The Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli is legendary for its technical lines, punishing curbs, and sweltering track temperatures that test driver endurance and machinery to the absolute limit. Opening the 2026 Goodyear FIA European Truck Racing Championship (ETRC) season, the Italian venue served up a dramatic weekend packed with fierce wheel-to-wheel combat, strict track limits, and an emotional rollercoaster for Mark Taylor and the #81 MAN TGX crew.

🏁 Saturday: Podium Perfection and Penalty Frustration

The 2026 programme got underway with an absolute flyer in Qualifying 1. Mark showcased incredible pace right out of the blocks, but a strict track limit violation resulted in a lap disqualification. This left the #81 truck in P10 for a Row 5 start, leaving the team with a bit of work to do.

Undeterred by his starting position, Mark put on a masterclass in consistency during Race 1. Navigating the heavy braking zones and managing his tyres in the intense heat, he managed a steady race. While opportunities to carve completely through the pack were limited, his relentless pace secured a fantastic 3rd place podium finish in the Chrome Class to kick-start his title defence on a high notes.

Race 2, however, brought a heavy dose of controversy. Mark drove another stellar race on track, originally crossing the line to round out the Chrome Class podium in 3rd place once again. However, the team was hit with a drive-through penalty by the officials. The camp strongly disagreed with the sporting decision, but refused to let it dampen their spirits, instantly shifting focus to Sunday’s battles with a collective attitude of “tomorrow we go again!”

🔧 Sunday: Engine Heartbreak to Silverware Triumph

Sunday morning brought renewed optimism. Qualifying 2 saw Mark deliver a brilliant, tidy lap to secure P8 overall and P3 in the Chrome Class, locking down a strong Row 4 start for the penultimate race of the weekend.

But truck racing can be a cruel sport. Just as the team prepared for battle, mechanical gremlins struck camp #81. Serious engine issues forced the crew into a desperate race against time under the awning, stripping down the mighty MAN TGX in hopes of getting it back to its best. With the mechanics working tirelessly, Race 3 unfortunately became a casualty of the garage drama, forcing Mark down the order as Lukas Hahn swept the class win.

With the engine rebuilt just in time for the final showdown of the weekend, Mark rewarded his crew’s monumental efforts in spectacular fashion during Race 4. Starting from the lower positions, Mark drove with pure determination. In the closing stages of the race, he executed a brilliant overtaking manoeuvre to pass rival John Newell, crossing the line in a phenomenal 9th place overall to capture a hard-earned 2nd place in the Chrome Class. Standing on the podium with his silver trophy was the perfect tribute to a team that simply refuses to quit!

Weekend Stats Table

Chrome Class Highlights & Current Standings