Located in the northern Dutch province of Drenthe, the TT Circuit Assen is one of the world’s most celebrated motorcycle racing venues. Universally known as The Cathedral of Speed, it has been at the heart of Grand Prix motorcycle racing for more than seven decades, combining technical excellence with an unrivalled sporting heritage.
Originally created from public roads before evolving into a permanent circuit, Assen has continuously adapted to modern motorsport while preserving the flowing character that has made it one of the favourite circuits of generations of riders.
Today the circuit hosts world championship motorcycle racing, international car racing and numerous national competitions, yet its soul remains inseparable from MotoGP.
In Brief
- Motorcycle racing has been held in Assen since 1925.
- The permanent circuit opened in 1955. Until 2020, Assen was the only venue to appear on every MotoGP World Championship calendar since 1949.
- The circuit is universally known as The Cathedral of Speed.
- The Dutch TT traditionally took place on Saturdays for many decades before moving to Sunday in 2016.
- Many riders regard Assen as the ultimate test of motorcycle rhythm and precision.
History
Motorcycle racing first arrived in Assen in 1925 on a temporary public-road circuit through the villages of Drenthe.
Following the Second World War, the event rapidly established itself as one of Europe’s premier motorcycle races, eventually becoming part of the inaugural Grand Prix Motorcycle World Championship in 1949.
The permanent TT Circuit Assen opened in 1955, replacing the original road course while retaining its fast, flowing philosophy.
Although several modifications have shortened and modernised the layout over the decades, Assen has remained a constant presence on the Grand Prix calendar. Remarkably, until 2020, it was the only circuit to host a Motorcycle Grand Prix every year since the championship’s creation in 1949, a testament to its enduring importance.
Today Assen continues to represent the spiritual home of Grand Prix motorcycle racing.
Circuit Design
The current Grand Prix circuit measures 4.542 kilometres and consists of 18 corners, arranged in a clockwise direction.
Unlike many modern circuits dominated by heavy braking zones, Assen rewards uninterrupted rhythm. The lap flows naturally from one corner to the next through a succession of medium- and high-speed bends that encourage precision rather than aggression.
Fast direction changes, subtle elevation differences and generous corner radii reward riders capable of maintaining momentum while placing considerable demands on chassis balance and tyre performance.
The final chicane, introduced for safety, contrasts with the circuit’s otherwise flowing nature and frequently produces dramatic overtaking opportunities.
LENGTH
4.542
kilometres
WIDTH
10–14
metres
DIRECTION
CW
clockwise
SURFACE
Asphalt
ELEVATION CHANGE
2.9
metres
OPENED
1925
101 years ago
TT Circuit Assen is defined by its flowing character, rapid direction changes and emphasis on maintaining momentum, preserving elements of the road-racing tradition from which the circuit developed. The opening section combines tighter corners with progressive acceleration before the lap begins to open into faster sequences where accurate positioning becomes increasingly important.
The later part of the lap contains many of Assen’s defining challenges. Fast direction changes through sections such as Ruskenhoek and Ramshoek reward commitment and chassis stability, while the final approach towards the Geert Timmer chicane creates a dramatic braking opportunity where positions can still change immediately before the finish.
Assen’s defining challenge comes from maintaining rhythm while repeatedly changing direction at speed. Riders who remain smooth, preserve corner speed and position the motorcycle accurately for the following turn are generally rewarded, giving the circuit a character strongly associated with agility and confidence rather than repeated stop-and-go acceleration.
| # | Corner |
|---|---|
| 1 | Haarbocht Right |
| 2 | Madijk Right |
| 3 | Ossebroeken Right |
| 4 | T4 Right |
| 5 | Strubben Left |
| 6 | Veenslang Right |
| 7 | T7 Left |
| 8 | Stekkenwal Right |
| 9 | De Bult Left |
| 10 | Mandeveen Right |
| 11 | Duikersloot Right |
| 12 | Meeuwenmeer Right |
| 13 | Hoge Heide Right |
| 14 | Ramshoek Left |
| 15 | T15 Left |
| 16 | Geert Timmer-bocht Right |
| 17 | T17 Left |
| 18 | T18 Right |
Assen occupies an exceptional position in motorcycle racing as the historic home of the Dutch TT, first held in 1925. The event became part of the inaugural Motorcycle Grand Prix World Championship in 1949, establishing a relationship between Assen and top-level motorcycle racing extending across generations of riders and machinery.
Its longevity has given Assen a distinctive place within the sport, earning it the traditional description “The Cathedral of Speed.” The circuit has witnessed successive eras of Grand Prix competition, from early racing motorcycles through the two-stroke period to contemporary MotoGP, while also hosting World Superbike and other major motorcycle categories.
Few venues are as closely identified with motorcycle competition itself. Assen’s combination of century-long TT heritage, World Championship continuity and a circuit developed specifically around motorcycle racing makes it one of the defining places in international motorcycling and one of Europe’s most important motorsport venues.
Visitor Experience
Assen offers one of the most authentic motorcycle racing experiences in the world.
The Dutch TT transforms the circuit into a week-long celebration, attracting hundreds of thousands of spectators and creating an atmosphere unlike almost any other MotoGP event. Excellent viewing areas, enthusiastic local support and easy access throughout the venue allow visitors to appreciate the circuit’s flowing nature from multiple perspectives.
Beyond the circuit, visitors can explore the historic city of Assen, the surrounding countryside and the region’s cycling routes, museums and traditional Dutch villages.
Location
TT Circuit Assen is located near Assen, approximately 30 kilometres south of Groningen.
Positioned within the rural landscapes of Drenthe, the circuit enjoys excellent road connections while retaining the atmosphere that has characterised Dutch TT racing for a century.
Address
9 De Haar
9405 TE Assen
Assen, Drenthe
Netherlands
Website