Red Bull Rookies Cup
Planques and Mounsey share Red Bull Rookies Cup Poles in Assen
Grid positions for Race 1 were completely changed by Race Direction on Friday evening
Heatwave in Assen and Guillem Planques set a blistering time to grab pole for the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup in the Netherlands. The 18-year-old Frenchman got the very best of his KTM with Fernando Bujosa right behind him and Sullivan Mounsey an excellent 3rd.
Grid positions for Race 1 were completely changed by Race Direction on Friday evening, with 4 riders being penalised, including Planques and Bujosa, who dropped to the fifth row because of slow riding in Qualifying. Mounsey therefore takes Pole on Saturday. Those penalties do not apply to Sunday's Race 2.
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PREVIEW - Assen
It was Cup points leader Beñat Fernandez who inspired the quick times by giving Planques and Bujosa the slipstream exactly when they needed it. Fernandez secured 6th time, but the 18-year-old Spaniard is sure that he has more pace available for the race.
Le Mans winner David González took the 4th fastest time. The Spanish 18-year-old is nursing a sore body after a nasty fall on the next lap. 5th quickest is Mugello double winner Ryota Ogiwara, and the Japanese 17-year-old is confident that he can fight for the win again. González and Ogiwara sit on the front row for Race 1.
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GALLERY - Assen QP
Rookies get ready for the QP in Assen 2026
© Gold & Goose / Red Bull Content Pool
Fynn Kratochwil with other Rookies in the pit lane of Assen 2026
© Gold & Goose / Red Bull Content Pool
Ryota Ogiwara is ready to race FP1 in Assen 2026
© Gold & Goose / Red Bull Content Pool
Kristian Daniel Jr. in the garage of Assen 2026
© Gold & Goose / Red Bull Content Pool
1st - Guillem Planques (France)
“I'm very happy to make my first Pole in the Red Bull Rookies Cup. I did a very good lap behind Beñat and Fernando."
But it wasn't just this one.
"I have been building up to this over the last 2 months with a lot of hard work, and now it is paying off. I'm very happy with the bike, all good.”
Guillem Planques leading a group in the QP Session - Assen 2026
© Gold & Goose / Red Bull Content Pool
2nd - Fernando Bujosa (Spain)
“I had a crash in FP2. I have a lot of pain in the shoulder, but I managed to keep my pace, to make my perfect lap. It's good to be on the front row and it will be a super fight tomorrow."
Fernando Bujosa ejecting from his KTM in Assen 2026 - FP Session
© Gold & Goose / Red Bull Content Pool
I want 2 podiums at least.
"My first time here, and I love the track. Love it.”
3rd - Sullivan Mounsey (England)
“Obviously, you always want more. I feel really confident this weekend. I was able to go alone and be almost on the times of the guys at the front."
I can stay with all the guys without having any trouble.
"We haven't made any changes to the bike; everything is just perfect.”
Sullivan Mounsey on his way to the track in Assen 2026 - QP Session
© Gold & Goose / Red Bull Content Pool
4th - David González (Spain)
“It's difficult Qualifying because I have one great lap and I was going for more. I tried to overtake Borrelli, and I had a big high side. I am okay, but I think I am going to be sore tonight. That was the end of the session, and I had no chance to go faster.”
The race should be good; I know I should be fast.
5th - Ryota Ogiwara (Japan)
“This is my first time in Assen, so I am happy with that. I was riding a lot alone, and I have confidence. I had a big crash in FP2, but my mechanic did a fantastic job of rebuilding the bike. I must thank him for that.”
It worked very well, and I think that I can make a very good race.
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RESULTS - Assen FP & QP
- Qualifying - Timings & Performance Data - CLICK HERE
- Free Practise 2 - Timings & Performance Data - CLICK HERE
- Free Practise 1 - Timings & Performance Data - CLICK HERE
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