There really is no place like the TT Circuit Assen in the Netherlands; it’s welcomed every star the sport has ever produced at some point in its over 100-year history and will no doubt oversee the future Champions over the next period of time too. A track that builds itself all the way up for a final chicane shootout, we’ve seen plenty of battles over the years. From heartbreak to elation, last lap battles to off-track excursions, relive the best of Assen in recent years.
2006: Hayden vs Edwards at the chicane
2006’s Dutch GP was the first at the reconfigured TT Circuit Assen, but that didn’t stop an epic showdown between American aces Nicky Hayden and Colin Edwards. It looked like Edwards had it sewn up to clinch his first MotoGP win, but going wide at the chicane, the Texas Tornado crashed just metres from glory, leaving Hayden to pick up his first and only victory outside of the USA, en route to title glory.
2013: 'The Doctor' returns to winning ways as Lorenzo puts in heroic ride
After two years at Ducati, not yielding any victories, Valentino Rossi was back in Yamaha colours for 2013 and instantly back in the top four. However, by the time we had reached Assen, a win eluded him… until the Dutch GP! Vintage Vale rolled back the years to put in a dominant display at one of his legacy venues, proving that he could still be a force. Further behind, though and less than 48 hours after breaking his collarbone, teammate Jorge Lorenzo put in one of MotoGP’s greatest rides to come home with fifth place, a remarkable achievement given the agony he was in.
2015: Rossi and Marquez clash on the last lap
An all-time classic and one of many head-to-heads between two of the best in the business; Rossi led the #93 onto the final lap by 0.4s, but Marc Marquez had other ideas and wasn’t down and out yet. Cutting into Rossi’s advantage, the reigning Champion made an ambitious lunge at the final chicane, leaving ‘The Doctor’ nowhere to go but across the gravel. Rossi took the victory, Marquez in second and another duel between the two for the record books bagged.
2016: Miller wins in the rain
2016 had everything; Yonny Hernandez fell from an unexpected leading position, the rain poured to cause a red flag, and then in the restart, Rossi was the one crashing out from P1. However, in wet conditions, this would be our first glimpse at Jack Miller’s prowess. A flawless ride, he powered through to take victory in just his second season in MotoGP, bringing the Shoey onto the podium for the first time.
2018: Assen at its best
A race-long duel between Rossi, Marquez, Ducati riders Jorge Lorenzo and Andrea Dovizioso, as well as Maverick Viñales, Cal Crutchlow and Suzuki’s Alex Rins, it really was a paint-swapping frenzy at the front. In the end though, it all came down to who would make the break at the right time and this time, it was Marquez, laying down the gauntlet to take victory ahead of Rins and Viñales.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS: more Assen vibes
We couldn’t not include 2005’s last Grand Prix at the ‘old Assen’, nor Valentino Rossi’s epic comeback in 2007 from 11th on the grid to steal victory away from Casey Stoner late on. The Doctor featured again for his 100th Grand Prix win in 2009, whilst Ben Spies’ only MotoGP win came after a dramatic win in 2011. A true classic, 2017 was the last time we’d Rossi #46 on the top step.
That’s not to forget last year’s edition either, with Marc Marquez snatching victory from Marco Bezzecchi – continuing the #93’s impressive run of wins. We’re ready for more this year as we get ready for lights out in Assen!