While many onlookers are still reeling from
Casey Stoner's dominant performance in the British Grand Prix, the
MotoGP fraternity have little chance to take a breather before popping over the North Sea for the ninth round of the season at Assen.
Marking the half-way point in the season, Assen has the considerable honour of being the only circuit on the calendar that can trace its roots back to the inaugural 1949 season and while recent layout changes have been met with a cool reception, the event is still regarded as a classic.
With that in mind, the Dutch circuit exudes tradition, the most notable being that it is always held on the last weekend of June and that the race takes place, uniquely, on a Saturday.
That requirement to maintain heritage does take its toll though as the riders have just six days to go from chequered flag at
Donington Park to the starting lights at Assen,
Nonetheless, one rider who won't be too disappointed at the quick turnaround is Stoner, who blew away the competition in the British Grand Prix to show a glimpse of the form that saw him take the 2007 title.
Although his relatively lacklustre start to the season still leaves him with considerable ground to make up, the Australian's form in the British Grand Prix, which came after a strong mid-season test in Barcelona, could be the start of something rather more substantial.
For the moment though, most eyes will be on the battle between championship leader
Valentino Rossi and closest rival
Dani Pedrosa. With Rossi winning an entertaining tête-à-tête over the Spaniard around Donington Park, he has extended his advantage to 11 points and heads to the Netherlands as arguably the favourite to add to his six wins around the Assen circuit.
Indeed, having managed the last of those wins in 2007 having started 11th on the grid, the circuit will no doubt be a welcome venue for the Italian as he seeks to turn the tables on Stoner.
