Wenzel signals 2026 intent on Saturday
After a long winter break, the Moto4 Northern Cup returns for another season of high drama – recharged and refreshed. 24 permanent riders will do battle this season, with Thias Wenzel (ADAC Niedersachsen/Sachsen-Anhalt) making headlines on the opening Saturday of the year. The #17 won his first Northern Cup race following an epic battle with runner-up Anina Urlass (MASS SPORTS Racing by JRP Motorsport). Meanwhile, Robin Siegert claimed third, giving Kiefer Racing a strong start to their 2026 season!
The lights went out, and 2026 was GO! It was a poor launch from polesitter Urlass, dropping to P5 as Roman Durdis (FS12 Racing Team) snatched the lead on the opening lap. Wenzel was immediately involved in the lead battle too, leaving the crowd on the edge of their seats as the TT Circuit Assen continued to provide unexpected drama. Urlass chipped away throughout the opening stages, setting the fastest lap in the process and soon returning to the head of Race 1. The group continued to grow, with eight riders getting involved in an almighty scrap.
There was penalty drama as well, with Jaylen Korporaal (Jaylen Korporaal Racing) and Swan Emprin (SWAN96#) being handed a double Long Lap for a jump start. Things went from bad to worse for the pair, soon being handed a ride through and later a disqualification for not serving their original penalties. Durdis and Smilla Göttlich’s (Team Freudenberg - PALIGO Racing) Race 1 also came to a disappointing end, crashing out at Turn 5 with four laps remaining.
We were left with a breathtaking two-way duel for overall glory as Domi Pekkanen (DPR Team), Siegert and Ruben Nijland (Team NL) continued the scrap for the final podium spot. In true Assen fashion, everything was decided on the last lap as Wenzel held strong at the final chicane, securing victory and beginning his season in style.
Wenzel took gold by just 0.017s over Urlass, with Siegert clinching the final podium spot following another intense fight. Pekkanen narrowly missed out on a rostrum finish by 0.083s, with Nijland rounding out the top five runners. Zenno Bulte (Zenno58) earned P6 at the flag, beating Adam Vyskocil (AV79 Racing Team) and Danny Hinkelmann (Hinkelmann DH 14 Racing), who claimed the final spot inside the top eight. William Krzelj (KRZ Racing Team) and Anton Eilersen (ARE Racing) rounded out the top 10. Further back, Tommy Jr. Deschouwer (Junior Black Knight) suffered a late fall, dropping out of contention with two laps remaining.
Urlass creates history in a shortened Race 2
Anina Urlass continues to make history at the TT Circuit Assen, becoming the first female rider to win a Moto4 Northern Cup race. The #21 displayed another confidence-inspiring ride, beating current rival and old teammate Thias Wenzel following a stunning scrap. Urlass and Wenzel leave Assen as joint Championship leaders, whilst Jaylen Korporaal ended his weekend on a high, finishing on the podium.
Urlass was left with work to do once more at the start of Race 2, dropping outside the top five on the run to Turn 1. It was a game of musical chairs in the opening stages, with Ruben Nijland, Robin Siegert and Wenzel getting to work, fighting for P1. Thanks to the fighting, Urlass was brought closer each lap, eventually pouncing with 12 laps remaining and grabbing the lead!
Casper Pennings (MASS SPORTS Racing by JRP Motorsport) ran into early issues, losing ground and any hopes of points, and later retired. Race 2 also saw a challenging day for William Krzelj, who crashed with 11 laps remaining, while Swan Emprin served his Long Lap. Meanwhile, the lead fight continued as Urlass and Siegert continued to lock horns, trading the fastest lap in the process and grabbing the attention of Wenzel behind.
There was plenty of movement to note behind, with Domi Pekkanen creating headlines after he moved inside the top 10 after starting from P22 on the grid. The #46 was impressive throughout Race 2 as he looked to repeat Saturday’s Race 1 pace. While Urlass continued to lead the field, Sunday’s action was cut short following a crash at Turn 11 involving Jason Rudolph (Racing Team Rudolph), Adam Vyskocil (AV79 Racing Team), and Smilla Göttlich – declaring Race 2 a result.
Urlass’ official winning margin sat at 0.788s, creating history and defeating Wenzel following a superb late surge from the German rider. Korporaal clinched the final spot on the podium, whilst Siegert missed out on further Assen silverware. Nijland claimed the final spot inside the top five, beating Pekkanen and Emprin as the #96 clawed his way to P7 after serving an earlier penalty. Tudor Dedea (Tudor Racing), Danny Hinkelmann and Zenno Bulte rounded out the top 10 – ending our unforgettable start to 2026.
From the Netherlands to Germany: Round 2 takes us to the technical Sachsenring for our first of two visits this season. Further incredible racing, unpredictable conditions and unexpected results are on the cards – join us next month for more Moto4 Northern Cup drama!