TT Circuit Assen
{{Short description|Motorsport track in the Netherlands}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2018}}
{{Infobox motorsport venue
| Name = TT Circuit Assen
| Location = Assen, Netherlands
| Coordinates = {{coord|52|57|42|N|6|31|24|E|type:landmark_region:NL_dim:2000|display=inline,title}}
| Time = CET (UTC+1)
CEST (DST)
| Image = 220px
| Image_caption = Grand Prix Circuit (2006–present)
| Track_map = 220px
| Track_map_caption = Motorcycle Circuit (2010–present)
| Capacity = 110,000
| FIAGrade = 2
| Owner = Stichting Circuit van Drenthe
| Opened = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1925|07|11}} (as Van Drenthe Street Circuit)
{{Start date and age|df=yes|1955|07|16}} (as Modern Circuit)
| Closed = 1954 (for Van Drenthe Street Circuit)
| Events = Current:
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)
| Layout1 = Grand Prix Circuit (2006–present)
| Length_km = 4.555
| Length_mi = 2.831
| Turns = 18
| Record_time = 1:17.109
| Record_driver = {{flagicon|AUT}} Ingo Gerstl
| Record_car = Toro Rosso STR1
| Record_year = 2023
| Record_class = F1
| Layout2 = Motorcycle Circuit (2010–present)
| Length_km2 = 4.542
| Length_mi2 = 2.822
| Turns2 = 18
| Record_time2 = 1:31.866
| Record_driver2 = {{flagicon|ITA}} Francesco Bagnaia
| Record_car2 = Ducati Desmosedici GP24
| Record_year2 = 2024
| Record_class2 = MotoGP
| Layout3 = Grand Prix Circuit (2005)
| Length_km3 = 5.997
| Length_mi3 = 3.726
| Turns3 = 25
| Record_time3 = 2:00.991
| Record_driver3 = {{flagicon|ITA|2003}} Valentino Rossi
| Record_car3 = Yamaha YZR-M1
| Record_year3 = 2005
| Record_class3 = MotoGP
| Layout4 = National Circuit (2005)
| Length_km4 = 3.851
| Length_mi4 = 2.393
| Turns4 = 16
| Record_time4 = 1:18.602
| Record_driver4 = {{flagicon|GER}} {{ill|Martin Hippe|fr}}
| Record_car4 = Dallara F303
| Record_year4 = 2005
| Record_class4 = F3
| Layout5 = Grand Prix Circuit (2002–2004)
| Length_km5 = 6.027
| Length_mi5 = 3.745
| Turns5 = 26
| Record_time5 = 1:59.472
| Record_driver5 = {{flagicon|ITA|2003}} Valentino Rossi
| Record_car5 = Yamaha YZR-M1
| Record_year5 = 2004
| Record_class5 = MotoGP
| Layout6 = National Circuit (2002–2004)
| Length_km6 = 3.904
| Length_mi6 = 2.426
| Turns6 = 17
| Record_time6 = 1:15.928
| Record_driver6 = {{flagicon|GER}} Thomas Holzer
| Record_car6 = Dallara F302
| Record_year6 = 2004
| Record_class6 = F3
| Layout7 = Grand Prix Circuit (1984–2001)
| Length_km7 = 6.049
| Length_mi7 = 3.759
| Turns7 = 26
| Record_time7 = 2:02.471
| Record_driver7 = {{flagicon|JPN|1947}} Tadayuki Okada
| Record_car7 = Honda NSR500
| Record_year7 = 1999
| Record_class7 = 500cc
| Layout8 = National Circuit (1981–2001)
| Length_km8 = 3.919
| Length_mi8 = 2.435
| Turns8 = 17
| Record_time8 = 1:23.110
| Record_driver8 = {{flagicon|FRA}} Raymond Roche
| Record_car8 = Ducati 888 SBK
| Record_year8 = 1992
| Record_class8 = World SBK
| Layout9 = Grand Prix Circuit (1981–1983)
| Length_km9 = 7.685
| Length_mi9 = 4.775
| Turns9 =
| Record_time9 = 2:47.470
| Record_driver9 = {{flagicon|USA}} Kenny Roberts
| Record_car9 = Yamaha YZR500
| Record_year9 = 1983
| Record_class9 = 500cc
| Layout10 = Grand Prix Circuit (1976–1980)
| Length_km10 = 7.717
| Length_mi10 = 4.796
| Turns10 =
| Record_time10 = 2:54.500
| Record_driver10 = {{flagicon|ITA|1946}} Virginio Ferrari
| Record_car10 = Suzuki RG 500
| Record_year10 = 1979
| Record_class10 = 500cc
| Layout11 = Grand Prix Circuit (1955–1975)
| Length_km11 = 7.700
| Length_mi11 = 4.785
| Turns11 =
| Record_time11 = 2:55.500
| Record_driver11 = {{flagicon|GBR}} Barry Sheene
| Record_car11 = Suzuki RG 500
| Record_year11 = 1975
| Record_class11 = 500cc
| Layout12 = Van Drenthe Circuit (1926–1954)
| Length_km12 = 16.536
| Length_mi12 = 10.275
| Turns12 =
| Record_time12 = 5:49.400
| Record_driver12 = {{flagicon|GBR}} Geoff Duke
| Record_car12 = {{ill|Gilera Saturno|it}}
| Record_year12 = 1954
| Record_class12 = 500cc
| Layout13 = Original Circuit (1925)
| Length_km13 = 28.400
| Length_mi13 = 17.650
| Turns13 =
| Record_time13 =
| Record_driver13 =
| Record_car13 =
| Record_year13 =
| Record_class13 =
|}}
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 {{MGP|2020}}) since the series was created in {{MGP|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
Image:TT-circuit-Assen0605.jpg
File:Dani Pedrosa leads the pack 2013 Assen.jpg
File:20090829 Vuelta 2009 Prologue Assen NL.jpg
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 {{convert|17.75|mi|km|order=flip|abbr=on}}. The winner was Piet van Wijngaarden on a 500 cc Norton with an average speed of {{convert|91.4|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}. 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 {{convert|100.88|mph|km/h|order=flip|abbr=on}}. In 1954, Geoff Duke of Great Britain reached {{convert|106.06|mph|km/h|abbr=on|order=flip}}. 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 {{cvt|50|m|abbr=on}} 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 {{cvt|6.049 to 6.027|km|mi|abbr=on}}. The total cost of these upgrades was €23 million.{{Cite web|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2002/04/25/tt-circuit-assen-invests-9-million-in-safety-paddock-area-and-new-asphalt/133214|title=TT Circuit Assen invests € 9 million in safety, paddock-area and new asphalt | MotoGP™|first=Dorna|last=Sports|website=www.motogp.com}}
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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2005/12/21/safety-upgrades/139821|title=Safety upgrades | MotoGP™|first=Dorna|last=Sports|website=www.motogp.com}}
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,{{in lang|nl}} [http://www.dvhn.nl/nieuws/sport/article5171490.ece/Nieuwe+chicane+in+TT+Circuit Dagblad van het Noorden] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717110628/http://www.dvhn.nl/nieuws/sport/article5171490.ece/Nieuwe+chicane+in+TT+Circuit |date=17 July 2011 }} however A1GP was unable to start the 2009–2010 season and as a substitute the Superleague Formula replaced A1GP.
Layout history
{{Gallery
| title = TT Circuit Assen layout history
| align = center
| footer =
| style = text-align:center;
| mode = packed
| File:Assen van drenthe - old circuit map.jpg
| Original Dutch TT Van Drenthe Circuit (1926–1954)
| File:TT Circuit Assen 1984-2001.svg
| Grand Prix Circuit (1984–2001)
| File:TT Circuit Assen 2002-2004.svg
| Grand Prix Circuit (2002–2004)
| File:TT Circuit Assen 2005.svg
| Grand Prix Circuit (2005)
| File:TT Assen.svg
| Grand Prix Circuit (2006–present)
| File:TT Circuit Assen moto.svg
| Motorcycle Circuit (2010–present)
}}
Current racetrack
Assen race track was built in 1955, and initially had a length of {{convert|7.705|km|mi|abbr=on}}. The current track has a length of {{convert|4.555|km|mi|abbr=on}} with the mixture of super fast flat-out and slow corners. The longest straight is {{convert|560|m|ft|abbr=on}}.{{cite news|url=http://www.netherlodger.com/index-418.php|title=Assen overview|publisher=netherlodger.com}} 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 {{cvt|4.555|km|mi|abbr=on}}. The new centre is expected to be visited by 300,000 people, and the total investment is approximately €85 million.
Events
; Current
- April: Superbike World Championship, Supersport World Championship, Supersport 300 World Championship, FIM Women's Circuit Racing World Championship, Northern Talent Cup
- May: Ducati Club Races
- June: Grand Prix motorcycle racing Dutch TT, MotoE World Championship Dutch eRace, ADAC Hansa Pokal Rennen
- July: Dutch Moto Classic,Profile Truckstar Festival
- August: Supercar Challenge Jack’s Casino Racing Days, Eurocup-3, BOSS GP, Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux, Sidecar World Championship, {{ill|IDM Superbike Championship|de|Deutsche Motorrad-Straßenmeisterschaft}},
- September: Sidecar World Championship, British Superbike Championship, British Supersport Championship, Northern Talent Cup, ADAC Racing Weekend Assen, Tabac Classic Grand Prix
- October: Supercar Challenge Finaleraces
; Former
- Acceleration 2014 (2014)
- ADAC Formel Masters (2008–2011)
- ADAC GT Masters (2008–2011)
- ATS Formel 3 Cup (2004–2012)
- Champ Car World Series
- Bavaria Champ Car Grand Prix (2007)
- Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (2019–2021)
- DTM Trophy (2021)
- European Truck Racing Championship (2004–2005, 2009)
- FIM Endurance World Championship (1979–1980, 1995–1996, 2003–2006)
- Formula 750 (1976–1979)
- Formula Renault 2.0 Germany (1997–1998, 2004–2005)
- Formula Renault 2.0 Netherlands (2003–2005)
- Formula Renault Northern European Cup (2006–2017)
- GT4 European Trophy (2011, 2013)
- Motocross World Championship (2015–2018)
- Porsche Carrera Cup Germany (1997)
- Prototype Cup Germany (2023)
- Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup (2007–2019, 2023–2024)
- SMP F4 Championship (2017–2018)
- Superleague Formula
- Superleague Formula round Netherlands (2010–2011)
- Super Tourenwagen Cup (1996)
- TCR Europe Touring Car Series (2018)
- W Series (2019)
Lap records
As of April 2025, the fastest official race lap records at the TT Circuit Assen are listed as:
See also
Notes
{{Notelist}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category|TT-Circuit Assen}}
- [http://www.racingcircuits.info/europe/netherlands/tt-circuit-assen.html RacingCircuit.info's history of the TT Circuit Assen]
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20110929020910/http://www.trackpedia.com/wiki/Assen Trackpedia's guide to racing and tracking at Assen]
- [https://www.ttcircuit.com/en/ TT Circuit Assen homesite]
{{navboxes|list=
{{Dutch race track}}
{{MotoGP circuits}}
{{SBK circuits}}
{{Sidecar World Championship circuits}}
{{British Superbike Championship circuits}}
{{BOSS GP circuits}}
{{FIM EWC circuits}}
{{DTM circuits}}
{{TCR Europe circuits}}
{{European Truck Racing Championship circuits}}
{{W Series circuits}}
{{Auto GP World Series circuits}}
{{Superleague Formula circuits}}
{{Champ Car tracks}}
{{Formula 750 circuits}}
{{Authority control}}
}}