MOTOGP ARRIVES AT ASSEN. The MotoGP series has really picked up momentum, as it enters its seventh round. After a disappointing race at Silverstone, the Pramac Racing Team hopes to be able to turn the page in Holland, at the legendary Assen circuit, where the young squad earned a second-place finish in 2003 with Max Biaggi and a fourth the next year, with the same rider. Since then, the circuit was modified in the winter of 2005-’06, reducing one of the series’ longest tracks, at nearly 6 km, to 4.555 km. Both riders, Loris Capirossi and Randy De Puniet, want to make up for the previous race in the UK. The Italian has collected numerous podiums at this track, including two wins in the 250cc class. The Frenchman, on the other hand, has a best finish of sixth place, which came last year. Fabiano Sterlacchini Pramac Racing Technical Director “We want to forget the bad outing at Silverstone. It won’t be easy, because the problems we’ve been experiencing for some time can’t be erased in just one race, but it’s possible to improve. At Assen, the weather conditions could shuffle the deck again. Although our riders are currently more likely to do well in the wet, we must work well at preparing a suitable bike.” Loris Capirossi – Pramac Racing Team Rider “My morale certainly isn’t over the moon, as it’s hard to forget the disastrous outing at Silverstone. We need some positive results, for me and for the whole team. I like the Assen circuit a lot, but the unknown is once again the weather; they’re predicting rain here too, although it shouldn’t be as cold as Silverstone. We need to do well to be prepared for the next Grand Prix, at Mugello.” Randy De Puniet – Pramac Racing Team Rider “I need to turn my season around. Sure, it’s difficult, but it’s possible to do better. I hope that with the help of my team, I’ll be able to solve the problems with the bike’s front end. Otherwise I’m fine; I just want to erase the last race from my mind, as it was the worst of my career.”