Elias and Terol hoping to repeat positive results at Assen
Motorcycle fans all over the world only have to look at the calendar to know that the Dutch TT is around the corner. The most historic race on the calendar maintains its unique date on the final Saturday in June, as it has done since the first year of the championship back in 1949. The layout has been butchered and shortened since then but it still retains its aura and its fast and flowing nature, which makes it a popular venue for fans and riders alike. For the intermediate category it promises to provide another example of why Moto2 racing is so popular right now, with Marc Márquez looking to continue his battle with Thomas Luthi and Pol Espargaró at the top of the closest championship yet since the start of the new series three years ago.
The two MAPFRE Aspar Team riders have written their own chapters in Assen’s rich history and they will look to do so again this weekend. Toni Elías has bittersweet memories of the Dutch TT, where he celebrated his first ever Grand Prix win back in 2001 in the 125cc class but where he has also suffered some of his worst injuries. Nico Terol took second place in the 125cc race in 2010, setting a circuit record (1’42.428) and top speed (220.093 km/h) that will never be bettered in the now defunct minor category.
Toni Elías: “I used to love the old circuit at Assen and even though it has changed a lot the essence is still the same. I have mixed memories of the track because I have had some great results over the years, including my first win back in 2001, and a bunch of other podiums as well as some big crashes and some bad injuries. Hopefully this weekend we can have a positive few days and continue to improve. Also I hope we can get through the weekend without crashing like at Silverstone and qualify well to set us up for the race. We have improved a lot over the season but it is not being reflected in the results so I hope that can change this weekend.”
Nico Terol: “We have made good progress over the last few races and now we have three races in a row. I was a bit disappointed at Silverstone because the weekend didn’t end as I would have liked but I will use that energy in a positive way at Assen and try to get the best out of myself. I love the circuit and I have always been fast there. I am determined to make the most of every session and to keep working as we have done up to now. I am calm and confident that all the hard work will pay off soon. I have got a great team around me and I know that with patience we will achieve top results. You need a good set-up to be fast at Assen so the goal will be to achieve that during practice.”
Source: Aspar Team Press Release