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.”