TT Circuit Assen, Netherlands
Loved by many a MotoGP fan, Assen must surely be on your list of “Must see” MotoGP events. The oldest event on the calendar. Assen is to MotoGP, what Silverstone is to Formula 1. Known to many as the “Cathedral of Speed” this is a track for the brave and a race weekend experience quite unlike any other.
The Dutch fans are as energetic as they are knowledgeable and people pour in from around the world to witness this one.
Located just a couple of hours drive North of Amsterdam, you’ll be following in the footsteps of many a hardened MotoGP fan. Nestled amongst the beauty of the Dutch countryside as the circuit you’ll no doubt fall in love with quickly.
“I love Assen, it is one of my favourite tracks.”
Valentino Rossi – MotoGP World Champion
It’s certainly not the most modern of circuits although it has had some decent modernisation in recent years, upgrading grandstands and facilities. It could still do with some more TLC as the region relies heavily on the popularity of the Assen MotoGP.
Opening its gates in 1949, Assen TT’s original length was over 7.7km with banked corners and a high grip circuit making this track the stuff of legends.
The circuit joined the MotoGP calendar back in 1955 and was eventually shortened for the 2006 championship, down to 4.75km, making it much more technical with the removal of dangerous banked corners.
It’s a tight and twisting corner that offers some great viewing options, especially around the first 5 turns and some decent views down the start and finish straight from a number of ticket options.
Up until 2015 the race was always run on the Saturday, the reason being? A local church objected to the noise and lure of the race during Sunday service.
Assen TT is a real heritage track unlike some of the more modern offerings on the MotoGP calendar. There’s a sense of history and passion here, with a track complexity similar to Mugello in Italy. Both races should be high on your MotoGP bucket list.
You’ll see the Assen circuit with various names including TT Assen, Assen TT Circuit and Dutch TT. All referring to the “Tourist Trophy” moniker that the Isle Of Man race has. This is a throwback to the original race pre 1949 when the Assen TT was a whopping 28.57km long.
The circuit currently has capacity for 100,000 race fans with 60,000 seats.
Viewing options
Haarbocht Grandstand
Finally Assen has been upgraded with some very modern permanent grandstand structures. Completed in 2017, the relatively new Baarbocht Grandstand is situated along the main straight and ends just after turn 1, so ticket holders here will get some impressive views of the riders braking hard and navigating the first 5 turns off in the distance.
The grandstand is probably one of the best at the circuit now with everything you’d need actually built into the structure. Easy access to toilets and merchandise stalls can be found near the stairway entrances.
The views here are panoramic to say the least, with a very clear view of the start / finish straight and into the pits, albeit from quite a distance. Turn 1 is famous for late braking overtakes and if the job isn’t done on this corner there’s another chance to finish it off as the track turns endlessly right and narrows into turns 2, 3 and 4.
Even though it’s a modern grandstand it isn’t covered so be sure to bring clothes suitable for the weather conditions. Capacity here is impressive with 9,800 seats up for grabs.
At a length of 350 metres this grandstand does offer varying views of the circuit, with those at the far right of its length sitting closer to the pit lanes and start of the braking zone of turn one.
Those at the far left of the grandstand are just beyond the turn 1 corner with great views down to turn 2 and beyond.
At 20 metres high, the Haarbocht grandstand is one of the tallest options too, giving you better views across the circuit for those with high seats.
Even at the low seats you’ll get unbroken views with the safety fence situated below the grandstand seating area.
Strubben Grandstand
Situated between turns 1 and 2, the Strubben Grandstand curves slightly to give you a great view of the MotoGP riders reaching the first corner and leaning right. This is a great pinch point, reminiscent of Suzuka or Silverstone, where the bikes bunch up quickly and overtakes into turn 2 at the start of the race are highly likely.
As the race unfolds you’ll get to see down the start/finish straight with the bikes braking hard. This is one of the best views if you’re looking to watch the bikes head on. Only part of the Geert Timmer grandstand offers similar views but Strubben is more spectacular and cheaper too.
The views from this grandstand are wide and you get a great view of the bikes all the way through turns 2, 3, 4 and 5 before they disappear away from you down the back straight.
The downside here is that being located at the end of a very fast straight requires plenty of run-off, so the grandstand is pushed back from the track a considerable distance. On the plus side the grandstand is raised over the safety fences so you’ll get a good unbroken view, but the lack of proximity to the track can be an atmosphere damper.
The Strubben grandstand is not covered, so be prepared for all weather conditions. Seats are allocated for Sunday only here and you can visit any of the non-VIP grandstands during Friday and Saturday.
Toilets are situated within the grandstand itself with access via the front steps. The grandstand structures are now permanent and are high quality compared to some MotoGP grandstands around the world.
You’ll find the rest of the amenities you need, food, drinks and entertainment, behind the main grandstand called Hoofd.
There’s plenty of other grandstands covering the first few corners so read on for more options.
TT World Grandstand
Located between the 2nd and 3rd corners, the views here are similar to that of Strubben but without the view down the start finish straight. They are slightly closer to the track and offer a great view to your right of the MotoGP riders navigating turn 1 and taking the seemingly never ending turn 2 right in front of you. You’ll also get a great view of turns 3 and right round to turns 4 and 5 before the bikes head South.
Turn 1 is a known overtaking spot at Assen so the chances of you seeing some on track action is high. It’s also one of the more dangerous sections of the track so the ample run-off area is likely to be put to good use by one or two unlikely riders.
These permanent grandstand structures are relatively new and in great condition, with access via the front of the concrete structures and toilets situated underneath. The plastic seating is comfortable enough but remember to bring waterproofs should the weather turn on you, as there’s no canopies over the grandstands here.
The giant TV is quite a distance from the seats, not helped by the runoff area and grassy mound within the circuit as the turns twist around them. Don’t rely on the screen for timings, instead I recommend downloading the MotoGP app on your smartphone and getting a local SIM for data.
It’s a fair walk from the food and entertainment so wear comfortable walking shoes and I recommend making a plan to grab food between sessions, allowing for plenty of time to get back to your seats for the all important sessions.
Having said that, all grandstand tickets come with the “Roaming grandstand” bonus so you can sit anywhere you like for practice and qualifying sessions as well as support races. You’ll only need your allocated seat for the race session.
Ossebroeken Grandstand
On the exit of turn 3, you’ll get a chance to watch the bikes race towards you head on, albeit on the short piece of track between it and turn 2. Ample run-off gravel here means you’re not exactly close to the action but the quick set of turns here means there’s a stadium-like atmosphere of fans.
All of the first 5 turns are visible from your seat, that’s more turns than even the VIP seats on the start / finish straight get to enjoy!
The lower seats here do have some limited viewing by safety fences but the mid and higher seats have a totally unbroken view of all the action unfolding at these first 5 turns.
Assen is always known for its festival-like atmosphere and knowledgeable crowd, so if you’re looking for a party then the grandstands around these turns are best for you.
All seats are allocated for the race session only, with roaming access to all other non-VIP grandstands during the rest of the race weekend.
The Ossebroeken Grandstand is not covered so packing a small backpack with waterproofs is my recommendation. The sun may shine on you all weekend but this is the Netherlands after all and the weather can be unpredictable even in June.
The giant TV screen is situated some distance away to your left, although you’re closer to it than the other grandstands around turns 1-5 that all share the same TV.
Stekkenwal Grandstand
At the end of the back straight comes the kink right and curve left from turn 6 and 7. The Stekkenwal is quite unique in that one end sits right next to the entry to turn 6, with the central section further away from the track, before it curves closer once more at the other end of the grandstand.
For this reason your viewing pleasure will be greatly affected by your seating number. At least for the race session on Sunday. For the rest of the weekend you’re free to sit wherever you want as your ticket includes grandstand roaming on a first come first serve basis.
Another unique feature of this “grandstand” is that it isn’t really a grandstand at all. The plastic seating is actually built into the man made hillside here with grass and flowers growing between the seats.
Views here are panoramic and fairly action packed as riders scream in to the braking zone of turn 6 before leaning right and navigating the sweeping curve that’s situated in front of you.
Thanks to the speed of the back straight, this set of corners are only for the brave, so the action here is pretty spectacular.
Expect to lean forwards around other leaning fans to watch the bikes head down the back straight to the turns in front of you.
The grandstand curves with the track slightly here, so the left hand end of the grandstand doesn’t have views down the back straight. This is the area with the most disabled viewing access so if this is a requirement then this is the grandstand for you.
This is an iconic section of the Assen circuit so you’re witnessing history every time the MotoGP drives race through here. The real downside being the required run-off area at the end of the back straight forces the grandstand to be some distance from the on-track action.
You’re also one of the furthest distances from useful amenities too. This is more a grandstand for the hardened fans. If you’re new to MotoGP I suggest a grandstand nearer to turn 1.
On the plus side the price is good, the action can be exciting and you’re sure to be surrounded by other veteran dutch MotoGP fans.
De Bult Grandstand
With the exit of the Stekkenwal section to your right you get to view the MotoGP bikes tackling the turns at the end of the back straight and curving around in front of you heading to De Buit corner, otherwise known as Turn 9.
The “tribune” or Grandstand here is named after the corner and is much the same as the Stekkenwal grandstand with its rustic grassy construction and plastic seating.
The old style seating here and iconic set of corners is definitely one for the purist MotoGP fans as there’s not much in the way of luxury amenities in this part of the track.
Your view here consists of the twists and turns of turns 7 and 8 before the bikes accelerate and brake hard for the left hander of turn 9.
As the seats are built into the grassy embankment here they are fairly low to the ground, so most of the lower seats have a view through the catch fencing. The grassy mound on the inside of the circuit also means your view of other parts of the track are obscured, so these are definitely more cheap seats than the epic grandstand views you may find elsewhere at Assen.
Winterdijk Grandstand (Winter Dyke)
I think most would agree the grassy grandstands of De Buit and Stekkenwal aren’t ideal but the newly rebuilt Winterdijk Grandstand shows the progression that the Assen Circuit owners are investing in.
Completed in 2018, they’ve increased the capacity here with a large comfortable permanent structure that curves along the side of the track at just after turn 15. There’s now some 9100 seats to choose from.
This is an incredibly fast section of the track with riders pushing their bikes to the extreme around the Ramshoek curve. The grandstand starts at this corner and bends around getting closer to the track the further North you go.
As its a permanent structure it’s raised high above the safety fencing with unbroken views from turn 15 all the way to turns 16, 17 and 18 to finish the lap off.
The atmosphere here is palpable thanks to the huge grandstand and nearby Geert Timmer Grandstand to which wraps around the circuit just before the main pit straight grandstand.
This is one of the more lively grandstands with plenty of action in the last few corners really energising the crowd.
Amenities here are never far away with new toilet blocks and easy access to the entertainment, refreshments and parking too.
While you may see less corners than those at the start of the lap, a comparable ticket price makes this a valid option if you’re keen to catch the end of the lap instead. Rather than the MotoGP riders slowing down to take the series of corners at the start of the race, you’ll see bikes at their fastest entering your view from the right and screaming into the S bend of turns 16,17 and 18.
With views down the pit lane if you’re sat to the far left of the grandstand, this is a great option at a reasonable price.
Geert Timmer Grandstand
Another great view of this section of the track, the Geert Timmer Grandstand looks down the track from turns 15 up to turn 16 in front of you.
The views are pretty epic here and the raised position gives you full unbroken vantage points to enjoy the last few corners.
Looking down the track does come with the drawback of needing ample run-off to catch any wayward bikes, so the grandstand isn’t the closest to the track at Assen, Winterdijk is definitely in closer proximity if you want to get the real noise of these MotoGP bikes.
Having said that, the excited crowd in this section and decent views of the action in front of and to the left of you, really make this one of the best grandstands at the Dutch MotoGP.
All of the amenities and entertainment at Assen are just a short walk away too, making this grandstand one of the best in the value for money stakes. Its also one of the easiest to get to with parking nearby.
If you’re looking for a good all-round option this may be my pick of the bunch.
Hoofd Grandstand
Located along the start / finish straight, this is of course the best place to see the start of the Dutch MotoGP. Stretching from the start of the Haarbocht Grandstand before turn 1 all the way to the Geert Timmer Grandstand at the last few corners.
This is the only fully covered grandstand at the circuit so if shade from sun and adverse weather are in your list of ticket requirements, this is the only grandstand for you at the moment.
The views are, as you’d expect, excellent for the start of the race and, other than the start/finish lights suspended above the track, it’s an unbroken view of the entire pit straight.
The grandstand is fairly evenly split with the start line situated around half way down the length of the grandstand. The start light gantry is located just beyond this point so will block the view for some seated close to the last corner. For those to the left of the grandstand your view of the last corner may be impacted by the same gantry to the right of your viewpoint.
The pit garages are situated more to the left of the grandstand so if you’re looking to get a view into the pits you’ll want to be up this end. Safety fencing also impacts some in lower seats but the trade off is you’re much closer to the riders.
Personally I prefer the view from the final chicane to the right of the grandstand as this gets you closer to the riders at the start of the race and you’ll have an unbroken view of the winner crossing the finish line too.
While there’s definitely less action on this part of the track you definitely get the full atmosphere from race fans and pit garages too along with the podium celebrations. You can usually gain track access after the race to get up closer to the podium ceremony.
Giant TVs are located above the pit garages giving you a decent view of the rest of the track on the world feed. You’ll also find the best selection of amenities nearby with toilets situated behind the grandstands and plenty of merchandise stalls too.
There isn’t much room for entertainment and crowds outside of the grandstands so be prepared for a bit of a squeeze between sessions. You are close to the main parking areas here so getting in and out of the circuit is the easiest for Hoofd Grandstand ticket holders.
While under 15s do get free general admission access to the circuit its worth noting that they do not get a grandstand seat. So if you’re thinking of bringing your children make sure they have their own ticket as all seats in the grandstand are allocated.
Haarbocht Lounge
The VIP tickets at the Assen circuit are fairly limited compared to other more modern circuits, but this “Cathedral of Speed” is definitely one for the MotoGP obsessed fans. And the Haarbocht Lounge is probably the best VIP option at the circuit.
Located at the very top of the, otherwise uncovered Haarbocht grandstand at turn1, your ticket includes access to the Lounge with private dining and an open bar.
Being so high up the views from here are impressive, some 20 metres up you’ll see all of the corners in this sector from turns 1 to 5 as well as a fairly good view down the pit straight. The start line is some distance away so it’s more about turn 1 than the race start.
Your ticket includes an allocated seat in the covered grandstand section at the top of the Haarbocht Grandstand. Most seats here are not covered and I’d still recommend bringing weather appropriate clothing as the wind tends to whip the rain up if it does become inclement.
Tickets include buffet style light breakfast, a full lunch and plenty of snacks too as well as a fully stocked bar that opens at 11:30am. You’ll also get a parking space at the nearby parking lot if you’re coming by bike, or a car parking space over at TT Hal which is behind the grandstand between turns 2 and 3.
If VIP treatment is your thing, or you’re looking for an excellent gift for a loved one then this is a great option. The vantage point gives a great view of the first sector and the comfort and ease of the lounge make for an enjoyable experience.
Legends Club
While the Legends club is as luxurious a VIP experience as you can get, it also has its drawbacks making it less desirable in my mind than the Haarbocht Lounge.
If you want luxury right next to the start line then of course the Legends Club has got you covered. With fine dining, buffet style right up to the thick glass windows that give you a fantastic view of the main straight, it certainly feels luxurious.
Photos of legendary racers adorn the walls here and the atmosphere surely is luxurious. The main dining room is located right above the pits so you’ll get a great view of the riders lining up for the start of the race and plenty of action during other race sessions and support races.
Of course what you don’t get here is a view into the pits. Something that the fans sat in the Hoofd Grandstand opposite you are enjoying.
There is a rooftop terrace where you can view sessions from which offers views of the final chicane, but it’s not the most thrilling of views and its merely standing room for a lucky few who get to the railing at the front before anyone else. No allocated seating here.
There are some real pluses to these tickets though, with allocated parking further out of the circuit and a shuttle bus to bring you directly to the paddock to gain access to the Club areas.
You’ll also get exclusive paddock tours during the weekend before the race and pit lane walks too on Friday and Saturday.
No need for giant screens here as the Legends club includes flat screen TVs, and with the permanently closed glass you should be able to hear some of the commentary too, over the sound of people ordering drinks of course.
It’s a different kind of atmosphere in the Legend’s club. A great place to network and discuss your favourite races and riders, but not the best viewing experience at the circuit.
If you want the best view of the start / finish straight then get Hoofd Grandstand tickets. If you want a VIP experience get Haarbocht Lounge tickets.
Having said that, if you want paddock and pit lane access, these are the tickets for you.
MotoGP VIP Village™
Arguably the most exclusive and VIP of all the tickets. You’ll feel less so when you find out they’re split into 3 levels of exclusivity too. So be careful when booking MotoGP VIP Village tickets.
With “Trophy”, “Chicane” and “Apex” packages available, this isn’t made clear on all of the ticket sellers so double check when purchasing.
All of them include access to the VIP Village marquee tent and hospitality area, with an increasing level of bonus extra access included the more you pay.
All include access to the VIP grandstand on the inside of the circuit situated at the final chicane. There’s limited seating here with much of the “VIP” treatment indoors.
Expect a gourmet lunchtime dining experience here with plenty of opportunity to meet other VIP guests and do a little business networking if that’s your thing.
There’s an open bar here and you’ll get the same pit lane and paddock tours that the Legend’s club enjoys.
There are a number of other exclusive entertainment events thrown in that add a little extra to your VIP experience. All of which take place away from the grandstand so you’ll find yourself walking back and forth between sessions to make the most of your VIP treatment.
The VIP village is only open Saturday and Sunday so you’ll either need a general admission ticket for the Friday or a grandstand ticket too if you want to enjoy the full race weekend.
Expect plenty of corporate guests with potentially less interest in MotoGP than your average grandstand or general admission race fan. This is generally the ticket option to wow corporate guests with.
There’s no shortage of flat screen TVs to watch the race on if you don’t get a good spot on the small VIP grandstand. The Village VIP ticket is all about getting that all important paddock and pit lane access with some fine dining thrown in too.
General Admission
As ever, General Admission viewing options are plentiful and varied. Assen is one of the few tracks where there’s a huge amount of general admission viewing rather than grandstand seating. A good 50% of the track, especially to the South, has ample viewing options for those without grandstand tickets.
Turns 5,6,7 and part of turn 8 can all be viewed from large elevated grassy mounds, giving you decent panoramic views along tightening turns of 5, 6 and 7, before the MotoGP bikes blast down the back straight towards turn 8.
I highly recommend walking down to turns 11, 12, 13 and 14 where you’ll find a very large amount of general admission viewing. The atmosphere here is great and the views are pretty spectacular too. The only downside being the walk back to the entertainment and much of the amenities located closer to the start / finish straight grandstands.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must here and you’ll want to pack a bag with all manner of weather proof clothes. There’s no cover over the general admission areas.
One of the best things about general admission tickets here is that on Friday and Saturday you can use the grandstands during sessions. A great way to view the circuit from more angles and see how good the grandstands are for your next visit to Assen.
Another bonus, children under 15 get free general admission too, no ticket required.
Camping
A quick note on camping if you’re thinking of staying at the circuit overnight. While there are some camping fields nearby, their availability is severely limited and the amenities very basic.
They only allow people with bikes to camp here too, so no camper vans or cars allowed. You can arrive on the 22nd and leave on the 26th so you’ll enjoy the full race weekend at least. Remember you still need to purchase a grandstand or general admission ticket to enter the circuit.
The rules are fairly strict on what is allowed in the campsite. No music, no generators and no BBQs too. Pitch locations are allocated once you arrive and 1 camping ticket is enough for a maximum of 2 people but crucially only 1 tent. No large tent structures are allowed.
You’ll find the campsite behind the Stekkenwal Grandstand and riding to this site is very easy thanks to the nearby A28, coming off at junction 31A and following the signs for P-6 and campsite.
It’s a very basic camping option but is at least right next to where you may be sitting and is all of a minute’s walk from the circuit.
Personally I’d opt for one of the campsites further out as they offer much better facilities but come with the compromise of around a 30 minute walk to the circuit.
Check out Camping De Ommekeer for one of the best options with few restrictions and great entertainment too. You can also find a full list of camping options near Assen TT here.
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