and one of the nicest tracks on the calendar to ride. I’m looking to keep building to be at the sharp end as soon as we can.”

“It is always a pleasure to race in Italy and above all it is very nice to return on this wonderful track,” Biaggi added. “Mugello always has a special charm, thanks to which it is considered by all one of the most beautiful tracks in the world. Even if only for a lap, it will be an honour for me to brush the curves of this circuit again.”