– Mapei is entering the world of motorsports with a new product line dedicated to track maintenance—a new sector that’s full of challenges and opportunities for Mapei’s sports facility business. Could you tell us more about it?

The world of motorsports is a real incubator for technological innovations: it was therefore only natural that Mapei would contribute, as the company has always been committed to tackling the challenges of the construction market—especially when they relate to sports facilities, such as racetracks. Just as the field is the grass in soccer, the stage at racetracks is the asphalt—which today is more colorful than ever before. Curbs and markings are no longer merely functional; they are part of the spectacle. Thanks to fast-curing acrylic resin technology, Mapei has developed Mapecoat TNS Race Track, a solution that combines safety with design flexibility, enabling the creation of complex and highly visible layouts. The fast-curing formulation reduces the time required to apply road markings, allowing for a swift reopening to traffic.

– In addition to its aesthetic appeal, what specific performance characteristics do the FIA and FIM require of the resin for professional-level competitions, such as F1 and MotoGP?

Resins such as Mapecoat TNS Race Track must pass rigorous FIA and FIM homologation processes. Key requirements include fast film formation (approximately 15 minutes at 23°C), which is essential for quick repairs, and anti-slip properties. The product must provide the same grip as untreated asphalt, ensuring consistent tire response.

– In addition to Italy, projects completed using Mapecoat TNS Race Track technology span from Australia to the Middle East, from Asia to Europe: what has been the feedback from industry professionals?

Mapei is synonymous with quality and durability in sports facilities and has consolidated its presence in motorsports in recent years. In the 2025 and 2026 seasons of F1, MotoGP, and SBK, one in three circuits uses Mapei solutions. Many facilities continue to choose Mapei season after season, a testament to the product’s reliability and the technical support offered to installers and operators.

– Mapecoat TNS Race Track paint for road markings and Mapecoat TNS Race VRT paint for pit walls are easy to apply, but how important is the installers’ expertise in creating graphics that look like works of art?

The products are easy to apply and available in a wide range of colors, but the quality of the final result depends largely on the installers’ expertise. Graphics are becoming increasingly complex and require precision, advanced technologies, and extensive experience. It’s the difference between having a high-performance tool and knowing how to use it to its full potential.

A prime example is the sponsor logos at major races that we see flashing by along the track, typically applied to the safety barriers. Today, specialized installers are able to reproduce the logos of various sponsors—even those with vibrant and particularly intricate colors—using a paint developed specifically for this purpose: Mapecoat TNS Race VRT.

– The launch of a new product line, “Motorsport Solutions,” in collaboration with an international team supporting industry professionals represents a wide-ranging project. Beyond paints, what are the areas of future development?

The continuous technological innovations in the world of motorsports are not limited to vehicles but also involve ongoing research into construction materials—whether it’s paint or track asphalt—as well as the materials used in safety barriers and so on. Mapei actively participates in FIA working groups, contributing its expertise on sustainable materials, asphalt mixtures, and automotive proving grounds. This is a rapidly growing field, in line with the sector’s evolution.

(Article by Mapei Spa)