The 2026 MotoGP season heads to Assen this weekend for the Dutch Grand Prix, one of the most historic events on the calendar and a circuit often referred to as the Cathedral of Speed.
Ahead of the thrilling high-speed action, live on SPOTV NOW, here are five things to know.
New technical shake-up arrives
MotoGP has banned front holeshot devices starting from this weekend's Grand Prix. The regulation change had originally been scheduled for the end of the season but was brought forward following high-profile incidents at Barcelona and Hungary last month, which saw Johann Zarco getting injured and Jorge Martin taking out several riders respectively.
Bagnaia quietly building momentum
Marc Marquez's resurgence and Aprilia's recent success have dominated the headlines, but Francesco Bagnaia's return to form has largely gone unnoticed.
After retiring from three of the opening five races, the Ducati rider has recorded four consecutive podium finishes since the Catalan Grand Prix. It is his longest podium streak in a single season since the closing stages of 2024. He has also recorded his first Sprint win of the season at Brno.
Assen has also been one of Bagnaia's strongest circuits, with the Italian winning three of the past four Dutch Grands Prix. Given his record at the venue, he may have his sights set on more than just another podium finish this weekend.
Two additional support series at Assen
The Dutch Grand Prix weekend will feature more than just MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 action. The Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup and Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup will also race at Assen, with both support series available live on SPOTV NOW.
Particular attention will fall on Jordi Torres, who has replaced Cody Wyman at Joe Rascal Racing for the remainder of the season and will share racing duties with the current top two in the standings, Archie McDonald and Eric Granado.
Marquez's Assen record is better than many think
Assen has often been regarded as one of Marc Marquez's weaker circuits because of its abundance of right-handed corners and his relatively modest win record at the venue.
However, the statistics tell a different story. Since his MotoGP debut in 2013, Marquez has only finished outside the podium twice at Assen, while injuries and a DNS account for three other appearances without a top-three finish.
Assen remains the benchmark
The Dutch Grand Prix was voted the best event of the 2025 MotoGP season earlier this year, beating the other 21 Grands Prix on the calendar. The recognition came shortly after Assen celebrated 100 years of motorcycle racing in the region, further cementing the circuit's status as one of the sport's most iconic venues.
