The Cathedral of Speed once again delivered a spine tingling, edge of the seat WorldSBK weekend in 2025, as the Dutch round at TT Circuit Assen served up a whirlwind of emotion. From high-stakes gambles in wet weather to stunning breakthrough victories and a dramatic twist in the title fight, this was motorcycle racing at its most electrifying.
Sunday Showdown: Superpole Race Madness in the Wet
Sunday morning saw the heavens open over Assen, setting the stage for one of the most dramatic Superpole Races in recent memory. The short 10-lap dash turned into a masterclass in wet-weather finesse and survival.
Toprak Razgatlioglu, never one to back down in slippery conditions, launched into the lead from the second row. His ROKiT BMW carved through the spray with composure and control, reminding everyone why he is so lethal in unpredictable conditions.
But this race was not just about Toprak. It marked a career-defining moment for Sam Lowes, who powered his ELF Marc VDS Ducati into second place and held on under immense pressure. For the WorldSBK rookie, it was a first podium and a massive confidence boost. His reaction in parc fermé said it all a mix of disbelief and raw emotion.
Álvaro Bautista, who had been largely anonymous on Saturday, came alive in the wet and claimed third, taking a solid haul of points to stay in the championship mix.
The heartbreak, however, belonged to Nicolò Bulega. After dominating Race 1, he led the early laps again before his Ducati once more let him down. A terminal mechanical issue ended his charge prematurely an omen of what was to come in Race 2.
Saturday’s Opener: Bulega Blows the Field Away
If Sunday was a disaster, Saturday was a masterclass for Nicolò Bulega. The Aruba.it Racing Ducati rider was untouchable from lights out to the checkered flag. Starting from pole, he disappeared into the distance with flawless rhythm, inch perfect cornering, and relentless pace. By the finish line, he had built an eight-second cushion over the field.
Behind him, Andrea Locatelli kept his cool and brought the Pata Yamaha home in second, collecting valuable points in a mature ride that proved his growing consistency in the championship.
Danilo Petrucci was the feel good story of the race. The experienced Italian brought the Barni Spark Ducati to third, returning to the podium for the first time this season and reminding everyone he is still a force to be reckoned with.
Toprak Razgatlioglu finished fourth after recovering from a difficult qualifying session. Though not in contention for victory, he banked points that would prove vital by the end of the weekend.
Sunday Afternoon Drama: Locatelli Delivers the Fairytale
Race 2 delivered the most dramatic twist of the weekend. Nicolò Bulega, starting from 10th due to his Superpole DNF, mounted a stunning charge through the field. Within just a few laps, he was in the lead, setting fastest lap after fastest lap as he looked to make amends for the morning’s disaster.
But Assen is a cruel stage when it wants to be.
With two laps to go, smoke billowed from Bulega’s Ducati once again. Another mechanical failure and another retirement. It was a devastating end to what could have been a perfect weekend.
Into the chaos stepped Andrea Locatelli. Seizing the opportunity, he controlled the closing laps with poise and finally secured his first ever WorldSBK race victory. His celebration was one of genuine elation. Years of effort and near-misses had finally paid off.
Álvaro Bautista brought home second place, salvaging what could have been a pointless round. Behind him, Remy Gardner completed the podium with a clinical ride, marking a welcome return to form for the Australian.
Championship Shake-Up: Title Battle Ignites
Bulega remains at the top of the standings, but the cracks have appeared. His double retirement on Sunday meant a massive swing in the championship fight. Toprak Razgatlioglu closed the gap to just 21 points, breathing down the rookie’s neck with momentum on his side.
Andrea Locatelli’s breakthrough weekend has catapulted him into third overall and confirmed he is now a serious contender. Bautista is lurking just behind, and with Ducati’s reliability now in question, the title fight is wide open.
The 2025 season just got a whole lot more interesting.
Assen a Turning Point
Assen 2025 will go down as a turning point in this year’s World Superbike Championship. Bulega’s raw speed is undeniable, but mechanical reliability now looms large. Toprak is closing in with relentless consistency. Locatelli has found the form of his career. Bautista has life in him yet.
The road ahead promises fireworks. The title fight is alive and well and it’s only just begun.
