“The 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship gears up for Round Three at TT Circuit Assen”
As the 2024 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship heads to the iconic TT Circuit Assen in the Netherlands for its third round, anticipation is high for what promises to be an unforgettable event. With a track steeped in history and recent races delivering excitement, the upcoming Pirelli Dutch Round is poised to captivate fans worldwide. Ahead of the action, we caught up with the leading riders during WorldSBK’s media day.
Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) sets his sights on the podium after a strong showing in Barcelona: “It’s always special to return to your home circuit with positive results behind you. Following solid performances in Australia and particularly Barcelona, we arrive here with confidence. Our aim is clear – we want to secure a podium finish. With a strong start to the season and a competitive bike beneath us, we are well-positioned to achieve our goal.”
Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) shares his championship aspirations and hopes for success at Assen: “Although Assen is a track where I have yet to secure victory in the Superbike class, I am determined to change that this weekend. The unpredictable weather conditions add an interesting dimension to the challenge, but I am prepared for both wet and dry races. My dream this season is to clinch the championship title, and with the support of my teammate Michael and our cohesive team environment, I believe it’s within reach.”
Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) reflects on his recent victory and keeps his focus on the present: “Winning a race is always significant, especially after overcoming challenges such as injury and setup issues during testing. The victory in Barcelona has boosted my confidence for the remainder of the championship. As for my future, I remain undecided. My priority is to continue enjoying my time on the bike and strive for continuous improvement. In such a competitive field, every rider must elevate their performance, and I am fully committed to that.”
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) acknowledges the physical demands of Assen and aims to overcome them: “Returning to Assen after undergoing arm-pump surgery presents a unique challenge for me. The track’s physical nature, coupled with the swift directional changes, requires peak fitness. Although I am still in the recovery phase, I am determined to give my best effort. I anticipate this race to be particularly challenging, given the absence of pre-race testing, but I am optimistic about my performance.”
Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) reflects on his past successes at Assen and looks ahead to a fresh start: “Returning to Assen always brings back fond memories, and I draw inspiration from my previous victories here. Despite encountering difficulties in the early races of the season, I remain hopeful for a turnaround. Assen’s layout suits both me and the Yamaha R1, providing an opportunity for improvement. It’s essential to focus on incremental progress and build momentum for the upcoming races.”
Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) shares his excitement for the race weekend and remains open to future opportunities: “Returning to Assen evokes a sense of excitement, considering my past successes at this track. While uncertainties loom regarding my future, I am fully committed to performing at my best. Securing a spot in a factory team remains my ultimate goal, and I am grateful for the interest shown by various manufacturers. As I focus on the present, I eagerly await what the future holds.”
Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) assesses the unpredictable weather conditions at Assen and targets a podium finish: “Assen’s ever-changing weather conditions pose a challenge for all riders. Nevertheless, I am familiar with the track and confident in my abilities. Whether rain or shine, I believe we can achieve a strong result this weekend. While uncertainties regarding the future linger, my immediate focus is on delivering a top performance for Kawasaki.”
Andrea Locatelli (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) reflects on his past achievements at Assen and aims to replicate them: “Assen holds special significance for me, as it marks the site of my first WorldSBK podium. Drawing upon past successes, I am motivated to excel this weekend. Despite the forecasted challenges, I am comfortable with the bike and optimistic about our performance. Let’s push ourselves to the limit and see what we can achieve.”
Pictures Official WorldSBK Press Release
