Assen is a well liked circuit among the World Superbike paddock, but it hasn’t always brought good results for Michel Fabrizio. The Suzuki Alstare rider scored a 3rd place finish at the Dutch circuit in 2006, but since then, he has not been able to find the podium.
"Other riders say how good the Assen circuit is, but it has never been much of a happy hunting ground for me - well not since 2006 that is,” Fabrizio said. “I'm not exactly sure why I have never got on with the circuit as well as some of the other riders, but the track and I have just not gelled - for whatever reason. Mind you, things will be a bit different this year because, after years on a twin, this time I will be on a four cylinder bike. The characteristics are very different to a twin and I am hoping that the bike will suit the circuit and I will enjoy the ride.”
Fabrizio has gotten off to a slow start this season, but he’s hoping that he can turn his luck around this weekend at Assen. Fabrizio currently sits in 8th place, more than 60 points behind an unstoppable Carlos Checa.
"I was happy with my performance in the second race in the last round and felt I was working well with the bike, or maybe the bike was working well with me! I need to get a good set-up for the bike early on in practice and qualifying and then I will be able to run with leaders.
"The competition is very, very hard this year and often just fractions of a second can make the difference between the front row of the grid and the third. I think this is probably the toughest season in World Superbike history, but I am enjoying the challenge. I like a good fight and certainly intend on improving on my last year's results."
