Assen is often called ‘The Cathedral’ and this classic racing venue is certainly a circuit held in awe. It is, however, an event that both Broc Parkes and David Salom look forward to every year.

Parkes is second in the championship standings after the first two rounds in Australia and Great Britain, while Salom is also well placed, in fourth spot, and only eight points behind his team-mate.

Broc enters the Assen weekend with the lingering effects of a heavy fall at Donington still having a painful effect on him, but luckily he has not suffered any fractures.

Kawasaki’s Ninja ZX-6R is a well-proven and highly successful machine in this class of racing, and former Kawasaki WSS rider Joan Lascorz posted podiums in the previous two years of competition at Assen.

The supported Lorenzini by Leoni Team has had a generally bright start to the season in what is a very tough class this year, with Vittorio Iannuzzo sitting in ninth place overall currently. His team-mate Massimo Roccoli is 12th after making only one race finish, posting seventh place at Donington in the most recent round of the series.

Broc Parkes:

“I have been a little bit laid up in the past couple of weeks because I broke the cartilage between my ribs, in the middle of the right hand side, after my fall at Donington. I was sore after that so I got some checks done but they found no broken bones, just the damaged cartilage. The doctors asked me to relax until it mends itself, so I have not been able to do that much. I rode in the race at Donington after the crash so I will be OK for Assen. I have been having some magnetic treatment on the affected area and it feels a lot better than it did last week. I feel good for Assen and I like it a lot; had pole position there in 2008.”

David Salom:

“The circuit at Assen is very good for me. There are a lot of fast corners and I like that very much. This is the best circuit on the championship for me! I did not test since Donington but I have been riding a lot of Supermotard and been in the gym to make sure I am really fit for Assen. I am lucky to be able to do many kinds of training outdoor each day at home in Mallorca.”