With the Barcelona race behind them, Andrea Dovizioso and the Ducati Team are now heading northwards towards the Netherlands for round 8 of the 2015 MotoGP World Championship at the Assen TT circuit. As well as being the oldest race on the calendar (the first edition was in 1949), the Dutch GP is also the only one that is traditionally held on Saturday. The circuit has undergone a number of alterations over the years, but what has never changed is the incredible number of fans that flock there every year.
Andrea Dovizioso, who does not rate Assen as one of his favourite circuits, has however been on the podium three times there in the MotoGP category, with a third place in 2011 and 2012, and the runner-up slot last year. After a great start to the season, in which he scored four podium finishes in the first five races, the Forlì-born racer now comes off the back of two successive DNFs at Mugello and Barcelona and is anxious to bring an end to this negative run as soon as possible.
The TT Assen round begins on Thursday morning with Free Practice 1 at 9.55am, with the 26-lap race scheduled for 2pm on Saturday afternoon.
Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team #04) – 4° (83 points)
“I was very disappointed about my crash at Barcelona, because we could have scored some good points for the championship, but I also know we are working well and this gives me the opportunity to fight for the podium at every round. At Assen it is important for us to come back to the podium and confirm our speed. The Dutch track is unique because of its particular layout, but also because of the weather conditions we usually encounter during the race weekend. In any case, we have to look at the positive things: we have a very fast bike and for sure we will be competitive at Assen.”