Last weekend the paddock was red all over at the TT circuit at Assen, where the annual Ducati Club races were held for the 38th time. The Supermono class was present again after three years. They had a great weekend thanks also to the beautiful weather. On Saturday, there were two qualifications and it became apparent that you could count on at least two groups during the races. The fast-experienced group including the Austrians Josef Frauenschuh and Lukas Wimmer, and Mike Velthuijzen and Joris de Man from the Netherlands. On the other hand, there was a group of riders including six rookies on a Krämer EVO2, where also a battle was expected. Unfortunately Jerry van de Bunt, the 2016 champion, was absent due to his job in the WSBK team of Stefan Bradl.
In race 1 Lukas Wimmer started well and was leading from the start to the end of the race. Frauenschuh rode for the whole race behind him, but was not able to get closer. In place three and four there was a fierce battle but in the end Mike Velthuijzen was the strongest and finished third on his Yamaha with a new OW 20 frame from Japan. Johann Karl (GER) who had a very bad start, was able to improve and claimed the fourth place. Italian Emiliano Lazzarini suffered technical problems and finished as 6th, but could not solve this issue for the second race and therefore he retired in the second lap.
In race two Frauenschuh immediately attacked Wimmer and managed to ride one lap in the lead, but the 56 year old rider could not hold on to the 23 year old Wimmer and had to be satisfied with place 2. Guestrider Ryan van de Lagemaat on his Moto3 finished as third. The best rookie this weekend was German Dennis Bayreuther, in 7th position.
Full results on FIM Europe website: http://www.fim-europe.eu/events/356
Photos: @Serine Stevens
