The motorcycling history is what you breathe at the entrance gate to the Assen circuit, the Netherlands; the most famous and iconic track of the whole calendar hosts Round 03 of the WorldSBK!

Called “the cathedral of speed”, the TT Circuit is known for the very high-speed corners that characterize its layout, combined with a first gear ramp and the final chicane, where races are often decided. The weather here is always quite unstable, but for the WorldSBK weekend it seems to be quite sunny, at least until Sunday. The layout should suit the characteristics of the Ducati V4-R well, usually strong in the high-speed corners, but it is also the first circuit on the calendar on which winter tests have not taken place. On Friday, therefore, it will be important to immediately find a good base in terms of set-up and electronics. Furthermore, the SCQ is back, it’s the Pirelli qualifying tyre that can be used in Superpole and Superpole Race, combined with a new rear tyre, called 126, which will be tested and evaluated during free practices. Andrea Iannone and Team Pata Go Eleven come to Assen in sixth place in the World Championship standings, with a great desire for redemption after an unlucky Sunday in the Portimao Round, with the aim of improving the results obtained last year on the Dutch track (DNF in Race 1, P 4 in Race 2).

Lastly, Ducati and BMW are afflicted by the first championship rules cut, from this year in terms of fuel, where 0.5 kg/h will be reduced into the fuel flow.

Andrea Iannone (Rider): 

“We are in Assen, a track where I have good memories, with lots of fast corners. I hope to find better weather than last year, and that the weather is stable. I am motivated and ready to redeem a bit the results of Portimao, where we had good potential anyway. For Friday, the goal is to find a good set-up and a good base, which is essential in the Assen fast corners, we will also have to try the new Pirelli rear solution and collect as much data as possible.”