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All you need to know about the Dutch TT this weekend.

History:

The final Saturday in June means only one thing - the Dutch TT at the legendary Assen circuit.

Known in Europe as 'The Cathedral' of motorcycle racing, Assen is the only circuit on the MotoGP calendar that has hosted a round of the World Championship since its inception back in 1949.

This weekend's Grand Prix is the first of four in just five weekends for the MotoGP class, with races at Laguna Seca, Sachsenring and Donington Park set to follow before a well-earned summer break.

Track:

Over the years since the first running of the Dutch TT, which began much earlier than the World Championship, in 1925, the original road circuit has been gradually altered, initially reduced some 59 years ago from 16km to 7.7km.

In 1984 it was reduced further, to a little over 6km, before more alterations in 2006 saw it adapted to its current configuration, with the removal of the North Loop bringing the total length down to just 4.5km.

The rest of the circuit retains much of its original character, making it one of the most technical and physically demanding circuits on the calendar.

Unlike a lot of other circuits, which feature long straights and medium-fast corners, Assen is tight, flowing and characterised by high-speed corners and quick changes in direction.

Even the surface is unusual, with many sections cambered in the style of a public road to aid drainage.

Data:

Length: 4.555km

Width: 10-14m

Right corners: 11

Left corners: 6

Longest straight: 560m

Circuit Record: Casey Stoner (Ducati, 2008), 1:36.738

Best Pole: Casey Stoner (Ducati, 2008), 1:35.520

MotoGP Race: Saturday 27th June @ 13:00, 26 laps (118.430 Km)

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