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TT Circuit Assen

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The TT Circuit Assen is a motorsport race track built in 1955 and located in Assen, Netherlands. Host of the Dutch TT, it is popularly referred to as "The Cathedral of Speed" by motorcycle racing fans. The venue has the distinction of holding the most Grand Prix motorcycle races every year (except 2020) since the series was created in 1949. It has a capacity of 110,000 spectators, including 60,000 seats. Since 1992, the circuit has also been part of the World SBK calendar except for the 2020 season.

TT Circuit Assen

Configuration for automobile racing

Configuration for motorcycle racing
LocationAssen, Netherlands
Time zoneCET (UTC+1)
CEST (DST)
Coordinates52°57′42″N 6°31′24″E / 52.96167°N 6.52333°E / 52.96167; 6.52333
Capacity110,000
FIA Grade2
OwnerStichting Circuit van Drenthe
Opened11 July 1925; 99 years ago (1925-07-11) (Van Drenthe street circuit)
16 July 1955; 69 years ago (1955-07-16) (modern circuit)
Closed1954 (for street circuit)
Major eventsCurrent:
Grand Prix motorcycle racing
Dutch TT (1949–2019, 2021–present)
World SBK (1992–2019, 2021–present)
Sidecar World Championship (1955–2003, 2005–2008, 2013–2019, 2021–present)
Supercar Challenge (2001–present)
Future:
BSB (2012–2019, 2025)
Former:
FIM EWC (1979–1980, 1995–1996, 2003–2006)
MXGP (2015–2018)
DTM (2019–2021)
ETRC (2004–2005, 2009)
ADAC GT Masters (2008–2011)
Superleague Formula (2010–2011)
Champ Car World Series (2007)
Websitehttp://www.tt-assen.com/
Grand Prix Circuit (2006–present)
Length4.555 km (2.831 miles)
Turns18 (12 right, 6 left)
Race lap record1:17.109 (Ingo Gerstl, Toro Rosso STR1, 2023, F1)
Motorcycle Circuit (2010–present)
Length4.542 km (2.822 miles)
Turns18 (12 right, 6 left)
Race lap record1:31.866 (Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati Desmosedici GP24, 2024, MotoGP)
Grand Prix Circuit (2005)
Length5.997 km (3.726 miles)
Turns25
Race lap record2:00.991 (Valentino Rossi, Yamaha YZR-M1, 2005, MotoGP)
National Circuit (2005)
Length3.851 km (2.393 miles)
Turns16
Race lap record1:18.602 (Martin Hippe, Dallara F303, 2005, F3)
Grand Prix Circuit (2002–2004)
Length6.027 km (3.745 miles)
Turns26
Race lap record1:59.472 (Valentino Rossi, Yamaha YZR-M1, 2004, MotoGP)
National Circuit (2002–2004)
Length3.904 km (2.426 miles)
Turns17
Race lap record1:15.928 (Thomas Holzer, Dallara F302, 2004, F3)
Grand Prix Circuit (1984–2001)
Length6.049 km (3.759 miles)
Turns26
Race lap record2:02.471 (Tadayuki Okada, Honda NSR500, 1999, 500cc)
National Circuit (1981–2001)
Length3.919 km (2.435 miles)
Turns17
Race lap record1:23.110 (Raymond Roche, Ducati 888 SBK, 1992, World SBK)
Grand Prix Circuit (1981–1983)
Length7.685 km (4.775 miles)
Race lap record2:47.470 (Kenny Roberts, Yamaha YZR500, 1983, 500cc)
Grand Prix Circuit (1976–1980)
Length7.717 km (4.796 miles)
Race lap record2:54.500 (Virginio Ferrari, Suzuki RG 500, 1979, 500cc)
Grand Prix Circuit (1955–1975)
Length7.700 km (4.785 miles)
Van Drenthe Circuit (1926–1954)
Length16.536 km (10.275 miles)
Original Circuit (1925)
Length28.400 km (17.650 miles)

History

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Training session in front of the grandstand
 
Main straight
 
Panoramic view of the TT Circuit Assen

The original Assen track was first used for the 1926 Dutch TT (Tourist Trophy) race, after the first 1925 event was held on country roads through the villages of Rolde, Borger, Schoonloo and Grolloo, and organized by the Motorclub Assen en Omstreken. The brick- and semi-paved track had a length of 28.57 km (17.75 mi). The winner was Piet van Wijngaarden on a 500 cc Norton with an average speed of 91.4 km/h (56.8 mph). From 1926 on the Dutch TT was held at Assen on a street circuit through De Haar, Barteldsbocht, Oude Tol, Hooghalen, Laaghalen and Laaghalerveen.

In 1951 the Italian Umberto Masetti took the record on a 500 cc Gilera with an average speed of 162.35 km/h (100.88 mph). In 1954, Geoff Duke of Great Britain reached 170.69 km/h (106.06 mph). The circuit remained unchanged until 1955, when a whole new circuit was built by using a third of the original street circuit, joined with purpose-built sections, but less than a third of the length and much more like a modern road racing circuit.

In the period of 1999–2002, the circuit invested millions in upgrades. In 1999, the circuit management placed a new main grandstand and hospitality buildings. In 2000, a new Race Control tower was built, as well as 34 newly equipped pit boxes, a new media and medical centre. Between September 2001 and April 2002, another €9 million was spent on the enlargement of the paddock area from 40 to 60.000 square metres. This upgrade meant that the Veenslang and Ruskenhoek corners had to be altered. The main straight has also moved about 50 metres eastwards and a new two-lane tunnel now connects the paddock with the main entrance road and the media accreditation / welcome centre. The Mandeveen and Duikersloot corners have been moved back by 10 metres to accommodate larger run-offs and gravel beds at the southern part of the circuit. That part of the track has also been resurfaced with new asphalt. In total, the circuit has been shortened from 6.049 km (3.759 mi) to 6.027 km (3.745 mi). The total cost of these upgrades was €23 million.[1]

In 2005, the grandstand at the Geert Timmer corner was slightly altered. In order to improve the gravel run-off length, the grandstand was made in a 'floating' manner to accommodate the extra space that was needed. The lay-out of the circuit was also slightly altered.[2]

The circuit was fundamentally redesigned again in 2006, becoming the so-called A-Style Assen TT Circuit. All alterations aside, only one section of the circuit is original; the finish line never moved. On 21 September 2009 it was announced that a new chicane will be added, after a request from the A1GP organization,[3] however A1GP was unable to start the 2009–2010 season and as a substitute the Superleague Formula replaced A1GP.

Layout history

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  •  
    Original Dutch TT Van Drenthe Circuit (1926–1954)
  •  
    Grand Prix Circuit (1984–2001)
  •  
    Grand Prix Circuit (2002–2004)
  •  
    Grand Prix Circuit (2005)
  •  
    Grand Prix Circuit (2006–present)
  •  
    Motorcycle Circuit (2010–present)

Current racetrack

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Assen race track was built in 1955, and initially had a length of 7.705 km (4.788 mi). The current track has a length of 4.555 km (2.830 mi) with the mixture of super fast flat-out and slow corners. The longest straight is 560 m (1,840 ft).[4] The curves in Assen were traditionally banked and the surface is extremely grippy, so the riders were able to drive much faster on the course than other circuits. Today these sloped or curved bends have been modified due to safety issues.

Innovation

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On 6 July 2004, the organisation announced plans for an amusement park located to the north of the track. In 2006 the northern loop was removed and the length was shortened to 4.555 km (2.830 mi). The new centre is expected to be visited by 300,000 people, and the total investment is approximately €85 million.

Events

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Current
Future
Former

Lap records

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As of August 2024, the fastest official race lap records at the TT Circuit Assen are listed as:

Category Time Driver Vehicle Event
Grand Prix Circuit: 4.555 km (2006–present)
BOSS GP/F1 1:17.109[5] Ingo Gerstl Toro Rosso STR1 2023 Assen BOSS GP round
BOSS GP/Formula Renault 3.5 1:20.478[5] Antônio Pizzonia Dallara T12 2023 Assen BOSS GP round
Champ Car 1:20.727 Dan Clarke Panoz DP01 2007 Bavaria Champ Car Grand Prix
BOSS GP/GP2 1:23.160[6] Juju Noda Dallara GP2/11 2024 Assen BOSS GP round
Superleague Formula 1:23.547 Yelmer Buurman Panoz DP09 2010 Assen Superleague Formula round
Class 1 Touring Cars 1:26.123[7] Fabio Scherer Audi RS5 Turbo DTM 2020 2020 Assen DTM round
FA1 1:26.831[8] Dani Clos Lola B05/52 2014 Assen FA1 round
Formula Three 1:31.903[9] Markus Pommer Dallara F306 2011 2nd Assen German F3 round
LMP3 1:32.023[10] Jan Marschalkowski Ligier JS P320 2023 Assen Prototype Cup Germany round
Superkart 1:33.059[11] Peter Elkmann Anderson/VM 2020 Dutch Superkart Grand Prix
CN 1:33.364[12] Alex Cascatău[13] Norma M20-FC 2020 2nd Assen GT & Prototype Challenge round
GT3 1:33.743[14] Mike Rockenfeller Audi R8 LMS Evo 2021 Assen DTM round
Formula Renault 2.0 1:34.963[15] Gilles Magnus Tatuus FR2.0/13 2017 Assen Formula Renault NEC round
Formula Regional 1:35.384 Emma Kimiläinen Tatuus F3 T-318 2019 Assen W Series round
MotoGP 1:36.558 Valentino Rossi Yamaha YZR-M1 2009 Dutch TT
Porsche Carrera Cup 1:38.410[16] Larry ten Voorde Porsche 911 (992) GT3 Cup 2023 Assen Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux round
Formula 4 1:38.474[17] Michael Belov Tatuus F4-T014 2018 Assen SMP F4 round
World SBK 1:38.680 Noriyuki Haga Ducati 1098R 2009 Assen World SBK round
Lamborghini Super Trofeo 1:39.034[12] Max Weering [nl] Lamborghini Huracán LP 620-2 Super Trofeo EVO 2020 2nd Supercar Challenge round
250cc 1:40.340 Álvaro Bautista Aprilia RSA 250 2008 Dutch TT
ADAC Formel Masters 1:40.409[18] Dennis Vollmair Dallara Formulino 2009 Assen ADAC Formel Masters round
World SSP 1:40.836 Cal Crutchlow Yamaha YZF-R6 2009 Assen World SSP round
TCR Touring Car 1:43.563[12] Dennis de Borst[19] Hyundai i30 N TCR 2020 2nd Supercar Challenge round
125cc 1:45.098 Sergio Gadea Aprilia RS125R 2006 Dutch TT
GT4 1:45.223[20] Reinhard Kofler [pl] KTM X-Bow GT4 2021 Assen DTM Trophy round
Formula Renault 1.6 1:46.198[21] Anton de Pasquale Signatech FR 1.6 2014 Assen Formula Renault 1.6 NEC round
Pickup truck racing 1:50.118[22] Daniël de Jong MWV6 Pick Up 2014 Assen MW-V6 Pickup Series round
Truck racing 2:10.057[23] Antonio Albacete MAN TGS 2009 Assen ETRC round
Motorcycle Circuit: 4.542 km (2010–present)
MotoGP 1:31.866 Francesco Bagnaia Ducati Desmosedici GP24 2024 Dutch TT
World SBK 1:33.620[24] Álvaro Bautista Ducati Panigale V4 R 2022 Assen World SBK round
Moto2 1:35.977 Sergio García Boscoscuro B-24 2024 Dutch TT
Formula Renault 2.0 1:37.177[25] Steijn Schothorst Tatuus FR2.0/13 2013 Assen Formula Renault 2.0 NEC round
World SSP 1:37.607[26] Nicolò Bulega Ducati Panigale V2 2023 Assen World SSP round
MotoE 1:39.632[27] Alessandro Zaccone Ducati MotoE 2024 Dutch TT
Moto3 1:40.405 Adrián Fernández Honda NSF250RW 2024 Dutch TT
Formula Renault 1.6 1:46.425[28] Roy Geerts [pl] Signatech FR 1.6 2013 Assen Formula Renault 1.6 NEC round
Supersport 300 1:48.952[29] Jeffrey Buis Kawasaki Ninja 400 2023 Assen Supersport 300 round
250cc 1:50.823[30] Kilian Holzer KTM RC4 R 2023 Assen Northern Talent Cup round
Grand Prix Circuit: 5.997 km (2005)
MotoGP 2:00.991 Valentino Rossi Yamaha YZR-M1 2005 Dutch TT
World SBK 2:04.685[31] Chris Vermeulen Honda CBR1000RR 2005 Assen World SBK round
250cc 2:05.191 Sebastián Porto Aprilia RSV 250 2005 Dutch TT
World SSP 2:08.865[32] Katsuaki Fujiwara Honda CBR600RR 2005 Assen World SSP round
125cc 2:13.536 Héctor Faubel Aprilia RS125R 2005 Dutch TT
National Circuit: 3.851 km (2005)
Formula Three 1:18.602[33] Martin Hippe [fr] Dallara F303 2005 Assen German F3 round
Formula Renault 2.0 1:20.762[34] Renger van der Zande Tatuus FR2000 2005 Assen Formula Renault 2.0 Netherlands round
Truck racing 1:52.800[35] Markus Oestreich Volkswagen Titan 2005 Assen ETRC round
Grand Prix Circuit: 6.027 km (2002–2004)
MotoGP 1:59.472 Valentino Rossi Yamaha YZR-M1 2004 Dutch TT
World SBK 2:02.395[36] Colin Edwards Honda VTR1000SP2 2002 Assen World SBK round
250cc 2:03.469 Dani Pedrosa Honda RS250R 2004 Dutch TT
World SSP 2:06.922[37] Katsuaki Fujiwara Suzuki GSX600R 2003 Assen World SSP round
125cc 2:10.123 Jorge Lorenzo Derbi RSA 125 2004 Dutch TT
National Circuit: 3.904 km (2002–2004)
Formula Three 1:15.928[38] Thomas Holzer Dallara F302 2004 Assen German F3 round
Formula Renault 2.0 1:18.067[39] Pascal Kochem [nl] Tatuus FR2000 2004 Assen Formula Renault 2000 Germany round
Grand Prix Circuit: 6.049 km (1984–2001)
500cc 2:02.471 Tadayuki Okada Honda NSR500 1999 Dutch TT
World SBK 2:03.914[40] Carl Fogarty Ducati 996 RS 1999 Assen World SBK round
250cc 2:05.696 Valentino Rossi Aprilia RSV 250 1999 Dutch TT
World SSP 2:08.748[41] James Whitham Yamaha YZF-R6 2001 Assen World SSP round
125cc 2:13.225 Noboru Ueda Honda RS125R 1999 Dutch TT
80cc 2:30.790 Ian McConnachie [nl] Krauser 80 1986 Dutch TT
National Circuit: 3.919 km (1981–2001)
World SBK 1:23.110[42] Raymond Roche Ducati 888 SBK 1992 Assen World SBK round
Super Touring 1:27.325[43] Laurent Aïello Peugeot 406 1996 Assen STW round
Grand Prix Circuit: 7.685 km (1981–1983)
500cc 2:47.470 Kenny Roberts Yamaha YZR500 1983 Dutch TT
250cc 2:57.790 Carlos Lavado Yamaha TZ 250 1983 Dutch TT
125cc 3:05.620 Ángel Nieto Garelli 125 GP 1983 Dutch TT
50cc 3:24.870 Eugenio Lazzarini Garelli 50 GP 1983 Dutch TT
Grand Prix Circuit: 7.717 km (1976–1980)
500cc 2:54.500 Virginio Ferrari Suzuki RG 500 1979 Dutch TT
350cc 3:02.500 Patrick Fernandez Yamaha TZ 350 1977 Dutch TT
250cc 3:02.800 Kork Ballington Kawasaki KR250 1979 Dutch TT
125cc 3:13.200 Ángel Nieto Minarelli 125 GP 1979 Dutch TT
50cc 3:33.500 Eugenio Lazzarini Kreidler 50 GP 1977 Dutch TT

See also

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Notes

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References

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  1. ^ Sports, Dorna. "TT Circuit Assen invests € 9 million in safety, paddock-area and new asphalt | MotoGP™". www.motogp.com.
  2. ^ Sports, Dorna. "Safety upgrades | MotoGP™". www.motogp.com.
  3. ^ (in Dutch) Dagblad van het Noorden Archived 17 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine
  4. ^ "Assen overview". netherlodger.com.
  5. ^ a b "2023 JACK'S Racing Day - BOSS GP - Final Results Race 2" (PDF). 13 August 2023. Retrieved 13 August 2023.
  6. ^ "Jacks Racing Day 2024 - BOSS GP - Final Result Race 2" (PDF). 4 August 2024. Retrieved 4 August 2024.
  7. ^ "DTM 2020 » TT Circuit Assen Grand Prix Round 7 Results". 5 September 2020. Retrieved 23 March 2023.
  8. ^ "2014 Assen Acceleration FA1". Motor Sport Magazine. 19 October 2014. Retrieved 13 June 2021.
  9. ^ "2011 Assen German F3". Motor Sport Magazine. 18 September 2011. Retrieved 24 April 2022.
  10. ^ "2023 ADAC Hansa Pokal - Prototype Cup Germany Revision 1 - Provisional Result Rennen 2" (PDF). 3 September 2023. Retrieved 8 September 2023.
  11. ^ "GAMMA Racing Day 2020 - Dutch GP Superkarts - Revision 1 - Uitslag van Race 1" (PDF). 26 September 2020. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
  12. ^ a b c "Benelux Assen 2020". 27 September 2020. Retrieved 1 January 2023.
  13. ^ "Alex Cascatău - Driver Database". Archived from the original on 1 January 2023. Retrieved 13 August 2023.
  14. ^ "2021 DTM Assen Race 2 Statistics". 19 September 2021. Retrieved 6 January 2023.
  15. ^ "2017 Formula Renault Northern Cup Assen (Race 2)". 6 August 2017. Retrieved 5 July 2022.
  16. ^ "JACK'S Racing Days 2023 - Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux - Final Result Race 2" (PDF). 13 August 2023. Retrieved 13 August 2023.
  17. ^ "HANKOOK Finalerace Assen 2018 - NEZ F4 - Final Results Race 1" (PDF). 20 October 2018. Retrieved 5 January 2022.
  18. ^ "2009 Assen ADAC Masters Weekend - Formel ADAC - Race 2" (PDF). 10 May 2009. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
  19. ^ "Dennis de Borst - Driver Database". Archived from the original on 31 December 2022. Retrieved 13 August 2023.
  20. ^ "DTM Trophy Assen 2021". 19 September 2021. Retrieved 1 January 2023.
  21. ^ "Gamma Racing Day 2014 - NEC Formula Renault 1.6 - Race 2" (PDF). 3 August 2014. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
  22. ^ "Finale Races Assen 2014 - MW-V6 Pickup - Race 1" (PDF). 18 October 2014. Retrieved 18 May 2024.
  23. ^ "2009 ADAC Masters Weekend - FIA European TRC - Championship Race 3". 8 May 2009. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
  24. ^ "World SBK - Motul Dutch Round, 22-24 April 2022 - Results Tissot Superpole Race" (PDF). World Superbike. Dorna. 24 April 2022. Retrieved 24 April 2022.
  25. ^ "Gamma Racing Day 2013 - NEC Formula Renault 2.0 - Race 2" (PDF). 4 August 2013. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
  26. ^ "World SSP - Pirelli DOC Dutch Round, 21-23 April 2023 - Results Race 2" (PDF). World Superbike. Dorna. 23 April 2023. Retrieved 23 April 2023.
  27. ^ "2024 MotoE - Motul TT Assen - Race Nr.2 - Classification after 7 laps = 31.794 km" (PDF). MotoGP. Dorna. 29 June 2024. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
  28. ^ "Gamma Racing Day 2013 - NEC Formula Renault 1.6 - Race 1" (PDF). 3 August 2013. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
  29. ^ "Supersport 300 - Pirelli Dutch Round, 21-23 April 2023 - Results Race 1" (PDF). World Superbike. Dorna. 22 April 2023. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
  30. ^ "Pirelli Dutch Round, 21-23 April 2023 Northern Talent Cup Results Race 2" (PDF). 23 April 2023. Retrieved 13 August 2023.
  31. ^ "Assen 2-3-4 September, 2005 - Superbike - Results Race 1" (PDF). World Superbike. Dorna. 4 September 2005. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
  32. ^ "Assen 2-3-4 September, 2005 - Supersport - Results Race" (PDF). World Superbike. Dorna. 4 September 2005. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
  33. ^ "2005 Assen German F3 - Round 14". Motor Sport Magazine. 7 August 2005. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
  34. ^ "2005 Formula Renault 2000 Netherlands Assen (Race 2)". 7 August 2005. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
  35. ^ "2005 DKV Dutch Truck Grand Prix - Super Race Trucks - Race 2 SRT/RT". 7 May 2005. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
  36. ^ "Assen 6-7-8 September, 2002 - Superbike - Results Race 1" (PDF). World Superbike. Dorna. 8 September 2002. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  37. ^ "Assen 5-6-7 September, 2003 - Supersport - Results Race" (PDF). World Superbike. Dorna. 7 September 2003. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
  38. ^ "2004 Assen German F3". Motor Sport Magazine. 23 May 2004. Retrieved 26 May 2022.
  39. ^ "2004 Formula Renault 2000 Germany Assen (Race 2)". 23 May 2004. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
  40. ^ "1999-09-03 to 1999-09-05 - World Superbike - Dutch Round Race 1". 5 September 1999. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  41. ^ "ASSEN - 7-8-9 September, 2001 - Results Aggregate". 9 September 2001. Archived from the original on 7 February 2015. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  42. ^ "1992-09-11 to 1992-09-13 - World Superbike - Dutch Round Race 2". 13 September 1992. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
  43. ^ "STW Cup 1996 » TT Circuit Assen National Round 4 Results". 19 May 1996. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
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