Increased ‘Expectations’ for Locatelli at ‘nice’ Assen circuit

Following an up-and-down Donington Park weekend, Andrea Locatelli comes into round five of the 2021 WorldSBK campaign as top rookie still. 

The Italian took a best finish of ninth (Superpole race), after crashing in damp/drying race one conditions. 

Like the British round three weeks ago, Locatelli heads to Assen having not raced there during his dominant WorldSSP championship run in 2020 for obvious reasons. 

While Locatelli is not expected to fight for wins - responsibility falls on championship leader and team-mate Toprak Razgatlioglu, Yamaha have not won at Assen in WorldSBK since Ben Spies in 2009, which could see the Japanese manufacturer endure a slightly tougher weekend than of late.

Nonetheless, the former Moto3 and Moto2 rider has raised ‘expectations’ for himself at a circuit he enjoys.

"I’m excited to get back on track, especially in Assen because it is such a nice circuit. I like this track and I think we can get some good results here," added Locatelli.  

"After Donington, my expectations are much higher but it’s not easy – and in the UK the wet weather conditions did not help me during the weekend! 

"But now, we will return to Assen with hopefully good weather and we will try to have a good start – as well as search for speed on the limit and take another step. 

"With the team, we are working really well together and on my side I feel like I know a little bit more about the bike and it is coming step by step. 

"We will push all weekend again to try and make some good results!"