Iwema unfazed by home race

125cc rookie Jasper Iwema is the only regular Dutch rider competing at this weekend’s Alice TT Assen, although it is not his first appearance at his home track in the World Championship. The 19 year-old has made two wild card appearances at the ‘Cathedral of Motorcycle Racing’ in 2007 and 2008, and is raring for another shot at delighting the home fans.

Despite this, Iwema insists that he is not feeling the home pressure that so often adversely affects young riders in front of their friends and family. Speaking on Wednesday, the Dutchman said that:

“I have to see it like a normal race, try to have fun and not think too much. That way the results will come. There is a fan club for me here and it’s really nice to see how many have come to the circuit to see me race. It’s great.

"This year has been difficult, because you’re riding with the forty best in the world. It’s getting better and better, and I think that we can get a lot of good results soon."

The youngster’s home town of Hooghalen is close to the historic circuit, and as such he has plenty of experience at the track. He performed his latest lap of the circuit the day before the first free practice session, riding a vintage 1972 Seel bike as part of a special motorshow pre-event.