After the previous round in Barcelona - Catalunya, Can had surgery on his right forearm to relieve ‘compartment syndrome’ issues that he had been suffering from this year. He feels almost fully recovered from his operation as he sets out towards a circuit which has been memorable for both good and not-so-good reasons in recent times.
Assen was the site of his blameless crash in 2023, which brought about a long-term injury to his left arm. On a more positive note he scored one of his 14 career podium finishes - all for Kawasaki - at Assen in 2022.
Can will be aiming for two more strong points scores at Assen to climb up from his current championship position of 13th. He scored points in both recent Barcelona races but endured two no-scores (due to other riders’ actions) at Phillip Island in the season-opener.
The unique and venerable Assen track layout has been trimmed in length over previous decades but the 4.542km long-circuit in the north of the Netherlands has been running races in its present format since the 2010 season. Kawasaki riders have won three previous WorldSSP races at the legendary TT Circuit.
Can Öncü, stated: “I have both positive and negative memories of Assen. I’ve been on the podium there, but also suffered that nasty accident last year that compromised my entire season. I’m almost completely recovered from the surgery on my right arm and I’m confident we can do well during this third round. I only hope the weather plays ball, so we can work well in practice and be competitive in the races.”
Marcel Brenner (Viamo Racing Kawasaki) and Hikari Okubo (Vince 64 Kawasaki) will be back in WorldSSP action for the third time this season when the Assen weekend begins in earnest. WorldSSP Challenge rider, Gabriele Giannini (Prodina Kawasaki), will take part in his second competitive event of the year.
After the end of the Assen weekend there will be a long break until the fourth round of the championship, which takes place at the Misano World Circuit ‘Marco Simoncelli’ in Italy, between 14-16 June.
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