Watch MotoGP Dutch TT Assen — Practice 2 Free.

What's at Stake

This afternoon session at the "Cathedral of Speed" is the most critical hour of the weekend, as it determines which ten riders secure a direct entry into Saturday's Qualifying 2. With Assen’s high-speed changes of direction making overtaking difficult in the lower classes, securing a top-ten spot now is essential to avoid the unpredictable knockout risks of Qualifying 1 and to ensure a competitive grid position for both the Sprint and the Grand Prix.

Form Guide

Heading into the Dutch TT, the momentum typically sits with the high-speed specialists who excel at maintaining corner entry speed. Recent rounds have shown a tightening at the top of the standings, with the leading factory teams finding significant gains in aerodynamic stability. Historically, riders who perform well at fast, flowing circuits like Mugello tend to carry that confidence into Assen, where precision through the final chicane often decides the session leaders.

Key Players to Watch

• Francesco Bagnaia — The Italian has a formidable record at Assen and relies on his late-braking stability to master the technical final sector.
• Jorge Martín — Known for his explosive single-lap pace, he is a perennial favorite to lead the timing screens during the final soft-tire time attacks.
• Maverick Viñales — Often referred to as a specialist at this track, his ability to carry high mid-corner speed suits the sweeping nature of the Dutch circuit perfectly.

Prediction

Expect the session to be dominated by the factory Ducati and Aprilia entries, as their chassis balance is best suited for the rapid transitions of the back straight. Francesco Bagnaia is the favorite to top the standings, using his experience to clock a late flyer that breaks the lap record. The battle for the final transfer spots will likely come down to the final two minutes, with several independent riders separated by less than a tenth of a second.