Assen (The Netherlands), 21st June 2017 Following a productive test in Barcelona a little more than a week ago, the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Team look forward to an action-packed race at the Motul TT Assen round, where Maverick Viñales and Valentino Rossi are keen to feature at the front of the pack.
After a challenging weekend in his home country but a positive two track days at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Viñales is set on making his return to the podium this weekend. He is on a mission of extending his seven-point lead in the championship at a track that he feels suits both the bike and his riding style.
The young Spaniard has enjoyed strong results at the TT circuit in his six years of Grand Prix racing. He has won twice at this circuit and stood on the podium four times in total, securing a 125cc win in 2011, a Moto3 win and second place in 2012 and 2013, and a Moto2 second place in 2014. His best score in the MotoGP class was ninth place in a difficult race last year that was influenced by dramatic rainfall.
Last year’s downpour at the TT Circuit Assen spoiled Rossi’s challenge for the win, leaving the nine-time World Champion determined to make amends. He plans to make a strong comeback at the Dutch track, which he particularly likes, and he’s got the results to back up his ambitions.
The Italian holds a very impressive record at the track that is often referred to as “the cathedral” of motorcycling, having claimed seven wins in the premier class on Dutch soil in 2002, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2013 and 2015, as well as victories in the 250cc (1998) and 125cc class (1997). He aims to add another top step finish to his résumé this weekend to close the 28-point gap to his teammate and move up from fifth place in the championship standings.
The TT Assen Circuit was especially built for the Dutch GP in 1949 and has staged a round of the Motorcycle World Championship every year since. The current Assen track measures 4.5km and is a favourite amongst riders thanks to its rapid change in directions, attractive mixture of high-speed and low-speed corners (six left and twelve right), and the enthusiasm of the thousands of fans drawn to this prestigious event.
Massimo Meregalli
Team Director
After an important and useful test in Catalunya, we arrive in Assen. Though the weather conditions are usually quite mixed here, we are excited to get back out on track and apply our learnings. The week of rest between the Catalan and Dutch Grand Prix was well-deserved for both Maverick and Valentino, after the back-to-back races followed by the extra track days. It gave them an opportunity to recharge before taking on the challenge at one of the most fascinating circuits in history. They are both in a good shape and they both enjoy riding in Assen, so we’re feeling confident that we can do well this weekend.
Maverick Viñales
Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Rider
TT Assen is a good circuit for the YZR-M1 and also for my riding style it’s quite good. I’ve been doing really good races there in the past. I like it and I always enjoy riding here. After the difficult race in Catalunya we arrive in Assen extra motivated because we really need to be on the podium and take as many points as possible. We can’t afford to struggle in the next races, so for sure we will give our 100%.
Valentino Rossi
Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Rider
I’m happy to go to Assen, especially after the two days of testing we did in Barcelona following such a bad race. During the test we have tried some interesting solutions and now I want to try them at another track to see if we’re going in the right direction. The Netherlands is always a great weekend, because the Assen circuit is very nice. I hope to be competitive in Assen because I would like to make it a good race.
