Team HRC keen to build on Spanish promise at Assen
TT Circuit AssenThe 2022 Superbike World Championship resumes this weekend at the historic TT Circuit Assen in The Netherlands and Team HRC is determined to continue in a positive vein following a strong first outing at Motorland Aragón.
Factory riders Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge know the Dutch circuit very well, having raced there many times in the MotoGP and Moto2 classes but they will now need to reacquaint themselves with the track layout aboard the production-derived CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE.
At the season-opener, which took place at the Aragón circuit in Spain ten days ago, Team HRC got off to a very encouraging start, scoring top ten finishes with both riders in all three of the weekend’s races. The points that Lecuona and Vierge scored in Spain see them place fifth and sixth in the general standings as they head into round 2.
The TT Circuit Assen, also known as the ‘cathedral’ of motorcycle racing, is located in the Drenthe province of The Netherlands. It has been the stage for motorcycle competition since the 1950s, while the Superbikes have been regular visitors since 1992. The track currently measures 4.542 km in length and comprises eighteen turns, twelve of which right-handers and six left.
Weekend schedule (CEST):
Friday
10.30 – 11.15 – SBK Free Practice 1
15.00 – 15.45 – SBK Free Practice 2
Saturday
9.00 – 9.30 – SBK Free Practice 3
11.10 – 11.25 – Superpole
14.00 – SBK Race 1
Sunday
9.00 – 9.15 – SBK Warm-up
11.00 – Superpole race
15.15 – SBK Race 2
In Assen I expect to continue as we’ve done until now. We worked very hard as a team at Aragón and I also worked on myself so as to learn as much as possible and understand just how to handle three races over the weekend. We improved a lot and battled for the top 6 or 7 in all races, which was a good start. Assen is a “new” track for me in the category, so we will have to work well in order to maintain this level or build on it if possible. I like the layout of the track but at the same time I’ve never been able to fully exploit it for some reason. We’ll see what’s it like with the Superbike.
In Assen I expect to continue as we’ve done until now. We worked very hard as a team at Aragón and I also worked on myself so as to learn as much as possible and understand just how to handle three races over the weekend. We improved a lot and battled for the top 6 or 7 in all races, which was a good start. Assen is a “new” track for me in the category, so we will have to work well in order to maintain this level or build on it if possible. I like the layout of the track but at the same time I’ve never been able to fully exploit it for some reason. We’ll see what’s it like with the Superbike.
I’m so happy I had a full week off because it’s really helped with my recovery. I’ve continued with the same plan, working with my physio and undergoing hyperbaric chamber treatments. And I’ve also been able to get back in the gym and on my bicycle, which has helped me to make another step forward. I’m pleased and looking forward to getting back on my bike to understand where I really am now. We learned a lot during the first round and now we arrive at a track which I absolutely love. I’m very curious and looking forward to discovering Assen with the CBR. We have a lot of work to do I know, but now that I’m feeling better physically, I’ll be able to focus more on the track action and the job in hand.
I’m so happy I had a full week off because it’s really helped with my recovery. I’ve continued with the same plan, working with my physio and undergoing hyperbaric chamber treatments. And I’ve also been able to get back in the gym and on my bicycle, which has helped me to make another step forward. I’m pleased and looking forward to getting back on my bike to understand where I really am now. We learned a lot during the first round and now we arrive at a track which I absolutely love. I’m very curious and looking forward to discovering Assen with the CBR. We have a lot of work to do I know, but now that I’m feeling better physically, I’ll be able to focus more on the track action and the job in hand.