WorldSBK - Pirelli Dutch Round

The Pirelli Dutch Round brings the FIM Superbike World Championship back to TT Circuit Assen in the Netherlands for the 2026 season. This race weekend features competition across multiple categories, including WorldSBK, World Supersport (WorldSSP), the newly introduced World Sportbike (WorldSPB), and the World Women's Championship (WorldWCR). Assen stands as one of the most celebrated venues in motorcycle racing, with a history that spans nearly a century.

TT Circuit Assen

TT Circuit Assen, known as "The Cathedral of Speed," offers a challenging layout for riders and teams. The track measures 4.555 km in length and features 18 turns. The circuit combines fast sections with technical corners, creating a demanding test for all participants.

The longest straight extends for 560 meters, while the layout includes low, medium, and high-speed corners. The circuit can accommodate 110,000 spectators, with 60,000 seats available. The track surface was fully resurfaced in recent years, providing consistent grip levels throughout race weekends.

Race Weekend Format

The 2026 Pirelli Dutch Round spans three days of track activity. Friday features practice sessions and qualifying for WorldSPB and WorldWCR. Saturday includes the Superpole session for WorldSBK, followed by the first races for all categories. Sunday delivers the WorldSBK Tissot Superpole Race and the second races across all classes.

WorldSBK races at TT Circuit Assen typically consist of 21 laps. Each category follows its own schedule, with WorldSBK Race 2 serving as the final event of the weekend.

2026 Participants

WorldSBK Teams and Riders

The 2026 WorldSBK grid includes several factory-backed teams. Aruba.it Racing - Ducati fields Nicolò Bulega and Iker Lecuona. BARNI Spark Racing Team runs Yari Montella and Álvaro Bautista. The bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team enters Alex Lowes and Axel Bassani.

Elf Marc VDS Racing Team brings Sam Lowes to the championship. GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team competes with Stefano Manzi and Remy Gardner. Honda HRC fields Somkiat Chantra and Jonathan Rea for their campaign.

World Sportbike Category

The 2026 season introduces World Sportbike as a new class, replacing WorldSSP300. This category serves as an entry-level platform and is expected to feature 33 entrants. Riders must be at least 16 years old, with a maximum age of 25 for new contracted riders, extended to 28 for experienced riders transitioning from WorldSSP300 or WorldWCR.

Both WorldSSP and WorldSPB categories allow a maximum of 34 participants, including one wildcard entry.

Technical Specifications

Tyre Allocation

Pirelli supplies tyres for all categories at the Pirelli Dutch Round. WorldSBK riders will have access to a new development soft rear tyre (F0298) that aims to improve stability and consistency over race distance. Additional rear options include the SCX (supersoft), SC0 (soft), and SC1 (medium).

Front tyre options consist of SC1 (soft) and SC2 (medium) slick compounds. Intermediate DIABLO Wet and full-wet DIABLO Rain tyres are available for variable weather conditions, which can occur in the Netherlands during spring.

WorldSPB Regulations

The 2026 FIM Sportbike Technical Regulations establish specific guidelines for the new WorldSPB class. Motorcycles must meet FIM Phase 2 homologation and are expected to produce approximately 90 horsepower. A Balance of Performance (BOP) system adjusts factors like minimum weight, engine specifications, rev limiter, and torque to ensure competitive racing.

Allowed motorcycles include the Aprilia RS 660, CFMOTO 675 SR-R, Kawasaki ZX-6R 636, KOVE 450RR, Honda CBR 600, Yamaha R7, Triumph Daytona 660, and Suzuki GSX-8R. Different minimum weights apply across three engine capacity subclasses within WorldSPB.

Circuit History

Racing at Assen began in 1925 when the first Dutch Tourist Trophy (TT) race took place on public roads. The original course stretched 28.4 km through local villages. The current purpose-built TT Circuit Assen was constructed in four months in 1955, initially measuring 7.705 km. This rapid construction earned it the nickname "The miracle of Assen."

Assen joined the WorldSBK calendar in 1992. The circuit stands as one of only two tracks to have hosted at least 50 WorldSBK races, alongside Phillip Island. The layout has undergone several modifications for safety and spectator experience, with its length shortened to the current 4.555 km in 2006.

The Dutch TT also holds the distinction of being the longest-running event on the MotoGP calendar, held annually since 1925 except during World War II.

Notable Circuit Features

British riders have achieved significant success at TT Circuit Assen throughout WorldSBK history. Carl Fogarty holds the record for the most WorldSBK victories at this venue with 12 wins. Despite numerous layout changes and modernizations, the finish line at TT Circuit Assen remains in its original location from when the permanent circuit opened in 1955.

The circuit's reputation among riders and teams stems from its combination of speed and technical challenge. The fast sections allow riders to reach high speeds, while the variety of corner types tests bike setup and rider skill. The track surface characteristics and layout make the Pirelli Dutch Round a key event for championship contenders.

What to Expect

The 2026 Pirelli Dutch Round at TT Circuit Assen promises close racing across all categories. The introduction of WorldSPB adds a new dimension to the weekend, with young riders competing on a variety of manufacturer platforms. The Balance of Performance system aims to create tight competition in this class.

WorldSBK races at Assen typically feature multiple lead changes and battles throughout the field. The circuit layout allows for overtaking opportunities, particularly into the slower corners following fast sections. Weather conditions can influence tyre choices and race strategy, adding another variable for teams and riders to manage.

The Netherlands provides strong support for motorcycle racing, creating an engaged atmosphere at the circuit. The combination of competitive racing, historic significance, and passionate fans makes the Pirelli Dutch Round a highlight of the WSBK season.