Watch MotoGP Dutch TT Assen — Practice 1 Free.

What's at Stake

The Dutch TT at Assen, known as the Cathedral of Speed, remains one of the most prestigious stops on the MotoGP calendar. As the season approaches its midpoint, Practice 1 is critical for establishing a baseline setup on a high-speed, technical circuit where precision is vital for championship contenders looking to solidify their standings.

Form Guide

Heading into the Dutch round, the momentum typically sits with the factory Ducati riders who have dominated recent European rounds. However, Aprilia and KTM have shown significant gains in high-speed stability, making them strong threats at a venue that rewards fluid cornering and rapid changes of direction.

Key Players to Watch

• Francesco Bagnaia — The Italian has a formidable record at Assen and relies on his technical mastery to set the pace early in the weekend.
• Jorge Martin — Known for his explosive speed, the Spaniard often uses the opening practice sessions to exert pressure on his title rivals.
• Maverick Viñales — A specialist at the Dutch track, his smooth riding style is perfectly suited to the sweeping curves of the historic circuit.

Prediction

Expect the factory Ducatis to lead the timing sheets by the end of the session as they refine their electronics for the fast sectors. Francesco Bagnaia is the favorite to top Practice 1, utilizing his familiarity with the track's layout to find an immediate rhythm. Tight gaps across the top ten are likely given the high-grip nature of the Assen surface.