Historic venue, Assen, home of the Dutch TT and the sole surviving circuit to have been part of the very first FIM Road Racing World Championship in 1949 made a presentation on their MXGP plans before the Christmas break DBR understands.
The facility south of Groningen and close to the north coast is slated to host the 16th round of 18 in the FIM Motocross World Championship on August 30 and will be the last European stop on the schedule.
Apparently the motocross course – flat and sandy naturally – will lie across part of the famous ‘crowned’ asphalt that will enable teams and the organiser to utilise the permanent paddock space and also open one of the grandstands for fans to have a better overall view.
Assen represents the third site on the 2015 calendar to be based at a traditional motorsport complex after Losail and Nakhonchaisri.
Insiders of the sport can only hope that Assen do not repeat the mistake made by the Lausitzring circuit for the 2013 German GP when spectators were confined to distant stadium seating and the meeting was devoid of atmosphere as a result.
One of MXGP’s strengths is in allowing the public to get close to the action and the riders, and Assen would do well to recognise this trait ahead of their inaugural hosting next summer.
Holland will entertain two MXGP fixtures in 2015 with staple circuit Valkenswaard running the Grand Prix of Europe in late April. Lierop – located in the south of the country – was a popular sandy course but has met with resistance from locals over noise issues and planning concerns.
Assen allegedly want to drive more fans and commerce into the town and surrounding area and staging an MXGP is part of that strategy… even if the official website carries absolutely no mention or pre-promotion of the August 30 landmark.
