2018 Assen MotoGP Preview – Who Will Win at the “Cathedral?”
The 2018 Dutch TT marks the 70th anniversary of Grand Prix World Championship motorcycle racing at the iconic TT Circuit Assen.This year’s championship is creating much history itself, and 2018 Assen MotoGP can make or break some riders based on what happens during Sunday’s 26-lap GP.
Following are some pre-race stats to get the adrenaline flowing for round eight of 19 in 2018 MotoGP.Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi1. Assen is the only venue that has hosted a GP every year since the World Championship began in 1949. This year’s Dutch TT marks the 70th anniversary of GP motorcycle racing, and the track has hosted 265 GPs across all classes since 1949.2. The current layout – 2.82 miles and 18 corners – has been used since 2006.3. The Assen TT was known for hosting the only Saturday race of the modern era of MotoGP that began in 2002, but that changed in 2016 when the race was moved to Sundays.4. The most successful rider at Assen is Angel Nieto, who claimed 15 swins across 125cc and 500cc classes. Next up is Giacomo Agostini with 14.5. The most successful modern rider is Valentino Rossi who has 10 wins in Assen across all classes, including eight in MotoGP. Seven of those premier-class wins were with Yamaha, the other with Honda.6. Movistar Yamaha MotoGP pilot Rossi won last year’s Dutch TT, finishing a mere 0.063 seconds ahead of Octo Pramac Racing Ducati’s Danilo Petrucci, who replaces Jorge Lorenzo on the factory Ducati in 2019. Finishing third was Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez, the reigning MotoGP Champ.Honda’s Marc Marquez7. Speaking of Marquez, he has finished on the podium at Assen every season since joining the premier class in 2013, including a win in 2014.8. So far this season Marquez has five podiums that includes three wins that occurred consecutively – Austin, Jerez, Le Mans.9. Heading into Assen, Marquez has 115 points – 27 points ahead of Rossi. In third, 37 points behind is Rossi’s teammate Mavericak Vinales.10. As Marquez and Rossi look for wins, their biggest threat is Ducati Team’s Jorge Lorenzo, who has signed with Repsol Honda for 2019/2020 MotoGP. Lorenzo has won the past two rounds in Mugello and Catalunya. The four-time MotoGP Champion is seventh in points after seven rounds – 49 off the lead, and has achieved 112 total podiums (across all classes), tying him in second with Dani Pedrosa. Rossi has the most with 195.11. If Lorenzo wins in Assen, he will become the only rider since Casey Stoner to win three-consecutive races aboard a Ducati.12. Ducati only has one win at Assen – 2008 with Casey Stoner at the controls of the GP8.Ducati’s Jorge Lorenzo13. Lorenzo only has one premier-class win in Assen – 2010 (Yamaha). But Assen is the track that showed Lorenzo’s strength both mentally and physically – in 2013 be broke his collarbone during practice, but raced and finished fifth.14. The Assen TT gets underway Friday with free practice ahead of Saturday qualifying and Sunday’s race. The Dutch TT is scheduled for 8 a.m. EDT. For TV times, visit 2018 MotoGP TV Schedule.
2018 MotoGP Point Standings (after 7 of 19 rounds)
Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory + Steve ’Stavros’ Parrish
byMotos and Friends by Ultimate Motorcycle
Hello everyone and welcome once again to Ultimate Motorcycling’s weekly podcast—Motos and Friends. My name is Arthur Coldwells.
Our first segment features the new Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory. Senior Editor Nic de Sena brings us his report on the flagship version of Aprilia’s upright middleweight machine. He gives us insight into whether it’s worth spending the extra money on the Factory version, and also of course, whether this sporting Aprilia is really the motorcycle for you.
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The next guest segment of Motos and Friends is brought to you by the faster and most technologically advanced, 2023 Suzuki Hayabusa—one of the most iconic sportbikes ever. Check it out in person at your local Suzuki dealer now, or visit suzukicycles.com to learn more.
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In this segment, Associate Editor Teejay Adams chats with (arguably) one of the most interesting Suzuki race riders of all time. the iconic RG500 alongside teammate double World Champion Barry Sheene. The two were almost as famous for their exploits off-track, as for their success on it. Those were the days! Steve also raced the Isle of Man TT for about ten years where he won 13 Silver Replicas, and got a podium finish. His insight into that particular brand of mayhem are fascinating.
But there’s waaay more to Steve Parrish than his motorcycle racing. He is also the most successful Semi-Truck racer ever, and, little known piece of useless trivia—he’s my birthday twin: 24th February. He is a natural entertainer and you can’t miss his recounting of the world’s most entertaining—and arguably terrifying—double-decker bus ride ever. If any of you were actually on that hell-ride then we’d love to hear from you!