Kanemoto Racing have put behind them the disappointment of round six, the Grand Prix of Catalunya where a first lap racing incident saw Van den Goorbergh collide with Shinya Nakano sending the Team's Honda NSR500 two-stroke sliding into the gravel ending their race on the very first lap. Immediately following the race the Team returned to the circuit with Van den Goorbergh and Japanese-rider Shinichi Itoh for a valuable two-day test. Team Owner and Manager Erv Kanemoto hopes that with information gathered at the test, together with some better luck, could win the Team their first top-ten finish of the season in Holland.

"We're due some better luck in Assen as the Catalunya race was naturally disappointing for us and goes to show how luck always plays some part in racing. Jurgen made a good start, too good as it moved him quickly up into the pack which ultimately caused his race-ending collision. It was bad luck but we picked ourselves up from there and immediately returned to the track for a two-day test, joined also by Shinichi Itoh. Having two riders enabled us to gather twice as much valuable information ahead of this weekend's race.," relayed Erv Kanemoto from the Team's Belgian Headquarters.

The revised 6.027kms Assen circuit has hosted a grand prix every year since the championships inaugural season in 1949. It is the only circuit to be able to make that claim and further development has since produced a world class racing facility and a calendar fixture eagerly awaited by riders looking forward to performing on the circuit's fast technical bends, with few slow corners, which could aid the racing style of two-stroke competitors.

"The Assen course is fantastic and having a home crowd supporting you definitely makes you go quicker. I've put the incident in Barcelona behind us now and I'm totally ready for the Dutch Grand Prix. I know the track well but recent changes will make it a new challenge for me and the other riders. The opening practice sessions will be interesting and while I hope it stays dry for the fans - a little rain, for us, could be good," said Jurgen van den Goorbergh following the Barcelona testing.

This year the circuit has been slightly shortened from 6,049 metres to 6,027 metres, with the former main straight moved to enlarge the paddock, the Mandeveen and Duikersloot corners have been moved back ten metres to create larger run off areas.

Kanemoto Racing is currently 12th placed in the Team championship and Jurgen van den Goorbergh 18th in the rider's tables.