Weekend Structure
Friday — Practice
- — Moto3 Free Practice
- — Moto2 Free Practice
- — MotoGP Free Practice 1 (FP1)
- — MotoGP Practice
Quietest day. Great for exploring the circuit layout, checking sightlines from different spots, and soaking in the growing festival atmosphere at the campsites.
Saturday — Qualifying + Sprint
- — Moto3 Qualifying + Race
- — Moto2 Qualifying + Race
- — MotoGP Qualifying
- — MotoGP Sprint Race
The sprint race is half-distance but counts for championship points. Assen's flowing corners produce close racing — don't miss it.
Sunday — Race Day
- — Moto3 Race
- — Moto2 Race
- — MotoGP Warm-Up
- — MotoGP Race (14:00 local)
Arrive early. The Dutch TT sells out every year — 100,000+ fans pack the circuit. The MotoGP race starts at 2 PM local time.
The Three Classes
A MotoGP weekend features three racing classes. Each has its own practice, qualifying, and race sessions.
Moto3
250cc single-cylinder bikes, top speed ~250 km/h. The junior class — riders are often 16-20 years old. Close racing, big slipstream battles, and frequent lead changes.
Moto2
765cc Triumph triple-cylinder engines. The feeder class to MotoGP. Riders here are the future MotoGP stars. More power than Moto3, fewer electronics than MotoGP.
MotoGP
1000cc prototype machines making 250+ horsepower. Top speeds over 350 km/h. The pinnacle of motorcycle racing. Ducati, Aprilia, KTM, Honda, and Yamaha compete with factory and satellite teams.
Assen-Specific Tips
Cycle to the circuit
This is the Netherlands. Cycling is the best way to get around Assen during race week. You can rent a bike in town or bring your own. Bike parking at the circuit is free, well-organised, and gets you out faster than any car or bus after the race.
Arrive early on Sunday
The Dutch TT sells out every year. Gates open at 8 AM and the popular GA spots fill fast. If you want a good viewing position in general admission, be at the circuit by 9 AM at the latest.
Phone signal gets patchy
With 100,000+ fans on-site, mobile data slows down significantly on race day. Download offline maps, screenshot your ticket, and agree on a physical meeting point with your group before entering.
The circuit is compact and walkable
Unlike many circuits, Assen is relatively compact. You can walk between most grandstands in 10 minutes. The circuit was purpose-built for motorcycle racing, so sightlines are excellent from most positions.
The camping is part of the experience
Even if you are staying in a hotel, visit the campsites in the evening. Mandeveen in particular is famous for its party atmosphere. The Dutch TT camping scene is a festival in itself — live music, barbecues, and fans from across Europe.
Bring a flag or banner
The Dutch TT crowd is colourful and enthusiastic. Flags and banners are welcome and add to the atmosphere. Orange is everywhere — this is the Netherlands after all.
Cash and cards both work
The Netherlands is one of the most card-friendly countries in Europe. Contactless payment works almost everywhere, including most food stalls at the circuit. That said, keeping €20-30 cash as backup is sensible.
Assen Is Not Just a Race
The Dutch TT is the longest-running event on the MotoGP calendar. Since 1949, it has been a pilgrimage for motorcycle fans across Europe. The festival atmosphere, the camping tradition, and the purpose-built circuit make it one of the most complete race weekends you can attend.
The Dutch TT is a national event
The TT Assen is not just a motorcycle race — it is a cultural event in the Netherlands. The town of Assen transforms for the week with the TT Festival running in the city centre: live music, motorcycle displays, stunt shows, and street entertainment. Even non-race-goers come to Assen for the festival.
Drenthe province — quiet beauty
Assen sits in Drenthe, one of the least touristed provinces in the Netherlands. Ancient dolmens (hunebedden), cycling paths through forests and heathland, and a slower pace of life than the Randstad. If you extend your trip, it is a genuinely different side of the Netherlands.
Groningen — the student city
Just 30 minutes north by train, Groningen is a vibrant university city with excellent bars, restaurants, and nightlife. A good option for an evening trip if you want more variety than Assen town offers.