GYTR GRT Yamaha heads to the Dutch TT with Gardner to recapture podium form and rookie Manzi aiming for more improvement
The GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team is back in action at the iconic TT Circuit Assen in the Netherlands for Round 3 of the 2026 FIM Superbike World Championship, running from April 17 to 19, with Remy Gardner and Stefano Manzi both keen to pick up where they left off after Portimão.
Gardner comes in off a solid Round 2 and will be looking to keep building momentum at a venue that has treated him well. The 28-year-old Australian scored his first WorldSBK podium at Assen in 2024 and backed it up with another rostrum in 2025, making the Dutch round a clear highlight on his calendar. He is also confident the flowing Assen layout plays to the strengths of the Yamaha R1.
“It’s great to be back racing, and we’re all looking forward to the weekend in the Netherlands. We’ve had strong results here in the past, and it’s a track that suits our bike well. After showing good speed and progress in Portimão, we’re confident we can put together a solid weekend. It won’t be easy, as the competition is very strong, but we believe we have what it takes to achieve good results,” Gardner said.
Manzi, the reigning 2025 WorldSSP Champion, continues his push to adapt to WorldSBK and the Yamaha R1, encouraged by the progress made last round. The Italian rookie’s focus is on maintaining that upward trend, trimming the deficit to the front runners and making the most of a circuit where he and the squad have previously enjoyed strong results.
“It’s always great to be racing, and I’m really looking forward to Assen. We made good progress in the previous round, and the goal now is to keep improving and close the gap to the front. This track could suit us well, and I’ve had positive results here in the past, so I’m hopeful for a strong weekend.”
The Assen weekend also features the Terra&Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR Team, with Maria Herrera and Natalia Rivera contesting Round 2 of the WorldWCR season. Herrera opened her campaign in style with a win and a second place, while Rivera was in the fight for fourth in both races.
On-track running begins Friday with free practice, before Superpole at 11:15 local time on Saturday and Race 1 at 15:30 CEST. Sunday’s schedule includes the Superpole Race at 11:10, followed by Race 2 at 15:30.
