MotoGP 2003 - Pramac Honda Preview Assen

The absolute shrine of motorcycling, Assen is one of the very few tracks in the world designed exclusively for motorcycles. The shape of the track and the radius of the corners have been made specially to create the ideal setting for two-wheel racing. For riders throughout the world, a victory at Assen means certain entry into the aristocracy of motorcycling. The circuit is technical, fast and selective, rewarding the skills of those riders who are best able to interpret the rhythm and the key points where victory can be assured. Just a few kilometres south of Groningen, one of the northernmost cities in Holland, Assen is one of the most important venues for motorcycling fans in central Europe. It is a truly unique, special event where the history of motorcycling can be felt in the atmosphere.

Massimiliano Biaggi's generous and aggressive race at Montmelò, in which he was constantly right up with the leaders, ended in a slide on the twenty-third lap, preventing the oft-times world champion from making the podium for the fifth time this year. Biaggi got back into the race after his fall and, showing his customary doggedness, ended 14th, thus earning two points, which are always important for the world championship. Massimiliano ceded second place in the ratings to Sete Gibernau, but the Assen race, which is the stuff of highly skilled, sensitive riders, is his best opportunity for a comeback. Tohru Ukawa, who came sixth in Montmelò, earned ten precious points and consolidated his sixth position in the world ranking. Camel Pramac Pons holds firmly on to its second place in the Team ratings.

Makoto Tamada achieved another good result, ending seventh in the Montmelò race. The sweltering heat on the Catalunya circuit tested the performance and endurance of the tyres to the limit. Bridgestone once again showed how the development work carried out so far is paying off well. Even in extreme conditions like those at Montmelò, Tamada was able to clock up a series of fast laps even as the race was drawing to a close.

Makoto's good performances in Jerez, Mugello and Catalunya have enabled him to make the TOP TEN in the world championship. With 34 points, Makoto is actually ninth in the ratings. But the work of the Pramac Honda Team and the Bridgestone technicians, and of course of Tamada himself, just never stops.

On the Monday after the race in Spain, the entire work group were out on the track again, and this time there was also the official test rider of the team with them: Shinichi Itoh. Non-stop tyre tests to work out the details and tests on new prototypes were entrusted to Itoh, who made his precious contribution to the development work by clocking up no fewer than 72 laps on the 56-degree-centigrade tarmac.

Now Makoto Tamada is getting ready for the rendezvous of the year in Assen: the University of Motorcycling. A fast, technical track where the corners come one after the other, requiring aggressive but harmonious riding in which the precision of the trajectories is absolutely crucial. Indeed, a mistake on one corner will compromise the angle on the following one. It is also tough physically, especially with the abrupt change of direction before the home straight, and Assen also has the unknown factor of the weather. Racing here has very often taken place in the wet. What is sure is that at the "shrine" of motorcycling, a good result means entry into the riders' hall of fame.