Well who saw that coming?
In case you forgot here’s Arjen with a quick reminder of what happened…
Onto Assen. The Assen circuit used to be absolutely magnificent. So much so that the Dutch, having smoked something interesting, decided it would be a good idea to chop it in half so they could fit more spectators in. Sadly by doing that it made the circuit half as good and half as popular. One in the clogs for tulip boys I’m afraid..
But that’s a them problem. For us we just need to enjoy the race and remember it’s on Sunday.
Back in the old days, pre-internet and when Jeremy McWilliams was only just old, the Dutch GP was run on the Saturday meaning at least 25% of fans forgot and missed it. Some would attempt to set their VHS to record it using a video-plus only to find they had three hours of Song of Praise instead.
It was traditionally run on Saturdays to allow the local prostitutes a day of rest as part of the Maastricht treaty of ‘92. Thankfully for all politicians visiting the Netherlands that law was dropped by Brussels as a 7-day working week became the normal to offset Spain’s ever dwindling zero-day work ethic.
So who will win?
Traditionally Assen has been a Yamaha track. So that should favour championship leader and bare-chest enthusiast Fabio Quartarararo. It should also favour his teammate Vinales – but let’s be honest here it’s probably not going to once FP3 has finished.
KTM are thankfully back in mix with Miguel Oliveira riding superbly on the not-all-updated bike. Brad Binder too – although the South African is having trouble qualifying.
And, as usual, we can’t count out any of the top Ducati riders. Bagnaia in particular was an unsung hero last weekend as he silently fought his way up to fifth after starting so far back he could almost see Vinales in his mirrors.
Oh yes…and what about Marc Marquez? His win in Germany last week was a bit special – but was it a fluke at his favourite track? Or can he keep this momentum going?
So how did you do last time?
Your selected winner: Johann Zarco (21%)
Blimey you guys are sticking with Zarco to win aren’t you? Might have to take him off the list at this rate – the poor Frenchie, who’s an avid reader of MGPN, is clearly feeling the pressure of your votes.
Actual winner: Marc Marquez (9%)
Before the race Marc had already won at the Sausagering ten times in a row. But even that wasn’t enough to convince 91% of you that he could overcome his injuries and win again.
But he did. Much to the horror/delight of everyone watching
Special mention: Football is rubbish (33%)
It totally is. Made more conclusive by it being by far the biggest majority victory of any of our polls. Good work team.