Moto2 - Assen

The Moto2 race at TT Circuit Assen in the Netherlands returns for the 2026 season as part of the FIM Moto2 World Championship. Known as the Dutch TT or Grand Prix of the Netherlands, this race takes place at a circuit that fans call "The Cathedral of Speed." The venue has hosted motorcycle racing for decades and maintains a special place in the sport's history.

TT Circuit Assen Details

TT Circuit Assen is located in Assen, Drenthe, Netherlands. The track is a purpose-built motorsport facility that serves as home to one of motorcycle racing's most celebrated events. The circuit measures 4.555 kilometers (2.830 miles) in length. The longest straight extends 560 meters (0.348 miles).

The circuit features a narrow layout with rapid direction changes. Grass banks and grandstands surround the entire track, which provides excellent viewing opportunities for spectators. The venue accommodates between 100,000 and 110,000 spectators, with 60,000 seats available. The track's corners offer high grip levels, though safety modifications have been made over the years.

Moto2 Race Format

The Moto2 event follows the standard Grand Prix weekend structure. Friday features free practice sessions where riders learn the track and test their bikes. Saturday includes additional practice followed by qualifying sessions. The qualifying format uses Q1 and Q2 to determine the starting grid positions. Sunday hosts the main Moto2 race.

Points are awarded to the top 15 finishers. The winner receives 25 points, second place gets 20 points, and third place earns 16 points. The points distribution continues down to one point for 15th place. These points contribute to both the riders' championship and the teams' championship standings.

2026 Moto2 Teams and Riders

The provisional entry list for the 2026 Moto2 season includes riders from multiple teams. American Racing Team fields Joe Roberts and Filip Salač. CFMoto Aspar Team runs Daniel Holgado and David Alonso. BLU CRU Pramac Yamaha Moto2 features Izan Guevara and Alberto Ferrández.

Fantic Racing enters Barry Baltus and Tony Arbolino. Italjet Gresini Moto2 competes with Sergio García and Alonso López. IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia brings Mario Aji and Taiyo Furusato. Italtrans Racing Team fields Adrián Huertas and Daniel Muñoz.

Klint Forward Factory Team runs Jorge Navarro and Álex Escrig. Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP enters Senna Agius and Manuel González. Elf Marc VDS Racing Team features Arón Canet and Deniz Öncü. QJMOTOR - FRINSA - MSI fields Ángel Piqueras and Iván Ortolá.

Red Bull KTM Ajo competes with Collin Veijer and José Antonio Rueda. RW Racing GP runs Ayumu Sasaki and Zonta van den Goorbergh. SpeedRS Team enters Celestino Vietti and Luca Lunetta. Wildcard entries remain permitted in the Moto2 class.

Moto2 Technical Specifications

Engine and Gearbox

All Moto2 teams use a control engine for the 2026 season. Triumph Motorcycles supplies the exclusive 765cc triple-cylinder engine to every team. This partnership continues through at least 2029. Externpro builds, checks, rebuilds, and tests each engine to ensure equal performance across all bikes. Triumph also provides the race gearbox used in the series.

Chassis and Construction

Teams have freedom to design and produce their own chassis. Specialized constructors like Kalex and Boscoscuro supply most chassis used in the championship. This allows some variation between bikes while maintaining competitive balance through the standard engine.

Tires and Pressure

Pirelli serves as the official tire supplier for Moto2 in 2026. The company provides DIABLO Superbike slick tires in different compounds. Front tire options include soft SC1 and medium SC2 compounds. Rear tire options include soft SC0 and medium SC1 compounds. The minimum rear tire pressure must reach 1.65 bar (24 PSI).

Electronics and Weight

All teams use a standardized electronic management system provided by the championship promoter. This ensures no team gains an advantage through electronics development. The combined minimum weight for bike and rider is 217 kg. Heartrate monitors are permitted for riders in 2026.

Fuel Regulations

Fuel used in Moto2 must contain a minimum of 40% non-fossil origin content. The championship plans to reach 100% non-fossil origin fuel from 2027 onwards. This represents part of the series' commitment to environmental sustainability.

Circuit History

The TT Circuit Assen has a unique history in motorcycle racing. The first Dutch TT race took place in 1925 on public roads near Assen. That original course covered 28.57 kilometers (17.75 miles) and ran through local villages.

In 1955, a permanent racing facility was constructed in less than four months. This achievement earned the nickname "The Miracle of Assen" and created the modern TT Circuit Assen. The circuit has hosted a round of the Motorcycle World Championship every year since 1949, with only 2020 as an exception due to the global pandemic. This makes it the longest-running event in the championship.

The circuit has undergone numerous modifications over the decades. These changes improved safety and spectator visibility. The track length has been gradually reduced, reaching its current 4.555 kilometer configuration by 2006.

What Makes This Race Special

The Dutch TT at Assen holds a unique position in motorcycle racing. Fans throughout Europe travel to attend this race, creating a festive atmosphere. The event draws hundreds of thousands of spectators who fill the grass banks and grandstands around the track.

Riders appreciate the circuit's character. The track combines high-speed sections with technically demanding corners. Despite safety modifications, the circuit maintains much of its original challenge. The narrow layout and rapid direction changes test rider skill and bike setup.

The circuit's nickname "The Cathedral of Speed" reflects its legendary status among motorcycle racing fans. The venue represents a bridge between the sport's history and its modern era. The 2026 Moto2 race at TT Circuit Assen promises close racing between talented riders on equal machinery. The standardized engines ensure that rider skill determines the results, while different chassis choices allow teams to find small advantages. Fans can expect competitive action throughout the field as riders battle for championship points on this historic Netherlands circuit.