Rossi: Don't invade Assen.

MotoGP stars Valentino Rossi and Sete Gibernau and former racer Randy Mamola have each voiced their support for Assen's efforts to avoid a repeat of last year's track invasion by fans - otherwise they'll miss out on the slow down lap celebrations.

The riders have asked fans to stay in their seats after the MotoGP race and not climb onto the circuit, so that they can enjoy the spectacular post race antics so enjoyed by Rossi (pictured) and his fellow racers.

The threat is not a hollow one, at this year's Italian Grand Prix, the slow down lap was cancelled before the race because of a track invasion in 2002.

The legendary Dutch circuit faced even hasher measures when last year it lost its World Championship license as a result of the track invasion and was forced to make an extra investment of more than 700,000 Euro to ensure the safety of the public and racers - and the return of the license.

In order to ensure that such a threat to the race doesn't occur again, the circuit is asking fans to "Enjoy, don't destroy" - a slogan backed by the riders and included in their pleas to fans.

"I want to ask all the Dutch and other TT-fans, please don't make the same mistake as last year, because after the race lots of you came onto the track in the slow down lap. But it's so dangerous for everybody, for us, for all you fans," said reigning world champ Rossi. "So I want to ask: don't come at the racetrack this year, and in the future. Because it's possible to have a normal lap after the race with wheelies and donuts. It's better to Enjoy, don't destroy!"

"I first want to thank all the crowd in Holland for the support that you always give us," began Gibernau. "But please ask that you guys act well for the sport by enjoying and not destroying an event like the Dutch TT. Hopefully after the race we can all enjoy a podium, but enjoy the podium from were you are, at your seat or at the standing places behind the fences. Please don't come on the race circuit. So, Enjoy, don't destroy."

"2003 is bound to bring some exiting racing, because the guy who is the man to beat is Valentino Rossi," said ex-500cc star and Ducati two-seater rider Mamola. "We always see fantastic races at Assen and I know the audience wants to be part of that celebration. But, please if you want to see fantastic races, fantastic wheelies, fantastic shows from Valentino, for example when he wins, please stay in your seats this year.

"Don't cut the fences and come on the racetrack. It really makes it dangerous for the rides, and of course the public. We just want to see the best; we want to make sure everybody does burnouts in front of you people. We can't do those things of course if you are on the track. So stay in your seat and enjoy it," asked Randy.

"It is impossible for anyone in the world to imagine that there would be no Gauloises Dutch TT, and we have done everything possible to ensure that such an incident does not recur, so that we can continue a 75 year tradition on the last Saturday in June," stated TT Chairman Jos Vaessen.

"FIM Safety Officer Claude Danis made the new homologation check at the 22nd of April, agreed in the new safety measures and confirmed the TT Circuit Assen that their World Championship organisation permit was given back," concluded Vaessen.

Donington Park, home of the British Grand Prix, is another circuit likely to lose its slow down lap celebrations - again - due to the threat of a post race track invasion.