Biaggi: I'm at a disadvantage

On the face of it the 35-year-old Italian has a wealth of experience at legendary Dutch circuit, and even won the Moto GP race there in 2001.

But the Alstare Suzuki rider has never competed on the shortened, sanitised version that has been in use for the last 18 months, and thinks it may take him until second qualifying on Saturday to find a good balance for his bike.

“I like Assen, but I don't know how it will be for me now because the circuit has changed since the last time I was there,” said Biaggi, who lies second in the championship – 13 points behind Britain's James Toseland.

“Most of the Superbike regulars were there last year, so I will be at a small disadvantage because I will have to relearn the track before I can push hard. But normally I learn tracks pretty quick, so I don't think it'll be a big problem.”

Biaggi, who has surprised many paddock regulars with his pace this season after a sabbatical year in 2006, is loving his first season of Superbikes, in particular praising the ‘normal' atmosphere compared to Moto GP and the two-race format.

EuroSport