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By Emanuele Venturoli| Posted June 26, 2024 | In MotoGP, MotoGP
The Thrill of Assen TT Circuit: A MotoGP Mecca
Welcome to the Cathedral of Speed
Ladies and gentlemen, motorsport enthusiasts, and adrenaline junkies, gather around! Today, we’re diving into the high-octane world of the Assen TT Circuit. Known as the “Cathedral of Speed”, this legendary track is a must-visit for any MotoGP fan. So buckle up, because we’re about to take a thrilling ride through the history, features, and unforgettable moments of this iconic circuit.
A Rich History: The Birth of a Legend
The Assen TT Circuit, located in the northern Netherlands, isn’t just any racetrack; it’s a historical monument. Established in 1925, this track has seen it all—from the evolution of motorcycle racing to the birth of MotoGP legends. Originally, races took place on public roads before moving to a permanent circuit in 1955. And boy, what a move that was!
The Early Days
Picture this: narrow roads, cobblestones, and daredevil riders zooming past windmills. That’s how it all started. The early Assen races were a true test of skill and bravery. Riders faced unpredictable weather, and the track’s unique layout made every race a nail-biting experience.
The Modern Era
Fast forward to today, and Assen has transformed into a state-of-the-art facility. With a length of 4.542 kilometers (2.822 miles) and 18 turns, it offers a perfect blend of high-speed straights and challenging corners. The circuit underwent significant renovations in 2006, yet it has retained its original character, making it a favorite among riders and fans alike.
The Unique Layout: A Rollercoaster Ride
If you think all racetracks are the same, think again. Assen TT Circuit’s layout is like a rollercoaster ride, filled with twists, turns, and adrenaline-pumping straights. Let’s break down what makes this track so special.
The Fast Corners
Assen is famous for its fast corners, which test a rider’s skill and bravery. The “Ruskenhoek” and “Mandeveen” corners, for example, are not for the faint-hearted. Riders must navigate these high-speed bends with precision, making split-second decisions that can make or break their race.
The Chicanes
Ah, the chicanes! Assen’s chicanes, like the “Geert Timmer Bocht,” are legendary. These tight, zigzagging sections force riders to slow down and showcase their technical prowess. It’s a game of cat and mouse, with riders jostling for position and trying to outsmart their competitors.
The Straights
Don’t be fooled; Assen isn’t all about twists and turns. The track features several long straights where riders can unleash the full power of their machines. The “Veenslang” straight, in particular, is a crowd favorite. Watching riders hit top speeds here is a sight to behold.
The Atmosphere: A Festival of Speed
One of the best things about Assen is its electric atmosphere. The Dutch fans, known for their passion and enthusiasm, turn every race weekend into a festival of speed. Let’s dive into what makes the Assen experience so unforgettable.
The Fan Village
Imagine a bustling village filled with food stalls, merchandise stands, and interactive exhibits. That’s the Assen Fan Village for you. It’s a paradise for MotoGP fans, offering everything from autograph sessions with riders to virtual reality racing simulators.
The Campsites
For the true Assen experience, you must stay at one of the campsites. These areas come alive with fans from all over the world, sharing their love for the sport. It’s like a mini city, with BBQs, live music, and, of course, endless discussions about racing.
The Grandstands
The grandstands at Assen offer some of the best views in MotoGP. Whether you’re sitting at the “Haarbocht” corner or the “Strubben” section, you’re guaranteed an exhilarating view of the action. The roar of the crowd as riders race past is enough to give you goosebumps.
Iconic Moments: Racing History in the Making
Assen has been the stage for many iconic moments in MotoGP history. From last-lap battles to unexpected victories, this track has seen it all. Let’s relive some of these unforgettable moments.
The Rossi vs. Marquez Duel
One of the most talked-about moments in recent years is the epic duel between Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez in 2015. The two titans of MotoGP went wheel-to-wheel in a breathtaking battle that ended with Rossi taking a dramatic victory. The crowd went wild, and the race instantly became a classic.
The Rain Masters
Assen is notorious for its unpredictable weather, which has led to some memorable wet races. Who can forget the 2007 race when Chris Vermeulen mastered the rain to take his first and only MotoGP victory? It was a masterclass in wet-weather riding and a testament to Assen’s challenging conditions.
The Dutch Hero
Of course, we can’t talk about Assen without mentioning Wil Hartog, the Dutch rider who won the 500cc race in 1977. His victory sent the local fans into a frenzy and cemented his status as a national hero. It’s moments like these that make Assen so special.
The MotoGP VIP Village: A Taste of Luxury
If you’re looking to take your Assen experience to the next level, the MotoGP VIP Village is the place to be. This exclusive hospitality area offers a taste of luxury, combined with unparalleled views of the track.
Gourmet Dining
Forget the usual trackside snacks; the MotoGP VIP Village offers gourmet dining options that will tantalize your taste buds. From delicious local delicacies to international cuisine, there’s something for everyone. And let’s not forget the open bar, serving everything from champagne to craft beers.
Behind-the-Scenes Access
Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at a MotoGP race? The VIP Village gives you a glimpse into the inner workings of the paddock. Enjoy guided tours, meet-and-greet sessions with riders, and even pit lane walks. It’s a dream come true for any MotoGP fan.
Prime Viewing Locations
The VIP Village offers some of the best viewing locations on the circuit. Whether you’re watching from the comfort of a luxurious suite or a rooftop terrace, you’re guaranteed a perfect view of the action. It’s the ultimate way to experience the thrill of Assen.
The Local Attractions: Explore the Netherlands
While Assen TT Circuit is the main attraction, the surrounding area has plenty to offer. So why not make a weekend of it and explore the beautiful Netherlands?
The City of Assen
The city of Assen is charming and full of history. Take a stroll through the city center, visit the Drents Museum, or relax in one of the many cafes. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day at the track.
The Dutch Countryside
The countryside around Assen is stunning, with picturesque landscapes and quaint villages. Rent a bike and explore the famous Dutch cycle paths, or take a leisurely drive through the scenic countryside. It’s a great way to soak in the beauty of the Netherlands.
Local Cuisine
Don’t leave without trying some local Dutch cuisine. From delicious cheeses to hearty stews, the Netherlands has a rich culinary tradition. Make sure to visit a local market or restaurant to sample the best of Dutch food.
The Future of Assen: What’s Next?
Assen TT Circuit has a bright future ahead. With continuous upgrades and a commitment to maintaining its unique character, the track is set to remain a favorite among riders and fans for years to come.
Sustainability Initiatives
In line with global trends, Assen is focusing on sustainability. The track is implementing green initiatives, such as solar panels and recycling programs, to reduce its environmental impact. It’s a step in the right direction for the future of motorsport.
New Events
While MotoGP is the star attraction, Assen is also expanding its event calendar. From car racing to music festivals, there’s always something exciting happening at the circuit. Keep an eye on the schedule for new and thrilling events.
Fan Engagement
Assen is committed to enhancing the fan experience. With new facilities, interactive exhibits, and fan-friendly initiatives, the track is ensuring that visitors have an unforgettable experience. It’s all about making Assen the ultimate destination for motorsport enthusiasts.
The Magic of Assen
In conclusion, the Assen TT Circuit is more than just a racetrack; it’s a magical place that embodies the spirit of MotoGP. With its rich history, unique layout, and electric atmosphere, Assen offers an experience like no other. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual visitor, a trip to Assen is a must. So, pack your bags, grab your MotoGP gear, and get ready for an adventure you’ll never forget. See you at the Cathedral of Speed!
Emanuele Venturoli
A graduate in Public, Social and Political Communication from the University of Bologna, he has always been passionate about marketing, design and sport.
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In an era where it is possible to get anywhere with a click, there is a strong temptation to approach teams and properties directly for sponsorship projects.
By doing so, we are convinced that we are shortening the value chain, saving time and money. However, these DYI methods are anything but risk-free and what initially appears to be a competitive advantage soon turns into a problem that is difficult to resolve. That’s why there are agencies. And this is why you should rely on us for your sponsorships.
Save time and money
When first approaching a sponsorship or sports marketing project, it is difficult to know immediately which stakeholders are correct, what the decision flow is, and what the right timelines are for each process. Sports is a very specialized field of action, and fitting effectively into its paths can take a lot of time and therefore money. We, on the other hand, know referents and spheres of action and know who to talk to, when and how. So you are also more effective.
The right information, the right choice
Sports is an immense passion, and for our heart colors we would be willing to do anything. But business is a different business, and it is important to make the best possible strategic decisions based on independent research, statistics and reliable data. A sports marketing and sports sponsorship agency like RTR has an objective, 360-degree picture of the scenario and can tell you what is really best for you: which sport, which athlete, which team. This is because we possess a great deal of data and information on ratings, segmentation and attitudes. Because the numbers don’t lie. Never.
Activations are the beating heart
Activations are the real heart of sports sponsorship. Without them, there remains only a blank sticker on a motorcycle, car or uniform and no contact with the public, no emotional connection, no impact on the bottom line. Then how do you do it? It certainly won’t be the teams or the athletes who will help you leverage sponsorship and enjoy the many marketing rights you have paid for. To bring out the best in a sports marketing project you need an agency that knows how to use sponsorship to engage the fanbase on the Web, to reach out to Shopping Centers, to organize hospitality, to develop B2B and B2C opportunities, and to get “your” athletes in front of millions of potential consumers.
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Would you ever go to the dealer who sold you the car and ask if the competitor’s car is better? No, of course. So, how do you expect to get firm measurements of the effectiveness of your sponsorship if you do not rely on someone super partes? At RTR, we have always worked with independent third-party agencies that allow us to know the return on any exposure of your brand on TV and in the media. In addition, we believe in calculating ROI as the ultimate measure of your success-so we can tell you for every penny you spend how much you are making.
Sit back, relax, we’ll take care of it
We have been involved in sports sponsorship and sports marketing for more than 15 years. We are consultants in the sense that our goal is to maximize your investment, but we are also an agency that manages the project from start to finish. We have been doing this since 1995 with passion and professionalism, following three principles that have become cornerstones of our business: independence, verticality and transparency.
I would like to highlight the fact that one of the qualities of RTR is its great ability to approach the sponsorship scenario strategically, together with its passionate attitude, its amazing enthusiasm for solving problems, and its high level of professionalism.
Gianluca Degliesposti
Executive Director Server&Storage EMEA
Eurosport is truly delighted with its business relationship with Riccardo Tafà, who has become extremely popular, thanks to his detailed knowledge of the sports marketing sector and his highly diligent attitude to work.
Francois Ribeiro
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Passion and Expertise are the features that I have found in RTR since the very beginning. Serious and reliable professionals but also very helpful, nice and open-mind people, willing to listen and compare different ideas. All the values in which RTR believes make this agency a partner, not just a supplier, a partner with whom we have had the opportunity to achieve significant commercial results in term of success and image.
Luca Pacitto
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We have been working with RTR Sports Marketing for over 10 years. The objectives and the programmes of collaboration continue to be renewed and to grow with mutual satisfaction. I believe RTR is a team of great professionals led by Riccardo Tafà, who I consider a manager of exceptional skills and with a great passion for his work.
Lucio Cecchinello
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I have known and worked with Riccardo Tafà since 1995 when we collaborated for the first time on a project for the Williams Formula 1 team. Several clients followed. After leaving Williams to work for Gerhard Berger then owner of the Toro Rosso F1 Team, I turned again to Riccardo to seek his help in finding a tool supplier for the team and Riccardo duly obliged with an introduction to USAG, a partnership with Toro Rosso which endured for five years. I recently started a new role as Group Commercial Director for the renowned Andretti Autosport organisation and I find myself working with Riccardo once again on a number of interesting projects. Why has this relationship with Riccardo endured ? He’s smart, knows the commercial side of sport inside out and back to front and he’s honest and trustworthy. Riccardo Tafà is a “doer” not a “talker”: in over 20 years I have never had a dispute either with him or with a company that he has introduced and each partnership introduced by Riccardo has delivered quantifiable ROI to rights holder and sponsor alike. I can think of no better testimonial of Riccardo’s diligence, knowledge, contact base and hard work than that.
Jim Wright
Group Commercial Director
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