Maverick Vinales Targets Podium at MotoGP Netherlands 2025: “Assen Could Be the Ideal Place”

Maverick Vinales, Red Bull KTM Tech3 rider, expressed his optimism ahead of the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix at the TT Circuit Assen, the tenth round of the MotoGP season. In an interview with Motosan.es, Vinales voiced his strong desire to secure his first podium with KTM, calling Assen the “ideal place” to achieve this goal.

Maverick Vinales, the 30-year-old Spanish rider, joined Red Bull KTM Tech3 for the 2025 season after leaving Aprilia. Despite showing progress with the KTM RC16, including leading practice sessions in Mugello and securing fourth in the sprint race, Vinales has yet to claim a podium with the Austrian team. An incident with Franco Morbidelli in Mugello ended his hopes of a top finish in the main race, though he demonstrated competitive pace. The Assen circuit, measuring 4.555 km with 18 corners, is a favorite for Vinales, where he won in 2019 with Yamaha and secured three other premier-class podiums.

Vinales shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming race: “Assen is a circuit I absolutely love; I’ve always had great sensations here. We’re arriving at the right moment, especially after the crash in Mugello. We’re really eager to get on the podium; we feel fantastic on the bike, so I think Assen could be the ideal place to achieve our goal.” This statement reflects his confidence in KTM’s potential and his strong track record at the circuit.

At the preceding Italian Grand Prix, Vinales showcased impressive speed by topping Friday’s free practice and securing fifth in qualifying, his best grid position of the season. He also finished fourth in the sprint race, marking his strongest Saturday result with KTM. However, a collision with Morbidelli in the main race, while running fourth, ended his podium hopes. Vinales accepted Morbidelli’s apology and now focuses on bouncing back at Assen, a track where he has consistently performed well.\

Assen holds a special place for Vinales. He won the 125cc race in 2011 and the Moto3 race in 2012, and finished second in Moto3 in 2013. In the premier class, Vinales claimed victory in 2019 with Yamaha, alongside podiums in second place in 2021 and third in 2018 and 2022. In 2024, he finished fifth in the main race and secured a third-place podium in the sprint race with Aprilia. This history bolsters his belief that Assen is a prime opportunity for his first KTM podium.

Vinales will kick off the race weekend with the first free practice session on Friday, June 27, 2025, at 15:35 WIB, followed by a second practice at 19:50 WIB. Qualifying and the sprint race are scheduled for Saturday, with the main race (26 laps) on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at 18:25 WIB. Vinales emphasized the importance of maintaining a competitive rhythm and capitalizing on his comfort with the RC16 to challenge for the front. He will also participate in the pre-race press conference on Thursday to share his strategy and expectations.

Vinales’ ambition to podium at Assen is supported by several factors. First, his successful history at the circuit demonstrates his compatibility with its layout, which favors his agile riding style in fast corners like Ramshoek. Second, the KTM RC16’s progress, as seen in Mugello, suggests it is competitive at Assen, a track that rewards aerodynamic stability. However, challenges include fierce competition from riders like Marc Marquez, who, despite noting Assen’s mismatch with his style, remains dominant with Ducati, and Francesco Bagnaia, who has won the last three Assen races (2022–2024). Incidents like Mugello also highlight the need for Vinales to stay focused to avoid disruptions from other riders.

Vinales’ statements reflect his drive and motivation to end his podium drought with KTM, a milestone that would be significant for the Tech3 team. Success at Assen could boost team confidence and solidify Vinales’ role as the spearhead of KTM’s project. A podium at the “Cathedral of Speed” would also reinforce his reputation as one of the most consistent performers at this track, with four premier-class podiums and three wins in lower categories. For fans, Vinales’ performance could add excitement to Assen, known for its electric atmosphere and capacity for 110,000 spectators.

Vinales faces several challenges at Assen. First, he must contend with Ducati’s dominance, which has seen them win the last three races at the circuit. Second, Assen’s unpredictable weather, though forecast to be clear with temperatures around 25°C in 2025, could affect tire strategy and bike setup. Third, maintaining consistency over the 26-lap main race is critical to avoid incidents like Mugello. Finally, while Vinales has adapted well to the KTM, further refinements are needed to directly challenge riders like Bagnaia or Marquez.

The 2025 Dutch Grand Prix presents a significant opportunity for Vinales to secure his first KTM podium, given his high confidence and strong Assen record. If he can replicate his Mugello pace and maintain consistency, a podium is within reach. The post-race test at Assen will also allow KTM to refine the RC16 ahead of the Sachsenring round. A successful weekend could elevate KTM’s standing in the 2025 season and draw attention to their potential as a top contender.

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