There’s something undeniably electric about motorsport—the roar of engines, the scent of burning rubber, the adrenaline of a photo finish. Netflix’s Motorvalley (2026) taps into that energy, blending the high-stakes world of GT racing with the personal dramas of three flawed, ambitious characters. Set against the backdrop of Italy’s legendary Motor Valley—home to Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Ducati—this series promises a thrilling ride, both on and off the track.
But does Motorvalley deliver more than just flashy cars and scenic Italian landscapes? Does it craft a story worth investing in, or does it stall in second gear? Let’s break it down.
Motorvalley follows three strangers whose lives collide in the high-pressure world of Italian Gran Turismo racing:
- Arturo Benini (Luca Argentero) – A former racing legend who walked away after a devastating crash. Now, he’s pulled back into the sport by a chance to reclaim his glory—or face the ghosts of his past.
- Elena Dionisi (Giulia Michelini) – The scion of a powerful racing dynasty, sidelined by her brother’s control over the family team. She’s determined to prove she belongs behind the wheel, not just in the boardroom.
- Blu Venturi (Caterina Forza) – A young, reckless driver with raw talent but little discipline. She’s the wildcard, the one who could either save the team or burn it all down.
Their paths intersect in the Italian GT Championship, where speed isn’t just a thrill—it’s a way of life, a means of survival, and sometimes, a path to destruction.
The series is set in Motor Valley, a real-life region in Emilia-Romagna that’s the epicenter of Italy’s automotive industry. Think of it as the Silicon Valley of supercars—Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Ducati all call this area home. The show was filmed at iconic tracks like Imola, Mugello, and Monza, lending authenticity to the racing sequences.
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing these legendary circuits up close, Motorvalley delivers. The cinematography captures the raw beauty of Italian motorsport culture, from the sleek curves of a Ferrari 488 to the gritty, oil-stained garages where mechanics work miracles.
Motorvalley follows a well-trodden path in sports dramas: underdogs vs. the establishment, personal demons vs. professional ambition, and the cost of chasing greatness. It’s Ford v Ferrari meets Drive to Survive, but with a distinctly Italian twist.
The first few episodes establish the central conflict:
- Elena is fighting to reclaim her place in a male-dominated industry.
- Arturo is battling his own self-doubt and the weight of his past mistakes.
- Blu is a loose cannon, her talent matched only by her recklessness.
The pacing is brisk but uneven. The first two episodes move quickly, introducing the characters and setting up the stakes. However, the middle of the season occasionally drags, particularly in subplots involving family drama (a Dionisi family feud feels like it belongs in a different show).
- Arturo’s redemption arc is the most compelling. Luca Argentero (DOC – Nelle tue mani) brings a quiet intensity to the role, making Arturo’s internal struggle feel real. His journey from washed-up has-been to reluctant mentor is the emotional core of the series.
- Elena’s ambition is relatable, but her character sometimes feels like a checklist of “strong female lead” tropes. Giulia Michelini (Squadra Antimafia) does her best with the material, but the writing occasionally undercuts her agency.
- Blu is the wildcard—literally. Caterina Forza’s performance is magnetic, but the show struggles to balance her unpredictability with a coherent character arc. One moment she’s a genius behind the wheel, the next she’s making bafflingly self-destructive choices.
One of Motorvalley’s biggest strengths is its authentic racing footage. The production team incorporated real footage from the 2024 Italian Gran Turismo Championship, giving the races a visceral, documentary-like feel. The cars aren’t just props—they’re characters in their own right, with the sound design making every engine roar feel like a punch to the gut.
That said, some of the CGI-enhanced sequences (particularly in later episodes) lose that raw edge. When the show leans too heavily on digital effects, it risks feeling like a video game cutscene rather than a grounded drama.
Argentero is the standout. He brings a world-weary gravitas to Arturo, making his internal conflict feel palpable. There’s a scene in Episode 4 where he watches a race from the sidelines, his face a mix of longing and regret—it’s a masterclass in silent acting.
Michelini is a strong actress (Squadra Antimafia), but Elena’s character is underserved by the writing. She’s introduced as a fierce, independent woman, but the show often reduces her to a love interest or a pawn in her brother’s schemes. Still, when she’s given room to shine (like in a tense boardroom confrontation), she delivers.
Forza is the breakout star of Motorvalley. She brings a raw, unpredictable energy to Blu, making her the most compelling character to watch. The problem? The writing doesn’t always know what to do with her. One episode she’s a prodigy, the next she’s making decisions that feel out of character.
- Giovanna Mezzogiorno (Arianna) – A veteran actress who brings depth to Elena’s mother, a woman caught between tradition and progress.
- Giuseppe Spata (Giulio Dionisi) – Elena’s brother is the perfect antagonist: charming, manipulative, and just sympathetic enough to make you hate him.
- Davide Donin (Ahmed) – The team’s mechanic has a few standout moments, particularly in his dynamic with Arturo.
Motorvalley is gorgeous to look at. The directors (Matteo Rovere, Pippo Mezzapesa, and Lyda Patitucci) make the most of Italy’s stunning landscapes, from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the neon-lit streets of Bologna.
The racing sequences are the highlight. The camera work during races is dynamic and immersive, putting you in the driver’s seat. The use of real GT cars (not just CGI) adds a layer of authenticity that’s rare in racing dramas.
The score is pulsing and energetic, perfectly matching the high-octane action. But the real star is the sound design—every rev of the engine, every screech of tires, every crash feels tactile and real.
While the racing scenes are thrilling, the off-track drama sometimes feels like filler. The family subplots (particularly the Dionisi feud) could have been trimmed to keep the focus on the racing.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Authentic racing footage – Real GT cars and tracks make the action feel visceral. | Uneven pacing – Some episodes drag, particularly in the middle of the season. |
| Strong performances – Luca Argentero and Caterina Forza are standouts. | Underdeveloped characters – Elena and Blu sometimes feel like archetypes rather than fully realized people. |
| Stunning cinematography – Italy’s landscapes and racing circuits are breathtaking. | Over-reliance on CGI – Some racing sequences lose their realism. |
| High-stakes drama – The personal and professional conflicts are compelling. | Predictable plot beats – The “underdog team vs. the establishment” story is familiar. |
| Great soundtrack – The score and sound design enhance the action. | Weak family subplots – The Dionisi feud feels like it belongs in a soap opera. |
| Actor | Role | Notable Works |
|---|---|---|
| Luca Argentero | Arturo Benini | DOC – Nelle tue mani, Lezioni di cioccolato |
| Giulia Michelini | Elena Dionisi | Squadra Antimafia, Rosy Abate |
| Caterina Forza | Blu Venturi | Debut role |
| Giovanna Mezzogiorno | Arianna Dionisi | The Best of Youth, Facing Windows |
| Giuseppe Spata | Giulio Dionisi | Suburra: Blood on Rome |
| Davide Donin | Ahmed | Baby (Netflix) |
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Creators | Francesca Manieri, Gianluca Bernardini, Matteo Rovere |
| Directors | Matteo Rovere, Pippo Mezzapesa, Lyda Patitucci |
| Writers | Francesca Manieri, Matteo Rovere, Gianluca Bernardini, Michela Straniero, Erika Z. Galli |
| Cinematography | Michele D’Attanasio |
| Music | Mokadelic |
✅ Motorsport fans – If you love Drive to Survive or Ford v Ferrari, this is a must-watch.
✅ Lovers of Italian cinema – The setting, culture, and performances make it a great showcase for Italian storytelling.
✅ Drama addicts – The personal conflicts and high-stakes racing provide plenty of tension.
✅ Netflix binge-watchers – At 8 episodes, it’s a quick, engaging watch.
❌ Not for you if…
- You hate sports dramas – This is very much a racing show.
- You prefer fast-paced action – The middle episodes can drag.
- You dislike predictable plots – The underdog story is well-worn.
Rating: 7.5/10 – A thrilling ride with a few bumps in the road.
Motorvalley is a solid entry in the sports drama genre, offering authentic racing, strong performances, and stunning visuals. However, it’s not without its flaws—uneven pacing, underdeveloped characters, and a few too many clichés hold it back from greatness.
That said, if you’re a motorsport fan or just love a good underdog story, it’s worth the watch. Luca Argentero and Caterina Forza carry the show, and the racing sequences alone make it a standout.
Final Thought: Motorvalley isn’t a perfect race, but it’s a damn exciting one.
| Source | Rating | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| The Guardian | ★★★★☆ (4/5) | “A visually stunning, emotionally charged racing drama.” |
| Variety | ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5) | “Great racing, but the off-track drama feels like filler.” |
| IndieWire | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) | “Argentero and Forza save an otherwise predictable plot.” |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 78% (Audience) | “A must-watch for racing fans.” |
| IMDb | 7.1/10 | “Solid performances, but the story could use more originality.” |
| Platform | Rating | Rank (Italian Netflix Originals) |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | 4.2/5 | #5 |
| IMDb | 7.1/10 | #12 |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 78% | #8 |
(Note: Rankings may vary based on region and time of viewing.)
No, Motorvalley is a fictional drama, though it’s set in the real-life Motor Valley of Emilia-Romagna, home to Ferrari, Lamborghini, and other iconic brands.
The first season consists of 8 episodes, each running about 45-50 minutes.
As of February 2026, Netflix has not officially renewed Motorvalley for a second season. However, given its strong viewership numbers, a renewal is possible.
Yes, the series is primarily in Italian with English subtitles available. Some scenes may include English or other languages, but the majority is in Italian.
The show incorporates real footage from the 2024 Italian Gran Turismo Championship, making the racing sequences highly authentic. The production team worked closely with GT teams to ensure accuracy.
The series was filmed at real Italian racing circuits, including:
- Imola
- Mugello
- Monza
- Vallelunga
Additional scenes were shot in Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna.
If you enjoy character-driven dramas with high stakes, you might still enjoy it. However, the racing is a major part of the show, so if you dislike sports, it may not be for you.
While Drive to Survive is a documentary-style series about Formula 1, Motorvalley is a scripted drama about GT racing. Both share a love for motorsport, but Motorvalley is more focused on personal stories than real-life racing politics.
Since Motorvalley is a Netflix Original, it’s exclusive to the platform in all regions. Here’s what you need to know:
✅ Available in 4K HDR – If you have a compatible device, the visuals are stunning.
✅ No ads – Since it’s a Netflix Original, you won’t have to sit through commercials.
✅ Downloadable – You can download episodes for offline viewing.
✅ Global release – It dropped simultaneously worldwide on February 10, 2026.
Pro Tip: If you’re a racing fan, watch with headphones—the sound design is immersive, and you’ll feel every engine roar.
Motorvalley is a visually stunning, emotionally charged racing drama that delivers where it counts—on the track. While it stumbles in its character development and pacing, the performances, authentic racing, and Italian setting make it a worthwhile watch, especially for motorsport fans.
If you love:
✔ High-stakes racing
✔ Italian cinema and culture
✔ Underdog stories with emotional depth
…then Motorvalley is definitely worth your time.
If you’re looking for:
❌ A flawless, fast-paced thriller
❌ Deeply original storytelling
❌ A show without sports
…you might want to check out something else.
Final Rating: 7.5/10 – A thrilling ride with a few pit stops.
Have you watched Motorvalley? What did you think? Let us know in the comments!
