Assen opened its weekend with a historic one-two for Team Trackhouse. Raul Fernandez won the Saturday Sprint race ahead of teammate Ai Ogura, marking the first time the American team, which only entered MotoGP in 2024 and is led by Brianza native Davide Brivio, has been on the pit wall at this level. But the Saturday before the Dutch Grand Prix confirmed the Aprilias' expected dominance on the track, with Marco Bezzecchi edging Jorge Martin by one place, grabbing a potentially crucial point at the end of the season. However, the two finished fourth and fifth behind a monumental Fabio Di Giannantonio, the most comfortable aboard the Ducati and the highest earner among the top-seeded riders. Everything seems set for the Dutch Grand Prix, especially since the main threat to Bezzecchi's title bid will be in pole position: his teammate Martin. The Spaniard, however, is riding a defensive Sprint and demonstrates his newfound caution (necessary after the Balaton Park disaster) right from the start. The Spaniard starts very cautiously, cedes the lead to Ogura, takes it back with a very careful pass, and when Raul Fernandez, who has since moved up to second, attacks on the third lap, he doesn't fight tooth and nail, effectively handing the victory to his compatriot. He does, however, experience some discomfort, so much so that Ogura easily passes him again, and more importantly, Bezzecchi (nervous and finishing fifth due to a mistake already on the second lap) briefly closes an already significant gap, opening the internal duel for Aprilia on the seventh lap under the checkered flag.
It's a real battle between the two teammates and rivals. Martin tries to close all doors, but Bezzecchi has the upper hand and takes the lead. His seven-point lead over his closest rival in the standings returns to nine: today, it seems like a small difference, but who knows later on. Meanwhile, Bagnaia, in his first race since announcing his departure from Ducati, isn't about to sit back and watch: he bravely overtakes Marc Marquez and sets off in pursuit of Martin himself. The duel between the two, rivals for the 2023 and 2024 titles, is renewed and resolved in a photo finish with the Spaniard ahead. The Piedmontese will also be classified seventh behind Marquez for exceeding track limits, but it doesn't matter: as some would say, Pecco is there. And that in itself is excellent news.
Raul Fernandez, winner of the Assen Sprint (credits: Trackhouse.com)
