Bo Bendsneyder ready for home round at Assen
21/06/2017Copyright free
The Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 riders have been gaining confidence at recent Grands Prix, but are still waiting to get onto the podium. They look to do that this weekend at a very special round for Bo Bendsneyder, as the World Championship visits ‘The Cathedral of Motorcycle Racing,’ the TT Circuit Assen. Both he and Niccolo Antonelli are fans of the legendary track, considered by both to be one of the most fun circuits on the calendar.
For Dutchman Bendsneyder, the trip to Assen has been eagerly awaited. It will be his second Dutch TT, and he is the only home rider in any of the three World Championship classes. Ninth last year, he wants to challenge for the rostrum after finding improvements in testing at Barcelona last week.
In that test, Antonelli suffered a dislocated left shoulder. The small setback will not prevent the Italian from being ready for this weekend, and with two Top5 finishes in the last three years, he has the podium firmly in his sights for the 2017 event.
After the change made last year, for the second time in its history the Dutch TT will be contested on Sunday, and not on Saturday as was previously traditional. The Moto3 race will be held at 11am.
Circuit information – Assen
Length: 4.542 m. / 2,822 miles
Width: 14 metresLeft corners: 6
Right corners: 12
Longest straight: 487 m. / 0,303 miles
Constructed: 1955
Modified: 2012
23 NICCOLO ANTONELLI
“It’s been a tough week, because I have been suffering a lot of pain in my left arm after dislocating it at the test. I’ve been doing physiotherapy sessions but at the beginning of the week I started training normally, so I’m happy. I like Assen a lot, and I have a lot of fun riding there. There are spectacular corners that make it one of the most beautiful and fun to ride at. I can’t wait to get on the bike and take a step forward after having had a good race in Barcelona.”
64 BO BENDSNEYDER
“The Catalan GP was not our best race, but especially in the post-race test the feeling we had was very good. I’m looking forward to my home GP and to getting a good result. I really like Assen and I have already raced there many times. I especially love the last part of the track; it’s fast and I think the Dutch riders have the perfect line. I’m feeling a little pressure, but it’s because I want to do my best to dedicate the result to my family and my fans. I will have to work hard throughout the weekend and the minimum goal should be the Top5, or a podium for the Dutch fans to be proud of.”
