Team HRC set for challenge of all-new Assen in European season finale
The European portion of the motocross season comes to a close this weekend in the Netherlands, before the final two rounds in Mexico and America next month.
Brand new for 2015, the popular MotoGP circuit Assen will be transformed with 25,000 cubic metres of imported sand creating the man-made track that promises to compliment “The Cathedral’s” synonymous fast flowing turns.
Both Gautier Paulin and Evgeny Bobryshev will be looking to continue their sand track podium form from the previous two events: Lommel and Mantova. With only three rounds left the two Team HRC riders will be looking to consolidate their places in the riders championship.
The new one-event track will be an interesting test for the team and riders, who are looking forward to the challenge presented to them. Bobryshev in particular is eager to compare it to the ‘circuit’ track used two years ago at Lausitzring, Germany.
On track action for the MXGP class starts on Saturday with Free Practice at 1055hrs local time and culminates in Sunday’s two races at 1415hrs and 1710hrs local time.
Roger Harvey
“We go this weekend to another sand track, the third in a row, which for us is good news as we have good form with Bobby on the podium in the sand last weekend and Gautier standing on the podium as well in Belgium. It’s always good going to new tracks, and whilst we’ve done ‘circuit’ races before, taking motocross more to the fans in a purpose built permanent venue like the Assen circuit I think is positive. We know it will be deep sand, but not much more than that so the team will take a look in more detail tomorrow and give their information to the riders, who will then see it on Friday. It’s the last European round of the season with only two overseas races remaining afterwards, so we’re feeling positive to end this good and consistent season on a high."
Gautier Paulin 21
"To have a brand new track is really positive and so nice for the World Championship. All I know is that it will be sandy, but I hope it will be fun. The team will be setting up there tomorrow so I will know more from my mechanic then, and then see for myself during the track walk on Friday. I think it’s amazing to use a different structure for these tracks like the Assen circuit, and even if it’s just a one-race track, it’s very exciting so I’m feeling very positive about it all.”
Evgeny Bobryshev 777
“I’m feeling pretty good at the moment. This track is new for everyone, and it’s another sand track which is good for me as I like the sand and last weekend was another good race. Assen will be a good challenge as it’s the first time there for everyone so we all start from the same place. I hope it doesn’t get as rough as the sand in Lommel was so we can have some good fun riding, and also that there are some nice long straights and fast corners so there will be lots of nice lines and chances to overtake. We last rode a track like this in Germany and it was really good, so I’m looking forward to trying a ‘circuit’ track again.”
Location Information
Assen, The Netherlands - View in Google Maps
