The TT Circuit Assen has been the scene of hard work over the last few months for the completion of the 'floating' Geert Timmer grandstand, as well as two changes to the lay-out of the race-track, which is now 30 metres shorter for the race-season 2005. At the corners De Bult and Ruskenhoek, two changes have been made in the loop of the racetrack, thus bringing the total length of the Grand Prix racetrack to 5,997 metres and of the south loop to 3,851 metres. So the riders and racefans are bound to see improved lap time records this year during the 75th Gauloises TT Assen, the Superbike World Championship, the Assen 500 endurance races and the European Championship and Open Dutch races.
Both modifications were originally planned for 2006, together with the shortening of the north loop. But for organisational reasons, they've been moved up. This is due to the fact that in September 2005, one week after the Superbike World Championships, the shovel will be put to the ground to shorten the north loop, which will make the circuit from 5.997 to 4.720 metres. The racetrack would otherwise not be available during the winter of 2005-2006 for activities such as driving courses and motorcycle trainings, cars and a racing licence course.
Shortening the north loop would result in one racetrack of 4,720 metres for the 2006 season. But the TT Circuit Assen had always been split into separate north and south loops, so that activities could be held concurrently. With the track modifications made over the last few months, the racetrack of the TT Circuit Assen can also be divided into two small tracks in 2006. With this approach, the racetrack only needs to be closed for a few days in the fall in order to realize the short-cuts. In the coming winter, the 4,720-metre long track will already be divided into two short tracks.
De Bult will be adapted in order to reduce the speed on this part of the track and to be able to increase the size of the gravel pit on the outside of the curve. The Ruskenhoek will be changed because of the 'short-cut' in September 2005, so that the new track to be made can be separated into a north and south loop. Both changed curves obviously have an effect on the speed on those spots, which will be reduced on both places. For the public, it will only become more attractive. These two adapted curves offer perfect places for braking action.
