Assen June 22nd, 2005 Dutch TT Preview New tyres and new hope on Grand Prix racing’s oldest and most famous track Located 200 kilometres north-east of Amsterdam, the famous Dutch TT in Assen is one of the true classics in the MotoGP calendar. 2005 marks the 75th anniversary of the “Tourist Trophy”, and even though the track underwent safety modifications since last year, with unique new “floating” grandstands that bridge bigger and improved run-off zones, the 5.997-kilometre-track still maintains the feel and the spirit of its origin as a true public-road-circuit. However, the transformation into the future is set to continue, with a shortened track and a new visitor’s centre and amusement park for next year’s edition. The massive investments in the future of motorcycle racing were rewarded recently, with Grand Prix organiser DORNA and the Assen event promoter signing a new 10-year-agreement that ensures the future of the Dutch TT until the year 2016. The Assen circuit doesn’t feature a very long main straight, but its ultra-fast kinks and bends, some of them slightly banked, make it the circuit with the highest average speed of more than 182 kph for the fastest MotoGP bikes. Threading a 250 hp-motorcycle through the S-turns at high speed on a relatively narrow track is not only exhilarating for the riders, but also awesome to watch for the spectators. The high-speed direction changes require bravery and special riding skills, but also good handling of bikes and tyres. Turning characteristics, braking performance and rear tyre traction are especially crucial, and Bridgestone pulled all strings to offer its three MotoGP teams and six MotoGP riders a suitable tyre selection: No less than 1200 tyres were shipped to Assen, with 3-4 different tyre specifications for the front, and 6-8 different rear tyre specs to choose from. After a weekend with unexpected difficulties in Barcelona, all Bridgestone teams are confident of their return back to success with the new modified spec tyres and new compound mixtures. The fast and flowing Assen circuit reminds Ducati’s riders Loris Capirossi and Carlos Checa of the Mugello track in Italy, where they had celebrated a podium finish and their best team result so far three weeks ago. “At Mugello, we showed what we can do when everything is good”, beams Loris Capirossi with new confidence. Hiroshi Yamada – Motorcycle Racing Manager Bridgestone Motorsport “The last Grand Prix in Catalunya was difficult for us. Shinya Nakano in 9th and Carlos Checa in 11th position were our top riders, which is obviously much less than we expected after our success in Mugello. Grip consistency was the main issue in Catalunya, but we’ve immediately analysed all data, and since then made another significant step in our development program. In Assen there are different demands for the tyres, so we’ve brought new modified specs in order to support our teams with a tyre selection that should suit the unique characteristics of this track perfectly. We are looking forward to good results!”