Assen upgrades on schedule
Changes to the Assen circuit in Holland have been given the thumbs-up by IRTA riders representative Franco Uncini and representatives of the FIM and Dorna.
Modifications have been taking place since September 2001, with the paddock area now enlarged and the former main straight, Veenslang (from Strubben corner to Stekkenwal), moved some 50 metres further to the east. It is also no longer straight because of this and an 'S-bend' over the newly built 60 metre long two-lane tunnel, which connects the paddock with the main entrance-road.
Work is underway on the new Veenslang (click to enlarge).
Pictures: Peter Stevens
Another change has been made at the southern most part of the track at Mandeveen and Duikersloot, with the two corners moved some 10 metres further inwards to enlarge the run-off area and gravelbeds.
Uncini was pleased with what he saw at the inspection. "The TT Circuit Assen have done a very good job," he said. "The only extra we would like to be done is a larger gravel bed as planned at the end of the Strubben corner."
This modification is expected to be completed before the first race at Assen in April. The inspectors also checked out four types of tarmac compounds, and their unanimous choice will cover the National Circuit portion of the full TT course - around 75 percent of the lap distance - by the time most of the changes are completed in mid-March.
Strubban corner, seen from Stekkenwal (click to enlarge).
Assen officials have scheduled two testing days at the new layout for those GP teams who nominated the circuit as one of their test tracks. These teams will have the opportunity to lap on June 5 and 6, in preparation for the Dutch TT on June 29.
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