The Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSBK Team is in The Netherlands this weekend, at the historic Assen track, for the third WorldSBK round and the second WorldSSP300 round.
At the previous Portimao event, despite alternating results and a crash each, Sandro Carusi’s two riders made significant progress. Bahattin Sofuoglu finished thirteenth in both long races, while Rabat scored a point in Race 1.
At the historic Dutch track otherwise known as “the Cathedral”, their goal will be to continue to improve the set-up of their Yamaha YZF-R1 bikes and their race results.
WorldSSP300 also got underway in Portugal and young riders Cameron Swain and March Vich, both rookies in the category, began to build confidence with their bikes. Unfortunately, Spaniard Vich crashed in Race 2 and injured himself, which means it is not yet clear whether he will be able to compete at Assen. Initial difficulties aside, both riders showed that they have real room to grow and hope to do so already this weekend.
Assen’s Circuit van Drenthe, which takes its name from the province in which it is located, was inaugurated in 1925, but the permanent facility was not built until 1955. For many years only motorcycles raced at the Dutch track, known as the “Cathedral of Speed” or “the University of Two Wheels”. The circuit has undergone a series of modifications over the years, the most important of which in 1976 and 1984, with the track now measuring 4542 metres and comprising 18 turns, 12 of which right-handers and 6 left.
"I’m pleased with what we’ve done in Superbike over the first two rounds, often reaching the points zone, which I hope is a positive trend we can continue at Assen. In WorldSSP300 we started with a few issues but at the same time have shown that we have the potential to improve. I hope that March, who crashed at Portimao, will be able to compete this weekend.”
“At Portimao we started to see the results of all the work done during previous tests and races and scored one point. In Race 2 I crashed but was feeling very comfortable on the bike up until that point. I want to start from there, from that good feeling we found in Portugal. They say that the Dutch track suits the Yamaha, so I’ll do my best to do well.”
"It’s been less than two weeks since Portimao and as soon as I got home, I started with my physical preparation. I have to say it’s been one of my most intense weeks. I’ve worked hard and am now doing some final training on track with pit bikes before heading to Assen. There, my goal will be to continue working to improve my riding style and adapt it to my bike. I also want to continue to take steps forward with my team and improve on our previous results.”
