TT Circuit Assen

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Wikipedia

TT Circuit Assen
Grand Prix Circuit (2006–present)
Motorcycle Circuit (2010–present)
LocationAssen, Drenthe, Netherlands
Coordinates52°57′42″N 6°31′24″E / 52.96167°N 6.52333°E / 52.96167; 6.52333
Capacity110,000
FIA Grade2
OwnerStichting Circuit van Drenthe
Opened11 July 1925; 100 years ago (1925-07-11) (as Van Drenthe Street Circuit)
16 July 1955; 70 years ago (1955-07-16) (as Modern Circuit)
Closed1954 (for Van Drenthe Street Circuit)
Major eventsCurrent:
Grand Prix motorcycle racing
Dutch TT (1949–2019, 2021–present)
World SBK (1992–2019, 2021–present)
Sidecar World Championship (1955–2003, 2005–2008, 2013–2019, 2021–present)
Eurocup-3 (2025)
BSB (2012–2019, 2025)
Supercar Challenge (2001–present)
Former:
FIM EWC (1979–1980, 1995–1996, 2003–2006)
MXGP (2015–2018)
DTM (2019–2021)
ETRC (2004–2005, 2009)
ADAC GT Masters (2008–2011)
Superleague Formula (2010–2011)
Champ Car World Series (2007)
Motocross World Championship (2015-2018)
Websitehttp://www.tt-assen.com/
Grand Prix Circuit (2006–present)
Length4.555 km (2.830 mi)
Turns18
Race lap record1:17.109 (Austria Ingo Gerstl, Toro Rosso STR1, 2023, BOSS GP/F1)
Motorcycle Circuit (2010–present)
Length4.542 km (2.822 mi)
Turns18
Race lap record1:31.866 (Italy Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati Desmosedici GP24, 2024, MotoGP)
Grand Prix Circuit (2005)
Length5.997 km (3.726 mi)
Turns25
Race lap record2:00.991 (Italy Valentino Rossi, Yamaha YZR-M1, 2005, MotoGP)
National Circuit (2005)
Length3.851 km (2.393 mi)
Turns16
Race lap record1:18.602 (Germany Martin Hippe [fr], Dallara F303, 2005, F3)
Grand Prix Circuit (2002–2004)
Length6.027 km (3.745 mi)
Turns26
Race lap record1:59.472 (Italy Valentino Rossi, Yamaha YZR-M1, 2004, MotoGP)
National Circuit (2002–2004)
Length3.904 km (2.426 mi)
Turns17
Race lap record1:15.928 (Germany Thomas Holzer, Dallara F302, 2004, F3)
Grand Prix Circuit (1984–2001)
Length6.049 km (3.759 mi)
Turns26
Race lap record2:02.471 (Japan Tadayuki Okada, Honda NSR500, 1999, 500cc)
National Circuit (1981–2001)
Length3.919 km (2.435 mi)
Turns17
Race lap record1:23.110 (France Raymond Roche, Ducati 888 SBK, 1992, World SBK)
Grand Prix Circuit (1981–1983)
Length7.685 km (4.775 mi)
Race lap record2:47.470 (United States Kenny Roberts, Yamaha YZR500, 1983, 500cc)
Grand Prix Circuit (1976–1980)
Length7.717 km (4.795 mi)
Race lap record2:54.500 (Italy Virginio Ferrari, Suzuki RG 500, 1979, 500cc)
Grand Prix Circuit (1955–1975)
Length7.700 km (4.785 mi)
Race lap record2:55.500 (United Kingdom Barry Sheene, Suzuki RG 500, 1975, 500cc)
Van Drenthe Circuit (1926–1954)
Length16.536 km (10.275 mi)
Race lap record5:49.400 (United Kingdom Geoff Duke, Gilera Saturno [it], 1954, 500cc)
Original Circuit (1925)
Length28.400 km (17.647 mi)

The TT Circuit Assen is a motorsport race track built in 1955 and located in Assen, Netherlands. Host of the Dutch TT, it is popularly referred to as "The Cathedral of Speed" by motorcycle racing fans. The venue has the distinction of holding the most Grand Prix motorcycle races every year (except 2020) since the series was created in 1949. It has a capacity of 110,000 spectators, including 60,000 seats. Since 1992, the circuit has also been part of the World SBK calendar except for the 2020 season.

History

Geert Timmer Tribune
Main straight
Panoramic view of the TT Circuit Assen

The original Assen track was first used for the 1926 Dutch TT (Tourist Trophy) race, after the first 1925 event was held on country roads through the villages of Rolde, Borger, Schoonloo and Grolloo, and organized by the Motorclub Assen en Omstreken. The brick- and semi-paved track had a length of 28.57 km (17.75 mi). The winner was Piet van Wijngaarden on a 500 cc Norton with an average speed of 91.4 km/h (56.8 mph). From 1926 on the Dutch TT was held at Assen on a street circuit through De Haar, Barteldsbocht, Oude Tol, Hooghalen, Laaghalen and Laaghalerveen.

In 1951 the Italian Umberto Masetti took the record on a 500 cc Gilera with an average speed of 162.35 km/h (100.88 mph). In 1954, Geoff Duke of Great Britain reached 170.69 km/h (106.06 mph). The circuit remained unchanged until 1955, when a whole new circuit was built by using a third of the original street circuit, joined with purpose-built sections, but less than a third of the length and much more like a modern road racing circuit.

In the period of 1999–2002, the circuit invested millions in upgrades. In 1999, the circuit management placed a new main grandstand and hospitality buildings. In 2000, a new Race Control tower was built, as well as 34 newly equipped pit boxes, a new media and medical centre. Between September 2001 and April 2002, another €9 million was spent on the enlargement of the paddock area from 40 to 60.000 square metres. This upgrade meant that the Veenslang and Ruskenhoek corners had to be altered. The main straight has also moved about 50 m (160 ft) eastwards and a new two-lane tunnel now connects the paddock with the main entrance road and the media accreditation / welcome centre. The Mandeveen and Duikersloot corners have been moved back by 10 metres to accommodate larger run-offs and gravel beds at the southern part of the circuit. That part of the track has also been resurfaced with new asphalt. In total, the circuit has been shortened from 6.049 to 6.027 km (3.759 to 3.745 mi). The total cost of these upgrades was €23 million.[1]

In 2005, the grandstand at the Geert Timmer corner was slightly altered. In order to improve the gravel run-off length, the grandstand was made in a 'floating' manner to accommodate the extra space that was needed. The lay-out of the circuit was also slightly altered.[2]

The circuit was fundamentally redesigned again in 2006, becoming the so-called A-Style Assen TT Circuit. All alterations aside, only one section of the circuit is original; the finish line never moved. On 21 September 2009 it was announced that a new chicane will be added, after a request from the A1GP organization,[3] however A1GP was unable to start the 2009–2010 season and as a substitute the Superleague Formula replaced A1GP.

Layout history

Current racetrack

Assen race track was built in 1955, and initially had a length of 7.705 km (4.788 mi). The current track has a length of 4.555 km (2.830 mi) with the mixture of super fast flat-out and slow corners. The longest straight is 560 m (1,840 ft).[4] The curves in Assen were traditionally banked and the surface is extremely grippy, so the riders were able to drive much faster on the course than other circuits. Today these sloped or curved bends have been modified due to safety issues.

Innovation

On 6 July 2004, the organisation announced plans for an amusement park located to the north of the track. In 2006 the northern loop was removed and the length was shortened to 4.555 km (2.830 mi). The new centre is expected to be visited by 300,000 people, and the total investment is approximately €85 million.

Events

Current
Former

Lap records

As of September 2025, the fastest official race lap records at the TT Circuit Assen are listed as:

CategoryTimeDriverVehicleEvent
Grand Prix Circuit: 4.555 km (2006–present)
BOSS GP/F11:17.109[5]Ingo GerstlToro Rosso STR12023 Assen BOSS GP round
BOSS GP/Formula Renault 3.51:20.478[5]Antônio PizzoniaDallara T122023 Assen BOSS GP round
Champ Car1:20.727Dan ClarkePanoz DP012007 Bavaria Champ Car Grand Prix
BOSS GP/GP21:22.896[6]Simone ColomboDallara GP2/112025 Assen BOSS GP round
Superleague Formula1:23.547Yelmer BuurmanPanoz DP092010 Assen Superleague Formula round
Class 1 Touring Cars1:26.123[7]Fabio SchererAudi RS5 Turbo DTM 20202020 Assen DTM round
FA11:26.831[8]Dani ClosLola B05/522014 Assen FA1 round
Formula Regional1:31.528[9]Valerio RinicellaTatuus F3 T-318-EC32025 Assen Eurocup-3 round
Formula Three1:31.903[10]Markus PommerDallara F3062011 2nd Assen German F3 round
LMP31:32.023[11]Jan MarschalkowskiLigier JS P3202023 Assen Prototype Cup Germany round
Superkart1:33.059[12]Peter ElkmannAnderson/VM2020 Dutch Superkart Grand Prix
CN1:33.364[13]Alex Cascatău[14]Norma M20-FC2020 2nd Assen GT & Prototype Challenge round
GT31:33.743[15]Mike RockenfellerAudi R8 LMS Evo2021 Assen DTM round
Formula Renault 2.01:34.963[16]Gilles MagnusTatuus FR2.0/132017 Assen Formula Renault NEC round
Porsche Carrera Cup1:38.410[17]Larry ten VoordePorsche 911 (992) GT3 Cup2023 Assen Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux round
Formula 41:38.474[18]Michael BelovTatuus F4-T0142018 Assen SMP F4 round
World SBK1:38.680Noriyuki HagaDucati 1098R2009 Assen World SBK round
Lamborghini Super Trofeo1:39.034[13]Max Weering [nl]Lamborghini Huracán LP 620-2 Super Trofeo EVO2020 2nd Assen Supercar Challenge round
250cc1:40.340Álvaro BautistaAprilia RSA 2502008 Dutch TT
ADAC Formel Masters1:40.409[19]Dennis VollmairDallara Formulino2009 Assen ADAC Formel Masters round
World SSP1:40.836Cal CrutchlowYamaha YZF-R62009 Assen World SSP round
TCR Touring Car1:43.563[13]Dennis de Borst[20]Hyundai i30 N TCR2020 2nd Assen Supercar Challenge round
125cc1:45.098Sergio GadeaAprilia RS125R2006 Dutch TT
GT41:45.223[21]Reinhard Kofler [pl]KTM X-Bow GT42021 Assen DTM Trophy round
Formula Renault 1.61:46.198[22]Anton de PasqualeSignatech FR 1.62014 Assen Formula Renault 1.6 NEC round
Pickup truck racing1:50.118[23]Daniël de JongMWV6 Pick Up2014 Assen MW-V6 Pickup Series round
Truck racing2:10.057[24]Antonio AlbaceteMAN TGS2009 Assen ETRC round
Motorcycle Circuit: 4.542 km (2010–present)
MotoGP1:31.866Francesco BagnaiaDucati Desmosedici GP242024 Dutch TT
World SBK1:33.581[25]Nicolò BulegaDucati Panigale V4 R2025 Assen World SBK round
Moto21:35.580Diogo MoreiraKalex Moto22025 Dutch TT
World SSP1:36.952[26]Stefano ManziYamaha YZF-R92025 Assen World SSP round
Formula Renault 2.01:37.177[27]Steijn SchothorstTatuus FR2.0/132013 Assen Formula Renault 2.0 NEC round
MotoE1:39.592Alessandro ZacconeDucati V21L2025 Dutch TT
Moto31:40.395Joel KelsoKTM RC250GP2025 Dutch TT
Sportbike1:44.977[28]Kas BeekmansSuzuki GSX-8R2025 Assen IDM Sportbike round
Formula Renault 1.61:46.425[29]Roy Geerts [pl]Signatech FR 1.62013 Assen Formula Renault 1.6 NEC round
BMW F900R Cup1:47.088[30]Josh CornerBMW F900R2025 Assen BMW F900R Cup round
World WCR1:47.685[31]Beatriz NeilaYamaha YZF-R72025 Assen World WCR round
Supersport 3001:48.158[32]Beñat FernándezKove 321 RR-S2025 Assen World Supersport 300 round
250cc1:50.823[33]Kilian HolzerKTM RC4 R2023 Assen Northern Talent Cup round
Grand Prix Circuit: 5.997 km (2005)
MotoGP2:00.991Valentino RossiYamaha YZR-M12005 Dutch TT
World SBK2:04.685[34]Chris VermeulenHonda CBR1000RR2005 Assen World SBK round
250cc2:05.191Sebastián PortoAprilia RSV 2502005 Dutch TT
World SSP2:08.865[35]Katsuaki FujiwaraHonda CBR600RR2005 Assen World SSP round
125cc2:13.536Héctor FaubelAprilia RS125R2005 Dutch TT
National Circuit: 3.851 km (2005)
Formula Three1:18.602[36]Martin Hippe [fr]Dallara F3032005 Assen German F3 round
Formula Renault 2.01:20.762[37]Renger van der ZandeTatuus FR20002005 Assen Formula Renault 2.0 Netherlands round
Truck racing1:52.800[38]Markus OestreichVolkswagen Titan2005 Assen ETRC round
Grand Prix Circuit: 6.027 km (2002–2004)
MotoGP1:59.472Valentino RossiYamaha YZR-M12004 Dutch TT
World SBK2:02.395[39]Colin EdwardsHonda VTR1000SP22002 Assen World SBK round
250cc2:03.469Dani PedrosaHonda RS250R2004 Dutch TT
World SSP2:06.922[40]Katsuaki FujiwaraSuzuki GSX600R2003 Assen World SSP round
125cc2:10.123Jorge LorenzoDerbi RSA 1252004 Dutch TT
National Circuit: 3.904 km (2002–2004)
Formula Three1:15.928[41]Thomas HolzerDallara F3022004 Assen German F3 round
Formula Renault 2.01:18.067[42]Pascal Kochem [nl]Tatuus FR20002004 Assen Formula Renault 2000 Germany round
Grand Prix Circuit: 6.049 km (1984–2001)
500cc2:02.471Tadayuki OkadaHonda NSR5001999 Dutch TT
World SBK2:03.914[43]Carl FogartyDucati 996 RS1999 Assen World SBK round
250cc2:05.696Valentino RossiAprilia RSV 2501999 Dutch TT
World SSP2:08.748[44]James WhithamYamaha YZF-R62001 Assen World SSP round
125cc2:13.225Noboru UedaHonda RS125R1999 Dutch TT
80cc2:30.790Ian McConnachie [nl]Krauser 801986 Dutch TT
National Circuit: 3.919 km (1981–2001)
World SBK1:23.110[45]Raymond RocheDucati 888 SBK1992 Assen World SBK round
Super Touring1:27.325[46]Laurent AïelloPeugeot 4061996 Assen STW round
Grand Prix Circuit: 7.685 km (1981–1983)
500cc2:47.470Kenny RobertsYamaha YZR5001983 Dutch TT
250cc2:57.790Carlos LavadoYamaha TZ 2501983 Dutch TT
125cc3:05.620Ángel NietoGarelli 125 GP1983 Dutch TT
50cc3:24.870Eugenio LazzariniGarelli 50 GP1983 Dutch TT
Grand Prix Circuit: 7.717 km (1976–1980)
500cc2:54.500Virginio FerrariSuzuki RG 5001979 Dutch TT
350cc3:02.500Patrick FernandezYamaha TZ 3501977 Dutch TT
250cc3:02.800Kork BallingtonKawasaki KR2501979 Dutch TT
125cc3:13.200Ángel NietoMinarelli 125 GP1979 Dutch TT
50cc3:33.500Eugenio LazzariniKreidler 50 GP1977 Dutch TT
Grand Prix Circuit: 7.700 km (1955–1975)
500cc2:55.500Barry SheeneSuzuki RG 5001975 Dutch TT
350cc3:01.400Johnny CecottoYamaha TZ 3501975 Dutch TT
250cc3:04.000Walter VillaHarley-Davidson RR2501975 Dutch TT
125cc3:12.500Paolo PileriMorbidelli 1251975 Dutch TT
50cc3:32.100Eugenio LazzariniPiovaticci 50 GP [it]1975 Dutch TT
Van Drenthe Circuit: 16.536 km (1926–1954)
500cc5:49.400Geoff DukeGilera Saturno [it]1954 Dutch TT [it]
350cc6:11.800Fergus AndersonMoto Guzzi Bialbero1954 Dutch TT [it]
250cc6:20.500Werner HaasNSU Rennmax G.P. 250cc1954 Dutch TT [it]
125cc7:06.900Rupert HollausNSU Rennfox G.P. 125cc1954 Dutch TT [it]

Fatalities

See also

Notes

    References

    1. ↑ Sports, Dorna. "TT Circuit Assen invests € 9 million in safety, paddock-area and new asphalt | MotoGP™". www.motogp.com.
    2. ↑ Sports, Dorna. "Safety upgrades | MotoGP™". www.motogp.com.
    3. ↑ (in Dutch) Dagblad van het Noorden Archived 17 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine
    4. ↑ "Assen overview". netherlodger.com. Archived from the original on 20 March 2012. Retrieved 2 March 2011.
    5. 1 2 "2023 JACK'S Racing Day - BOSS GP - Final Results Race 2" (PDF). 13 August 2023. Retrieved 13 August 2023.
    6. ↑ "Jacks Racing Day 2025 - BOSS GP - Final Result per Class Race 2" (PDF). 10 August 2025. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
    7. ↑ "DTM 2020 » TT Circuit Assen Grand Prix Round 7 Results". 5 September 2020. Retrieved 23 March 2023.
    8. ↑ "2014 Assen Acceleration FA1". Motor Sport Magazine. 19 October 2014. Retrieved 13 June 2021.
    9. ↑ "2025 Eurocup3 - Round 5 - Assen - Race 1 (30 Minutes +1 Lap) - Provisional Classification" (PDF). 9 August 2025. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
    10. ↑ "2011 Assen German F3". Motor Sport Magazine. 18 September 2011. Retrieved 24 April 2022.
    11. ↑ "2023 ADAC Hansa Pokal - Prototype Cup Germany Revision 1 - Provisional Result Rennen 2" (PDF). 3 September 2023. Retrieved 8 September 2023.
    12. ↑ "GAMMA Racing Day 2020 - Dutch GP Superkarts - Revision 1 - Uitslag van Race 1" (PDF). 26 September 2020. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
    13. 1 2 3 "Benelux Assen 2020". 27 September 2020. Retrieved 1 January 2023.
    14. ↑ "Alex Cascatău - Driver Database". Archived from the original on 1 January 2023. Retrieved 13 August 2023.
    15. ↑ "2021 DTM Assen Race 2 Statistics". 19 September 2021. Retrieved 6 January 2023.
    16. ↑ "2017 Formula Renault Northern Cup Assen (Race 2)". 6 August 2017. Retrieved 5 July 2022.
    17. ↑ "JACK'S Racing Days 2023 - Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux - Final Result Race 2" (PDF). 13 August 2023. Retrieved 13 August 2023.
    18. ↑ "HANKOOK Finalerace Assen 2018 - NEZ F4 - Final Results Race 1" (PDF). 20 October 2018. Retrieved 5 January 2022.
    19. ↑ "2009 Assen ADAC Masters Weekend - Formel ADAC - Race 2" (PDF). 10 May 2009. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
    20. ↑ "Dennis de Borst - Driver Database". Archived from the original on 31 December 2022. Retrieved 13 August 2023.
    21. ↑ "DTM Trophy Assen 2021". 19 September 2021. Retrieved 1 January 2023.
    22. ↑ "Gamma Racing Day 2014 - NEC Formula Renault 1.6 - Race 2" (PDF). 3 August 2014. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
    23. ↑ "Finale Races Assen 2014 - MW-V6 Pickup - Race 1" (PDF). 18 October 2014. Retrieved 18 May 2024.
    24. ↑ "2009 ADAC Masters Weekend - FIA European TRC - Championship Race 3". 8 May 2009. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
    25. ↑ "World SBK - Pirelli Dutch Round, 11–13 April 2025 - Results Race 1" (PDF). World Superbike. Dorna. 12 April 2025. Retrieved 12 April 2025.
    26. ↑ "World SSP - Pirelli Dutch Round, 11-13 April 2025 - Results Race 1" (PDF). World Superbike. Dorna. 12 April 2025. Retrieved 12 April 2025.
    27. ↑ "Gamma Racing Day 2013 - NEC Formula Renault 2.0 - Race 2" (PDF). 4 August 2013. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
    28. ↑ "2025 IDM Assen / NED - IDM Sportbike - Race 2 - Results" (PDF). 17 August 2025. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
    29. ↑ "Gamma Racing Day 2013 - NEC Formula Renault 1.6 - Race 1" (PDF). 3 August 2013. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
    30. ↑ "2025 Bennetts British Superbike Championship - Round 9 - ROKiT OFF BMW F 900 R Cup - Race 1 - Sprint - Classification" (PDF). 21 September 2025. Retrieved 21 September 2025.
    31. ↑ "FIM Women's Motorcycling World Championship - Pirelli Dutch Round, 11–13 April 2025 - Results Race 1" (PDF). World Superbike. Dorna. 12 April 2025. Retrieved 12 April 2025.
    32. ↑ "Supersport 300 - Pirelli Dutch Round, 11–13 April 2025 - Results Race 1" (PDF). World Superbike. Dorna. 12 April 2025. Retrieved 12 April 2025.
    33. ↑ "Northern Talent Cup - Pirelli Dutch Round, 21-23 April 2023 - Results Race 2" (PDF). 23 April 2023. Retrieved 13 August 2023.
    34. ↑ "Assen 2-3-4 September, 2005 - Superbike - Results Race 1" (PDF). World Superbike. Dorna. 4 September 2005. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
    35. ↑ "Assen 2-3-4 September, 2005 - Supersport - Results Race" (PDF). World Superbike. Dorna. 4 September 2005. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
    36. ↑ "2005 Assen German F3 - Round 14". Motor Sport Magazine. 7 August 2005. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
    37. ↑ "2005 Formula Renault 2000 Netherlands Assen (Race 2)". 7 August 2005. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
    38. ↑ "2005 DKV Dutch Truck Grand Prix - Super Race Trucks - Race 2 SRT/RT". 7 May 2005. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
    39. ↑ "Assen 6-7-8 September, 2002 - Superbike - Results Race 1" (PDF). World Superbike. Dorna. 8 September 2002. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
    40. ↑ "Assen 5-6-7 September, 2003 - Supersport - Results Race" (PDF). World Superbike. Dorna. 7 September 2003. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
    41. ↑ "2004 Assen German F3". Motor Sport Magazine. 23 May 2004. Retrieved 26 May 2022.
    42. ↑ "2004 Formula Renault 2000 Germany Assen (Race 2)". 23 May 2004. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
    43. ↑ "1999-09-03 to 1999-09-05 - World Superbike - Dutch Round Race 1". 5 September 1999. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
    44. ↑ "ASSEN - 7-8-9 September, 2001 - Results Aggregate". 9 September 2001. Archived from the original on 7 February 2015. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
    45. ↑ "1992-09-11 to 1992-09-13 - World Superbike - Dutch Round Race 2". 13 September 1992. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
    46. ↑ "STW Cup 1996 » TT Circuit Assen National Round 4 Results". 19 May 1996. Retrieved 14 May 2024.