Jack Miller and Karel Hanika head to the Dutch TT looking to take a step up from the last Grand Prix.

The Dutch TT is the only round to have been held every year in the MotoGP World Championship since 1949. For that reason, the circuit in Assen bears the moniker ‘The Cathedral of Motorcycle Racing.’ This season it is the eighth race on the calendar, and Jack Miller arrives there leading the overall standings in the Moto3 class. His Red Bull KTM Ajo teammate, Karel Hanika, is on a run of two races in the points. Both want to take a step forward at a track which should be suited to their riding styles.

In Catalonia, Miller managed to increase his lead over second-placed Romano Fenati and raise his total for the season so far to 117 points -more than he did in all of his previous most successful campaign last year. However, two races without a podium finish have left the Australian hungry for a rostrum return. He worked hard with his KTM machine during two days of testing at MotoroLand Aragon last week, with the setup his main focus. Miller finished seventh last year, after gaining seven positions in the rrace.

This will be the first Dutch TT for Karel Hanika as a World Championship rider, but the rookie already knows what it takes to win at the track. Last year he was victorious in the two Red Bull Rookies Cup races contested in Assen. His two most recent performances this season, finishing in the points, should also be of help to Hanika as he looks to continue progressing in the category.

The action is brought forward a day for the Dutch TT, in accordance with tradition. The only Saturday race on the calendar will be prepared for from Thursday, when practice in Assen begins.

Circuit information – Assen
Length: 4.542 m / 2.822 miles
Width: 14 metres
Left corners: 6
Right corners: 12
Longest straight: 487 m / 0.303 miles
Constructed: 1955
Modified: 2012

Jack Miller,
“Last week we had two days of testing with KTM at Motorland Aragon, and we worked on the setup of the bike. During the last two races we’ve suffered a bit of chatter, which we had never had before, so the two days were perfect for trying to fix this issue. Honestly, we made significant progress and have a good path to continue working along. Assen is a fast track with flowing corners, favouring my riding style. After two races without doing so, I hope to return to the podium to consolidate my lead in the overall standings.”

Karel Hanika,
“Last year I won both races in Assen as part of the Red Bull Rookies Cup series, so this should give me confidence going into this weekend. Obviously the World Championship is a different competition, but Assen is my favorite circuit so I hope to take a good result. I think it suits my riding style, with long, fast corners. Overall I like the whole track, but my favourite and best sector, is the last one. Let’s see how we go.”