Aprilia Racing Dutch GP Preview

MotoGP heads to the historic TT at Assen. After Bautista's good result at Barcelona the Aprilia RS-GPs are on the track to confirm their progress.

Assen (Holland), 23 June 2015 - As per tradition the MotoGP round in Holland - the classic TT - will be raced on Saturday. Aprilia Racing Team Gresini arrives at the Dutch round comforted by Alvaro Bautista's good result in the last race at Barcelona. Alvaro's tenth place finish at Montmelò, although favoured by a few DNFs, is the team's overall best result in this first part of the season and it is a nice injection of confidence for the rest of the championship. In any case, development of the Italian V4s moves forward, taking advantage of every race and every practice session. The Assen weekend will be no exception, especially in light of the fact that the Monday test session after Barcelona was hampered by foul weather.

ROMANO ALBESIANO (Aprilia Racing Manager)

“The result in Barcelona boosted our morale and it especially confirmed that we improve our race performance compared to the practice sessions, managing to stay in the centre of the group. This, along with the assessment of the various changes introduced from the Mugello round, helps to give us a clear idea on which areas need more work. These are experiences which are in line with the spirit of our test year and Assen will be the same, where we will bring new materials that we weren't able to test at Montmelò on the Monday following the race due to the inclement weather.”

FAUSTO GRESINI (Team Manager)

“After taking on two fast tracks like Mugello and Barcelona we are switching to a more flowing track where it will definitely be interesting to verify the steps we've taken forward recently. The tenth place that Alvaro brought home from Barcelona really pumps us up: the primary goal is still developing the bike in view of the future, but it's always a pleasure to have a good result and it represents nice compensation for the entire team, which has been working hard. We are expecting another weekend of testing, during which we want to continue gathering important data to move development of the RS-GP forward.”

ALVARO BAUTISTA

“We are coming to Holland highly motivated thanks to the nice result in Barcelona. We are still a bit disappointed because we could have completed the Spanish trip with some good post-race tests, but the poor weather kept us from doing the work we had scheduled. So we'll bring the material to Assen that we weren't able to evaluate during the tests: we won't have much time to do it, but we'll give it our best shot. The track has a lot of quick direction changes which is an area where we need to improve, so from the first free practice sessions we'll be looking for the best setup to improve our bike's performance in that area. In any case the whole garage is very enthusiastic and we're ready to get down to business.”

MARCO MELANDRI

“We are going to Assen with a bit of concrete optimism. In the Barcelona tests the team provided me with a much longer swingarm that gave me a better feeling. I only took two laps because then it began to rain but I noticed that the sensation was good. I like this track and I'm confident that we'll be taking some steps forward. Alvaro's result gave the team a strong signal of reliability. I see the glass as half full.”

Bridgestone MotoGP™ Preview - Round 8: Dutch TT, Assen

Bridgestone slick compounds available: Front: Extra-soft, Soft & Medium; Rear: Soft, Medium & Hard (Asymmetric)

Bridgestone wet tyre compounds available: Soft (Main), Hard (Alternative)

Round eight of the 2015 MotoGP™ season is the Dutch TT at Assen, an event that formed part of the inaugural FIM Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix season back in 1949.

Over the years the layout of the Assen circuit has changed significantly, with the current 4.54 kilometre long circuit featuring a variety of slow and fast corners on a track surface that offers only modest grip. Although it features many fast sections, Assen is one of the least severe circuits for front tyres. Also, as temperatures at Assen are generally cooler than at other rounds, the front slick tyre allocation for the Dutch TT is comprised of Bridgestone’s softest rubber compounds.

However, the fast right-hand turns - in particular the sequence of corners from Mandeveen to Hoge Heide - generate significant temperatures on the right shoulder of the rear tyre. As a result, asymmetric rear slicks with rubber that is one step harder on the right shoulder than the left are provided at Assen. Overall, the rear tyre allocation for the Dutch TT needs to provide good edge grip to help riders maintain high corner speeds, with good heat resistance to cope with the fast, high camber corners.

Front tyre options for Assen are the extra-soft, soft & medium compounds. Rear tyre options for the Factory Honda and Yamaha riders are the medium and hard compound rear slicks, while the factory Aprilia, Ducati, Suzuki and Open-class riders get access to the soft and medium compound rears. Due to the Assen circuit being moderate in terms of tyre severity and the low grip level of the tarmac in wet conditions, the main wet tyre this weekend is the soft compound, while the hard compound is the alternative option.

Hiroshi Yamada - Manager, Bridgestone Motorsport Department

“As we draw close to the halfway point of the season, we make our annual visit to the amazing Assen circuit for the Dutch TT. This is a race where for the past five years we’ve had five different winners and an important factor at Assen is the weather, with unsettled conditions in previous years creating some challenging, and often exciting racing. The layout of Assen is a mixture of slow and fast sections and is generally quite technical and looking at the results of recent years, Honda and Yamaha have both enjoyed success here, and Ducati also had a rider on the podium here last year. With this in mind, I hope to see many manufacturers battling for the podium this weekend and that the Dutch TT’s tradition for producing spectacular races continues.”

Shinji Aoki - Manager, Bridgestone Motorcycle Tyre Development Department

“The Dutch TT is an event which can experience a wide range of ambient and track temperatures, so our tyre allocation at Assen has to be effective over a wide range of conditions. Assen is a fast and technical circuit that requires asymmetric tyres because of the high loads placed on the right shoulder of the rear tyres. The tyres at this circuit have to cope with a wide range of corners from very slow, to high speed sections like Ramshoek, so the layout requires tyres that give high levels of edge grip. The first few corners all flow into each other while gradually tightening, and this requires good stability and heat resistance from the right shoulder of the tyre.”

Team Suzuki Ecstar Looking Forward to Assen MotoGP

Team SUZUKI ECSTAR riders Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Viñales are looking forward to this weekend’s eighth round of the MotoGP™ World Championship at Assen in The Netherlands following positive results and three-days of intense testing in Barcelona-Catalunya and also Aragon Circuit in Spain. 

After qualifying 1-2 on the grid at the Catalunya MotoGP race, both Spaniards are confident with their new GSX-RR engines that were introduced for the race on June the 14th, and they are positive that the excellent handling characteristics of the Suzuki GSX-RR chassis will suit the twisting TT Circuit of Assen, a venue known as ‘The Cathedral’ of motorcycling. 

With its 12-right and six left-hand corners, the 4.5km Assen circuit is the only venue to have held a round of Motorcycle World Championship racing every year since its creation in 1949. The circuit was purpose-built for the Dutch TT in 1955. It is narrow, with rapid changes in direction and is surrounded by grass banks and grandstands, providing excellent viewing. 

MotoGP practice starts at 09:55hrs local time (08:55GMT) on Thursday June 25th, with Friday’s Q1 beginning at 14:10hrs (13:10GMT). Saturday’s race gets underway at 14:00hrs (13:00GMT). 

Aleix Espargaro: 

“The Cathedral is one of my best tracks and I think that our machine will be very nice to ride here. The circuit is tight with lots of changes in direction, which is perfect for our machine thanks to its chassis and set-up. At Catalunya we had our first taste of how high we can be when we are ok; and being first and second on the grid was unbelievable and gave us an incredible boost. Of course we still need to work a lot to fill certain gaps. We still need to refine the new engine specs and to find even more effective set-ups, which is why we made the tests. I feel positive about Assen, we have a competitive package and the track is favourable, so let’s go and do our best.” 

Maverick Viñales: 

“The weekend in Barcelona was amazing for me. Not only did I get direct access to Q2, which was one of our first goals, but I also started from second place on the grid, with Aleix in first. Also I finished sixth in the race, which is the best result of the season so far and we were only at the seventh race. This means that our project is positive and I feel confident in achieving even better results in the next races. Assen is a demanding, but also very nice track and I think it will be good for our machines due to their characteristics. We also tested last week and that gave us a lot of information. For sure we will benefit from the tests and be even more competitive.”

Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Carries Title Chase Forward to the Cathedral

After a brilliant weekend in Catalunya a fortnight ago, the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP team arrives in the Netherlands for the prestigious TT Assen.

The team is in high spirits after Jorge Lorenzo continued his dominating form in Montmeló and claimed his fourth victory in a row, signing off the weekend by breaking the record for the amount of consecutive laps led by a racer.

Teammate Valentino Rossi also gave a stunning performance, having started from seventh on the grid, and rode to a well-deserved second place. He is keen on another chance to extend his championship lead at the TT Assen this Saturday.

The Doctor‘s main goal is to cross the finish line ahead of his teammate and will be a force to be reckoned with. He holds a very impressive track record at what is considered to be "the cathedral" of motorcycling, having claimed six wins in the premier class on Dutch soil (2002, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2013) as well as a 250cc (1998) and a 125cc class victory (1997).


Lorenzo has also enjoyed numerous successes at the TT circuit. He has won at this circuit four times in total; securing a 125cc win in 2004, 250cc wins in 2006 and 2007 and a MotoGP win in 2010. The Dutch track is listed as one of his favorites, despite him not being a fan of its unpredictable climate.

He aims to close the one point gap to his teammate and take over the lead in the championship. The previous four rounds have been proof that Lorenzo and his YZR-M1 are in top shape and the Spaniard is eager to continue his winning streak this weekend and claim his fifth victory in a row.

The TT Assen is a special event for all motorcycle enthusiasts. The circuit was especially built for the Dutch GP and is the only venue to have held a round of the Motorcycle World Championship every year since its creation in 1949. The current Assen track counts 4.555 meters and its narrow tarmac, rapid change in directions and mixture of high-speed and low-speed corners make it a favorite amongst riders and the thousands of fans who are drawn to this prestigious event. They will assemble on grass banks and grandstands surrounding the circuit, creating a great atmosphere that makes this race a 'must be at' event.

Valentino Rossi

Assen will be another very intense weekend. After seven races the difference between me and Jorge is just one point and to keep the first place I have to finish in front of him. It won‘t be easy because Jorge is in a great shape, but so am I. I'm very happy about the last race in Barcelona, the victory was very close. Jorge‘s and my potential are very similar. I like Assen, it‘s a nice circuit. I did some good races there in the past and usually our bike is working really well, so it will be another important race. I'm sure our rivals will do everything they can to fight for the victory and we have to keep our eyes out for them. First we must improve our qualifying and we will work on making a better start to the race in Assen.

Jorge Lorenzo

Assen is maybe one of my two or three favorite tracks. I have good feelings there and also a few bad memories. Overall it‘s a place I love to race at. First of all because it is a track especially designed for motorbikes so the layout is amazing. The circuit is so fast and I love some of the high-speed corners there. I arrive in a very good shape after achieving four wins in a row and I look forward to racing in Assen! The last race in Barcelona was very tight at the end and Vale showed that he is also in a great shape. The bike is performing really well and I think Assen will suit us perfectly, but you never know. The forecast in Holland is always unpredictable so we need to wait and see if it‘s going to rain as usual or not.

Massimo Meregalli

Assen is a really difficult track but both our riders like it and it suits the bike very well. We are looking forward to starting the first free practice session with the intention to continue the positive trend we have experienced over the last four rounds, especially after Barcelona and the very positive Aragon test. In Assen you never know what the weather is going to be like, it‘s very unpredictable, but we will try to be ready, whatever the circumstances will be.

Repsol Honda Team head to The Cathedral looking to make a step forward

After mixed fortunes in Catalunya, the Repsol Honda Team are en route to Assen, Netherlands.

The longest-running event on the MotoGP calendar, the Dutch TT in Assen is always held on the last Saturday in June in a carnival atmosphere that attracts raceday crowds of more than 100,000. Assen’s foundations in motorsport were laid back in 1925 during the first Dutch TT. The modern circuit was first constructed in 1955 on the site of those brick-paved public roads and it underwent a major modification in 2005, which reduced its length from just under 6km to 4.555km. It has also seen small modifications in the past two years with work done to make the Ruskenhoek chicane less angular and thus a few metres shorter. The final result is a faster circuit, in keeping with Assen’s generally flowing nature.

Known as ‘The Cathedral’, its main straight is a mere 560m long, yet Assen still boasts one of the fastest average speed laps on the calendar and its flowing turns – eleven right and six lefts – mean it remains a favourite for riders and spectators alike.

Both Repsol Honda riders have enjoyed good results in Assen with Dani taking eight podium finishes there including his first victory in WGP (2002 – 125cc). Marc has a fantastic history at the circuit celebrating victories in all classes: 2014 (MotoGP), 2012 (Moto2), 2011 (Moto2) and also in 2010 (125cc).

The race weekend in Assen begins on Thursday with Qualifying on Friday and the race on Saturday, as it was originally frowned upon for the race to be hosted on Sunday for religious reasons.

Marc Marquez

CHAMPIONSHIP STANDING: 5TH - 69 POINTS

"Obviously I’m disappointed to have crashed out of my home race in Catalunya, but we’ve put that behind us now as we head to Assen. It’s a shame we couldn’t make the most out of the post-race test on Monday, but it’s the same for everyone. Assen is a track I like - even if it doesn’t necessarily suit our bike the best. As always we will have to work hard from Friday morning and hope to make a step with the bike settings. The weather is always unpredictable and this usually plays a part in the weekend, so we will have to keep an eye on it!"

Dani Pedrosa

CHAMPIONSHIP STANDING: 10TH - 39 POINTS

"I was really happy to step back on the podium in Barcelona, it’s just a shame we couldn’t do much on the Monday during the test, due to the bad weather. The arm is feeling better and better each time I ride and now we need to work on the bike to improve our feeling. As we all know, the weather in Assen is usually a critical point so we must be sure to make the most of any dry track time! I like the track but it’s important to find a good setting and feeling with the tyres as there are a few very fast corners."

Tech3 pair ready to hit Cathedral of speed at full power

Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team riders Bradley Smith and Pol Espargaro head to the legendary Assen circuit this week for round 8 of the 2015 MotoGP World Championship optimistic of clinching success. The venue, which has a deep history, is the only event on the MotoGP race calendar to have held a Grand Prix every year since it’s creation in 1949. In terms of layout, the narrow 4.5 kilometre circuit features many rapid corners and the Geert Timmer chicane always provides an exiting close to the lap for the thousands of ecstatic fans who flock to the track to witness the action.

Bradley Smith will be aiming to follow up his two consistent 5th place finishes at Catalunya and Mugello with another notable result aboard the Yamaha YZR-M1 at the Motul TT Assen. The young British rider, who concluded the rain affected post Catalunya GP test at the head of the pack, will take the positives from Spain as he intends to meet the chequered flag inside the top six in Saturday’s race. Meanwhile Pol Espargaro is fully confident of jumping straight back to a high scoring position at Assen after luck went against him at his home Grand Prix in Catalunya. The young Spaniard, who won from pole position in his title winning year of 2013 in the Moto2 class, will look to battle as closely as possible with the factory MotoGP bikes and complete the eighth round with a strong result.

Bradley Smith - Championship : 6th Points : 68

"The Motul TT Assen is a race that we all look forward to due to the track itself and also because of the festival atmosphere of the crowd who are always so excited about the MotoGP paddock coming to their country! The first half of the circuit is quite slow, but the second is much faster so it really is a mix of two halves and a good challenge for the riders. Plus, it has a very short straight, which means that we don’t get much of a break during this race. I’ve ridden to two podiums in the lower classes here, so I will be going all out for another top result in order to continue my form this season. At the post race Catalunya test we found some useful settings that should certainly aid us, so we will put these to use and get on the pace as soon as practice begins on Thursday. It will be vital to have a strong free practice run so that we can get into Q2 and then do our best in the race, which I am pumped for!"

Pol Espargaro - Championship : 9th Points : 45

"I’m really looking forward to attacking the cathedral of speed on my Yamaha and I fully intend to close the weekend with a notable result. After my home Grand Prix, which didn’t go to plan, I am more determined than ever to finish as close as possible to the factory bikes, especially as I’ve had some good results here in the previous years. Unfortunately, the test on Monday after the Catalunya race was disrupted by the weather, but nevertheless, we have a few settings that we must try at Assen so it’s important that we make the most of the available track time in order to be ready for the race. It rained last year right before the start of the GP, therefore we must be aware that this could happen again. Yet, I am much more confident about riding in the wet this year, so if it happens, I’ll be ready. Rain or sunshine, I’m going to give it my best and my intention is to battle with teammate to the finish line so the Dutch fans can watch a great fight on the track!"

Hervé Poncharal - Team manager :

"The Motul TT Assen is a special race, not only because of the amazing crowds that come to watch our sport and who really enjoy it, but also because it is sponsored by Motul who are one of the Monster Yamaha Tech3 Team partners. It will be the 8th race of the year and almost the midpoint of the season so we can see that both riders have done a good job, despite some different spells of luck. Brad has been strong, is doing great and impressing us. Therefore, we hope that he can follow up his double 5th placed finishes and fight near the factory MotoGP bikes like in the previous races. Pol has had a bit of a tricky year at times and the last race in Barcelona must have been tough for him. However, it was just a matter of luck and we know he will have a top race here and battle with his teammate for the leading satellite position. After this race, both riders will be heading over to Japan to test for the Suzuka 8 hour race, so it would be great for them to go to the east with two strong results ahead of that challenge.” 

Confidence high as Rabat and Márquez head to the Dutch TT

Gosselies, Belgium – 22 June 2015: Reigning Moto2 World Champion Tito Rabat heads into this weekend’s Dutch TT at Assen confident that he can fight for his second win of the season, after completing a successful two-day test at the Motorland Aragon circuit last week.

Assen is one of only two tracks on the calendar – the other being Sachsenring – at which Rabat hasn’t stood on the podium since moving up to the Moto2 class in 2011. It is a situation that the Team Estrella 0,0 Marc VDS rider is keen to rectify this weekend, as he looks to close the gap to current championship leader, Johann Zarco, who he trails by 40 points.

Rabat will be hoping for a slightly less stressful Assen weekend than the one he endured 12 months ago when, after qualifying on pole position, he crashed on the sighting lap and only a delay due to rain allowed the team to get his bike repaired ready for the race, which he finished eighth.

Last year was a different story for Álex Márquez, who crossed the line almost three seconds ahead of his Estrella Galicia 0,0 teammate to claim his second successive win of the season in the Moto3 class. This year the 19-year-old heads to Assen with his confidence buoyed by a strong showing in Barcelona, followed by a successful two-day test at Motorland Aragon and looking for a top ten finish in Saturday’s 24-lap Moto2 race.

With the Dutch TT traditionally held on the last Saturday in June, free practice for the Moto2 class gets underway at 10.55 on Thursday 25th June.

Tito Rabat:

“The next two tracks on the calendar - Assen and Sachsenring - have never been amongst my favourite circuits, which is probably why they are the only two on the calendar at which I’ve never finished on the Moto2 podium. However, if I’m to retain the championship then I need to be just as fast at these tracks as I am at the others, so that is the aim this weekend. We put in the work during a successful test at Aragon, with very positive results, so I head to Assen feeling confident. Like always, we will work hard in every session this weekend, to ensure we’re in a position to fight for the win in the race on Saturday.”

Álex Márquez:

“We did a good job in Montmeló, improving with every session and finding a clear direction in which to work with the bike and we confirmed this during the test in Aragon. In Moto2 qualifying has been difficult this season, because I haven’t been able to find the half-second or so I need on a new tyre. This was an area in which we also made progress during the Aragon test and I’m now feeling more confident about my qualifying performance. I like the Assen circuit; I won in Moto3 there last year and, while I’m sure it will feel different on a Moto2 bike, I’m looking forward to returning. If I can qualify on the front three rows on Friday then I think we could be in for a good race on Saturday.”