MotoGP has negotiated a new contract extension with TT Circuit Assen granting the Dutch Grand Prix’s place on the calendar through the 2031 season.
The move sees Assen extending its stay on the calendar beyond the terms of an existing agreement that would have ended in 2026.
Assen’s history harks back to 1925 and the inaugural running of the Dutch TT held on a 28.4 km road course.
Affectionately known as ‘The Cathedral of Speed,’ Assen is the longest-serving venue on the MotoGP calendar, having first hosted Grand Prix motorcycle racing in 1949.
That makes it the only venue to have hosted the first year of Grand Prix motorcycle racing to still be doing so in the present day.
In 1955, the circuit was reconfigured into a 5.5km layout, which was shortened further to 4.542 km in 2010.
Still, Assen is loved for its fast-flowing layout and habit of conjuring classic contests, making the circuit a well-entrenched fan favourite.
In 2023, 105,842 fans attended Sunday’s GP, a figure only bettered by the French GP at Le Mans.
In addition, 46,276 fans attended Saturday’s Sprint.
“We are incredibly pleased with this contract extension, especially now that MotoGP is developing strongly,” said Chairman of TT Circuit Assen Arjan Bos.
“It reaffirms the status of the TT Assen as a highlight on the MotoGP calendar.
“We are proud to continue building the future of motorsport together.”
“We’re very happy to announce Assen’s long-term future on the calendar,” added MotoGP CEP Carmelo Ezpeleta.
“It was part of the very first season of Grand Prix racing in 1949 and nowhere else has been with us across these 75 years of racing we celebrate in 2024.
“That’s unique, but we don’t return only for the history or statistics.
“Racing at Assen, even 100 years after the first races held in the area, is still something special and it only gets better.
It’s a fantastic, modern venue that continues to gives us incredible races and iconic moments, and there is no better mixture than the world’s most exciting sport racing at one of its greatest venues.”
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