MOTO MATTERS
MOTOGP TO RACE AT ASSEN THROUGH 2031 WITH NEW CONTRACT EXTENSION
Motogp has negotiated a new contract extension with TT Circuit Assen granting the Dutch Grand Prix’s place on the calendar through the 2031 season. The move sees Assen extending its stay on the calendar beyond the terms of an existing agreement that would have ended in 2026.
Affectionately known as ‘The Cathedral of Speed,’ Assen is the longest-serving venue on the Motogp calendar, having first hosted Grand Prix motorcycle racing in 1949. In 2023, 105,842 fans attended Sunday’s GP, a figure only bettered by the French GP at Le Mans. In addition, 46,276 fans attended Saturday’s Sprint.
“We are incredibly pleased with this contract extension, especially now that Motogp is developing strongly,” said Chairman of TT Circuit Assen Arjan Bos. “It reaffirms the status of the TT Assen as a highlight on the Motogp calendar. We are proud to continue building the future of motorsport together.” “
We’re very happy to announce Assen’s longterm future on the calendar,” added Motogp CEP Carmelo Ezpeleta. “It was part of the very first season of Grand Prix racing in 1949 and nowhere else has been with us across these 75 years of racing we celebrate in 2024. That’s unique, but we don’t return only for the history or statistics. Racing at Assen, even 100 years after the first races held in the area, is still something special and it only gets better. It’s a fantastic, modern venue that continues to gives us incredible races and iconic moments, and there is no better mixture than the world’s most exciting sport racing at one of its greatest venues.”
MARQUEZ HAS HELD CONVERSATIONS OVER 2025 MOTOGP FACTORY SEAT
Marc Marquez has revealed “there have already been conversations” with Motogp factory teams for the 2025 season, citing that he “doesn’t have just one option”.
The Spaniard chose to exit his Honda contract at the end of 2023 to move to the satellite Gresini Ducati team due to the Japanese marque’s uncompetitiveness. The eighttime champion made the right choice with Honda’s struggles continuing and Gresini elevating Marquez back to being a contender, with two podium finishes in the Sprints at Portimao and COTA providing a solid platform.
Last weekend at Jerez proved to be his best outing since his switch, as Marquez took second following a thrilling contest with reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia.
Having signed a one-term deal with Gresini, Marquez has been in the conversation as a credible candidate to receive a promotion to a factory team for the 2025 season.
Marquez is in the frame for a factory Ducati ride alongside points leader Jorge Martin and current rider Enea Bastianini, but the Spaniard has indicated it isn’t his sole choice.
“The important thing is that the results are coming, so far there was speed but no results,” he said after Monday’s Jerez test. “Let’s see if we confirm at Le Mans. I’ve always said it: the faster you go on track, the more options [you have]. The important thing is that ‘the plan’ is going well and when there are results the factories are contacting me and there have already been conversations.
Mentally, I’m pretty clear about what I want.”
When asked if a Ducati seat depends on him, he told Autosport: “Well, it depends on everything in general, but the important thing is that I have it clear and I don’t just have one option.”
The 2024 season has already seen the Italian marque pen Bagnaia to a new twoyear extension through 2026. Moto2 prodigy Fermin Aldeguer will make the move to Pramac Ducati for 2025, leaving just two factory-spec Ducatis up for grabs next year.