MotoGP Assen: Whatley equals best result, Ogden confident of comeback

VisionTrack Racing had another Moto3 weekend of two halves at TT Circuit Assen with Scott Ogden and Josh Whatley.

Race day turned out to be one of Whatley’s best rides of the season so far, fighting his way through the pack from 29th on the grid, to set some of his best lap times of the weekend. Enjoying a late-race battle for 18th the 16-year-old clawed back positions to eventually cross the line in 20th position to equal his best result of his rookie world championship career.

“The first laps were difficult as some riders were making silly moves that kept us from staying with the group but it was a positive race for me!” Whatley confirmed. “I closed a gap of 4.5 seconds to the rider in front.

“I’m looking forward to a little break to reset before my home Grand Prix at Silverstone in five weeks, I can’t wait. Also a huge thanks to the team for the great work after such an eventful weekend!”

After a promising Friday showing, despite the torrential downpours, Ogden completed free practice fourth in the overall standings but struggled in the drier conditions of Saturday. Launching from 24th on the lightweight grid, the Doncaster rider endured a highside at turn seven six laps into the action. Bringing his summer break to an abrupt start earlier than intended.

“It’s been one of the most difficult weekends I’ve had for a while but it’ll make the comeback seem so much sweeter,” Ogden said confidently. “I’m really looking forward to riding in front of my home crowd at Silverstone as it’s a track I know and really love riding around.”

“That brings the first half of the season to a close, it’s been an eventful 11 rounds and we’ve learnt a tremendous amount as a team,” Team manager Taylor Mackenzie concluded. “I think the summer