Zoom Alvaro Bautista

Lashing wind, grey skies and intermittent rain played a starring role in the 125cc race at Assen, with the wetness also coming into play for the 250cc battle at the Dutch track.

Drops of rain called for Race Direction to declare the quarter litre race a wet event, and the conditions caused a race of two halves as the first dry laps gave way to some light dampness.

Álvaro Bautista was back to his sterling best in the race, starting from pole position. The Sspanish rider lost places on the opening lap but performed a spectacular comeback to take victory. He recorded a new circuit record of 1.40.340 whilst hunting down Thomas Luthi, extended a lead, and saw the gap close when rain fell on the track.

He broke away once more for the win, moving up to fourth in the World Championship and claiming a historic treble.

“I am very happy about this result, above all because after the past two races when we weren't able to win in the final moments. This victory is very important for us, because it gives confidence and continues our run of podium finishes”, he explained. “The conditions were difficult, and we had to tweak the bike five minutes before the race. The asphalt was dry, but they declared a wet race, and at the midway point I wasn't going to push when leading. All except for Luthi were far back. It rained again and things were back to normal. Sooner or later this result was going to come, so we'll try and continue this form, the desire to win remains as strong as ever for myself and the team.”

Number 55 from the Mapfre Aspar team, Héctor Faubel set off from 15th on the grid, finishing 11th in Assen. At little more than two seconds from the leading riders, the Spaniard clocked a personal best lap of 1.42.398, leaving him in positive spirits and 13th in the World Championship. He also left the Netherlands with a new setting, one which he hopes will be useful in the coming races.

© CAPSIS International