MICHELIN ENTERS THE “CATHEDRAL” FOR THE TRADITIONAL DUTCH TT
Heading north for the eighth round of the MotoGP World ChampionshipTM and the historic TT Assen Circuit in the Netherlands where the race is scheduled in July for the first time since 1955.
The Dutch TT – according to its official name – has been organized since 1925. This year is the 88e editing. This race became a Grand Prix in 1949 when the championship was created and it is the only meeting that remained on the calendar without interruption during the seven decades spanning the motorcycle championship. The short circuit was built in 1955. Originally it measured 7,705 km – before that the event took place on roads open to traffic and in the streets of Assen and the surrounding villages – and after several modifications , it now covers 4,542 km. It includes six left turns and twelve right turns. Assen is one of the most popular circuits in the world, it is the “Cathedral” of motorcycle racing. Its fast curves and bankings make it one of the drivers' favorite circuits.
Assen isn't really harsh on the front tires, so the symmetrical soft, medium and hard MICHELIN Power Slicks won't be pushed to their limits like on other circuits, but it's not the same story for the rears. On this technical track and these fast curves, the rear MICHELIN Power Slicks, in soft, medium and hard asymmetrical versions, will be in great demand. The harder right side will have to withstand the high temperatures and the stresses induced by the numerous rapid right turns.
The Dutch round of the championship is the northernmost of the season and Assen is also renowned for its rainy weather conditions. In this case, the MICHELIN Power Rain are available in soft and medium for the front and rear, the latter having an asymmetrical design with a harder right side, as on the slick version.
First “mass” at the “Cathedral” for Michelin and the MotoGP paddock on Friday June 29 with two free practice sessions. Qualifying is scheduled for Saturday afternoon and will determine grid positions for the 26-lap race. The start will be given on a Sunday – only for the third time in the history of this race – on 1er July at 14:00 p.m. local time. The riders will then set off for an exciting new chapter in this temple of motorcycle speed.
Piero Taramasso – Michelin Motorsport Two-Wheel Manager:
“Assen is one of the most popular circuits for drivers, but because they love it so much, that doesn't make our job any easier! In fact, they have high demands and a lot of expectations because they all want to perform on this legendary circuit. It's a very technical track and the way you approach a curve can have consequences on performance and position further down the circuit. Riders want good rear grip for long, fast turns, but they also expect good responsiveness from the asymmetrical rears for quick angle changes on this narrow track. There are always risks with the weather in Assen, so you have to prepare for them with a range that covers all hypotheses and allows everyone to find the right tire for the race whatever the weather. This is what we have planned with our tire allocation in order to cover all situations. »
