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As the FIM Supersport World Championship heads to TT Circuit Assen, they have a big challenge ahead with no time to rest on their laurels after Round Three at MotorLand Aragon. With three different winners across three different races, there is nothing to split the front runners of one of the most competitive classes of the series. Assen is an iconic circuit which provides stunning racing, and with the fast and flowing nature of the track there will be sparks flying in The Netherlands.

Lucas Mahias (GRT Yamaha Official WorldSSP Team) continues to lead the way in the championship standings despite a tough weekend in Spain which saw the reigning world champion disappointed to leave with a top four position. With two appearances around Assen in WorldSSP, the French rider took second here last season as he title charge really began to take shape. With the bike to beat underneath him, he will be back fighting this weekend.

Rookie to the class, Sandro Cortese (Kallio Racing) stunned the crowds at MotorLand as he secured his first victory in the class, dominating the second half of the race. Finding his feet in the class came easy for the German, but now he must continue with consistency to stay up in the fight. Taking on another track he is familiar with, and has won around in the past, his confidence and pace will take some beating in The Netherlands.

Luke Stapleford (Profile Racing) has impressed in the opening rounds, so much so that he sits in the top five in the championship standings after a strong result in Spain. Following a tough few seasons on board the Triumph machine, his recent results at Phillip Island and MotorLand are proving the British rider has the pace to impress. Taking a top ten here last season, he could be an interesting rider to watch.

Continuing to find his pace with the Honda CBR600RR, Niki Tuuli (CIA Landlord Insurance Honda) is seventh in the championship standings as we head into Round Four of the series, but he is yet to shine with his new team. A podium contender last season, the Young Finnish rider has the pace but is struggling to transfer it to his new team. With tough memories of TT Circuit Assen from last season, he will be working hard to leave with a smile on his face.

Flying the flag for MV Agusta in the series, Raffaele De Rosa (MV Agusta Reparto Corse by Vamag), is getting himself accustomed once again with the series following a year in WorldSBK. Following a tough start so far, the Italian is looking to improve his pace as the European season well and truly begins for the riders. With a tough battle out on track, and the Yamaha’s the bikes to beat, he will relish the challenge ahead of him.  

Australian fan favourite Anthony West (EAB antwest Racing) is the leading Kawasaki machine in the world championship standings, after three solid races to start his season. With a full time ride acquired for the season ahead, he is pleased to have a strong team around him as he hunts down rostrum glory. A tough history in The Netherlands won’t put this Australian off from heading out on track and aiming for the best.

Follow all the WorldSSP action throughout the weekend as everything leads to the lights out, at 11.30LT on Sunday.