Vom 17–19 April 2026, the third round of the World Superbike Championship took place at the TT Circuit in Assen. The “Cathedral of Speed” is less than three hours away from me, making it a wonderful opportunity to experience the appearance of the Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team.

And the experience in Assen really is something special: As part of the World Superbike Championship weekend, no fewer than five different racing series compete, so there is a great deal of activity on the circuit. At the same time, the paddock is open to visitors, offering fascinating insights into everything that happens away from the track. And last but not least, at the TT Circuit you can get very close to the action at many points around the track and experience the practice sessions, qualifying and spectacular races from close range.

In the paddock, the impressive motorhomes of the leading World Superbike Championship teams dominate the scene, positioned directly behind the pit garages. Behind them are the even larger hospitality areas, where visitors are welcomed, sponsor and press events take place, and catering is provided.

Bimota displayed several of its current models in front of the hospitality lounge. Alongside the KB998 Rimini and the Tesi H2 Tera was the brand-new KB399, which had only been presented to the public in March. Almost hidden away at the side was another KB998. At first glance, I assumed it was a spare team bike and nearly walked straight past it. It was only the display board that revealed that this was actually a KB998 Rimini Elite – a limited edition of just five exclusive racing machines built by Bimota’s racing department for customers with the necessary budget. The price is said to be just under €100,000, plus VAT.

Things are considerably less luxurious in the lower classes. Dozens of tents and temporary shelters occupy most of the paddock area. And right in the middle of it all is Pirelli, the official tyre supplier, which uses two large pavilions equipped with six tyre-fitting machines to provide all the teams with fresh tyres for their races.

Another highlight is the podium ceremony, which takes place right in the middle of the paddock. The top three riders in each race ride through a garage and across a red carpet to the podium in the paddock. Here, too, visitors can get remarkably close to the action.