Biaggi: You can't make mistakes at Assen.

Assen, the so-called 'Cathedral' of road racing had produced some epics in the recent past and might well do so again this year - with Italians Valentino Rossi, Loris Capirossi and Max Biaggi likely to be at the sharp end on Saturday.

Riders have to work exceptionally hard at the TT. There is no time for a breather because there are no straights. All the time riders are muscling their machines into position for turns that must be attacked inch-perfect - and when it comes to inch-perfect riders they don't come more precise than Biaggi.

"I'm ready to give it the absolute maximum here," stated the Roman. "I like it because it's so technical, and it's fast, really difficult - and fun. If you're okay with these things then it's fine - if not, you're lost here.

"You need to understand how it flows because there are no real reference points on the track. And you simply can't make mistakes either. It's a tough place and I like it very much," added the four-times 250cc World Champion, still chasing his first victory in 2003.

Another rider looking to get his 2003 season underway is Camel Pramac Pons team-mate Tohru Ukawa and the doughty Japanese is relishing the challenge.

"Assen is the hardest track in the world," he said. "I didn't go that well here on the 250 in 1999 and last year I fell when me and Checa touched. But it is a big challenge this year and I'm ready for it."