The 4.542km long Assen circuit features several high-speed curves and open sectors, making it a unique challenge in its own right, and it is the first WorldSBK circuit on the 2026 calendar that the major teams have not tested at.

Both bimota KB998 Rimini riders put in long runs in the afternoon session, aiming to simulate real race conditions and also evaluate the Pirelli tyre allocation for this round.

Each rider feels there is still work to do to find a final race set-up, particularly for the two 21-lap full races, after some invaluable information had been collected during their long runs.

On day two at Assen there will be a final FP3 practice session, then Tissot Superpole Qualifying, followed by the first 21-lap WorldSBK race. Sunday, 19 April will feature the ten-lap Tissot Superpole Race and then a final 21-lap Race Two.

Alex Lowes stated: “It was not a bad first day at Assen. Maybe Pirelli has brought different tyres than the past, a lot harder tyres, and we have been trying to fight for a bit of rear grip. We did a long run this afternoon, so we know more-or-less where we can improve the bike. In some parts I felt really good, and some parts it felt like I was really struggling. But, I enjoyed it, and had some big slides. It is always a pleasure to ride around Assen, and there are some fantastic corners. I know where I can do a bit better myself. I will analyse things tonight and try to make some steps forward tomorrow.”

Axel Bassani stated: “We did a long run of 21 laps in FP2, to check on things before the next two days’ races. It felt quite long to ride 21 laps alone, but it was necessary to understand some things. We are struggling at the moment with rear traction when we brake and having big rear slides, so we have to focus on that part. If we can improve that, then it is not bad. We know we are a little bit slow in the straight, and it feels like it is a little bit more here than in the last few races, but it is like this. We cannot do anything about that, but we have to use what the chassis and the bike can give us. We are trying at our maximum and working for tomorrow.”