TT Circuit Assen is an important circuit for the Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team, and has special memories for both the team and riders. Nicky Hayden (Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team) has stood on the podium at the Dutch circuit in both the MOTUL FIM World Superbike and MotoGP™ class, and hopes to feel comfortable aboard his Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2.

With the changeable weather conditions in mind, The American is keen to get on track and enjoy riding his machine, as he explains: “I look forward to racing at Assen. It’s a track with a lot of history and it’s the home circuit for the team so, after the difficulties we experienced in Aragón almost a month ago, we’ll try to have a bit more fun here. It’s a very fast and flowing track and a lot comes down to the last chicane, where a lot of races are decided. As usual at this time of the year, the weather plays a key role in the weekend: looking at the forecast it seems like it’ll be very variable, so we have to take advantage of every condition and be ready for anything. Let’s see what we can do: hopefully we’ll be able to secure some results we can be happy about.”

German team-mate Stefan Bradl has had a more tough time around the circuit in the past in his MotoGP™ career, but he is looking forward to trying out the new for 2017 Fireblade around the fast and flowing circuit.

Despite a tough past, Bradl is feeling he can make a good step around the 4.5km circuit: “I’m looking forward to Assen. It’s going to be an important race not only for the team, but also for us riders because it’s a new round and our goal is to do better than the last one. It’s good to get back on the bike; I hope the weather is not going to be too unkind to us, in order to make the most of our time on track and see how the bike performs at this track, which is quite different to the ones we have already raced on this year. Hopefully, we can make a step forward so we’ll see how it goes.”

As the pair hope to put on a show and make some steps in front of the Dutch fans, you can follow their progress with the WorldSBK VideoPass, by clicking here. On track action begins at 9:45LT (GMT +2), as riders head out for the first free practise session of the weekend.