MotoGP arrives this weekend at the legendary Assen circuit, the venue for the tenth round of the world championship. But this time, Friday's first free practice sessions won't just be about finding the right setup. They will mark the beginning of a new chapter in a season that has been turned upside down in the space of two Grands Prix.
Because between Balaton Park, Brno And with the successive announcements in the rider market, the MotoGP landscape has been completely transformed. In the space of a few days, Marc Marquez has once again become a credible contender for the world title, Ducati has secured its future until 2028, Aprilia saw much of its championship lead evaporate and Pedro Acosta has officially joined the Borgo Panigale manufacturer to form, starting next season, the most anticipated duo on the grid. This, not to mention the announcement of a bagnaia leaving for Aprilia ...
It's safe to say that the Dutch weekend opens in an electric atmosphere. Just two weeks ago, the situation seemed almost hopeless for Marc MarquezOn the evening of Mugello, the driver Ducati accused 102 points behind on Marco BezzecchiTwo races later, the scenario is unrecognizable.
Thanks to two consecutive victories, first in Balaton Park then BrnoThe Spaniard reduced his deficit to just forty pointsA spectacular comeback made possible by his return to the forefront, but also by the difficulties encountered at Aprilia.
Even more impressive, this resurgence comes at a time when Ducati continues to explain that Marquez He still doesn't pilot with his full physical capabilities. Davide Tardozzi he reminded everyone again after Brno The Catalan driver remains hampered in right-hand corners and continues to protect his arm and shoulder. Despite this, he wins. This completely changes the dynamics of the championship battle.
Ducati sends a strong message from Assen until 2028
As if to accompany this sporting resurgence, Ducati This week also dispelled any remaining doubts about its leader. The Italian manufacturer has officially extended Marc Marquez until the end of the 2028 season. A decision that goes far beyond the simple contractual aspect.
By offering its champion two additional years, Borgo Panigale is clearly stating that its entire sporting strategy will revolve around him during the transition to the new 850cc regulations. The message is crystal clear: Ducati is building its future around him. Marquez.
A few hours after officially announcing Marquez's contract extension, Ducati also confirmed what the entire paddock was expecting: Peter Acosta replace Francis Bagnaia from 2027. The Italian manufacturer will thus bring together the two most sought-after drivers of their generation.
Acosta himself makes no secret of his enthusiasm. He's finishing his career and I'm starting mine. This will be an excellent opportunity for me. " explained the Murcian driver, determined to take advantage of the experience of Marquez before attempting, one day, to succeed him.
The generational duel that the entire MotoGP community has been waiting for for several years will finally become a reality… but under the same colors. Faced with Ducati's rise to power, Aprilia They arrive at Assen in a much more delicate context. From a sporting perspective, the Noale-based brand remains competitive. Psychologically, however, the last two Grands Prix have taken their toll.
It all started in HungaryAn error of George Martin The first braking maneuver caused a spectacular multi-rider crash. The Spaniard immediately admitted his responsibility, while Massimo rivola described this mistake as " unworthy of a world champion This collision subsequently earned him a double Long Lap penalty at Brno.
Then came the Czech weekend. This time, it was Marco Bezzecchi who found himself at the center of the controversy after shoving and then slapping a track marshal as his motorcycle was spinning out of control in the gravel trap after his fall during the Sprint.
Despite the pilot's apologies and the appeal filed by ApriliaThe sanction remained unchanged: exclusion from the Grand Prix. An absence that proved very costly for the championship leader. Until recently, it was Ducati who seemed to be running after ApriliaThe balance of power has shifted.
Bezzecchi still maintains its lead in the championship, but its advantage has been considerably reduced. George Martin stay in contact. Fabio Di Giannantonio also continues its climb. And above all, Marc Marquez has once again become a permanent threat.
Massimo rivola He himself acknowledged this with a certain lucidity: ducatia su su par le misfortunes d'Aprilia while continuing the development of its Desmosedici. At AssenTherefore, it's no longer just points that will be at stake. Each session will allow us to measure whether... Aprilia is capable of interrupting this dynamic, or if, on the contrary, the machine Ducati is definitely launched.
Assen may be the start of a new championship. The "Temple of Speed" has often marked turning points in MotoGP history. This edition might be no exception. On one hand, a Marc Marquez Reinvigorated by two victories, now secured until 2028 and driven by a project that will soon expand with Peter Acosta. On the other, a Aprilia forced to react after two weekends marked as much by mistakes as by controversies.
Friday's first free practice sessions will obviously not crown any champions. But they will provide a crucial first indication: whether the spectacular comeback of Marc Marquez Was it just a one-off feat… or the true starting point of a completely revitalized second half of the season? A good reason not to miss a thing this Dutch Friday, here's the schedule:
Assen Program MotoGP 2026 Dutch Grand Prix
Friday June 26
Free Practice 1 Moto3 09:00-09:35 PM
Free Practice 1 Moto2 09:50-10:30 PM
Free Practice 1 MotoGP 10:45-11:30
Essais Moto3 13:15-13:50
Essais Moto2 14:05-14:45
MotoGP Tests 15:00-16:00
