MotoGP returns to one of its most presitigious and iconic circuits this weekend for the highly coveted Dutch Grand Prix. ‘The Cathedral of Speed’, Assen, is the longest-running venue for Grand Prix motorcycle racing, hosting a race every year since 1949.
The fast-flowing layout is widely regarded as one of the most challenging of the calendar, testing the riders skills through a wide variety of fast and slow corners, as well as the infamously challenging Geert Timmer chicane which leads onto the main straight. With plenty of overtaking opportunities around its 4.5km layout, we can expect hard battles from start to finish.
Assen Circuit History
The Assen circuit has existed in one form or another since 1926. Originally consisting of public roads set across interconnecting farms, it didn’t take long for the ‘Dutch TT’ to become a major event of international motorsport. Until 1992, the track could be accessed by public roads and was frequented by the public who were eager to test their skills.
Now, the track is fully optimised for Grand Prix racing, playing host to the MotoGP World Championship, World Super Bikes, several junior and endurance racing categories, as well as even occasionally being converted to host MXGP races.
Assen has been the backdrop in several of MotoGP’s most legendary moments, including Mick Doohan’s legendary pole lap of 1998, Nicky Hayden’s awesome 2006 victory and Valentino Rossi’s final career victory in 2017. The circuit also played host to the race widely considered the best in MotoGP history in 2018, with a record-setting 175 overtakes.
Last Year in Assen
Diogo Moreira also had a fantastic performance at Assen last year. The Brazilian managed to secure pole position and the race win, while Jose Antonio Rueda dominated the weekend in the Moto3 class.
Dutch Grand Prix Full Weekend Schedule
| Date/Session | Start Time (GMT) | Start Time (Local) |
| Friday 8 May | ||
| FP1 | 09:45-10:30 | 10:45-11:30 |
| Timed Practice | 14:00-15:00 | 15:00-16:00 |
| Saturday 9 May | ||
| FP2 | 09:10-09:40 | 10:10-10:40 |
| Qualifying 1 & 2 | 09:50-10:30 | 10:50-11:30 |
| Sprint Race | 14:00 | 15:00 |
| Sunday 10 May | ||
| Moto3 Race | 10:00 | 11:00 |
| Moto2 Race | 11:15 | 12:15 |
| MotoGP Race | 13:00 | 14:00 |
Where to watch the Dutch Grand Prix:
United Kingdom & Ireland:
- TNT Sports
- Discovery+
- Quest (Free-to-Air)
- Prime Video
United States:
- Fox Sports
- The MotoGP Channel (FAST)
- Prime Video
Global & Other Regions:
- Australia: FOX Sports
- Italy: Sky Sport
- Germany: Sky Sport
- Spain: DAZN
- Netherlands: Ziggo Sport
- India: Eurosport India
- South Africa: SuperSport