Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Carries Title Chase Forward to the Cathedral
After a perfect one-two in Catalunya two weeks ago, the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP team heads to TT Circuit Assen for the eighth round of the MotoGP championship held this Saturday.
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
TEAM DIRECTOR
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.