Van den Goorbergh enjoys attention at TT Assen: ‘But doesn’t want this every race’ | NOW

Zonta van den Goorbergh enjoys all the attention he gets during the TT in Assen, but emphasizes that he does not want to be distracted too much. Together with his father, the youngster is looking for the right balance.

“It’s fun, but I don’t have to have this all the races, because it’s very busy. I’m busy all day,” said the sixteen-year-old son of former driver Jurgen van den Goorbergh, who caused a furore in the 500 in the past. cc (now MotoGP).

Van den Goorbergh, the youngest rider in the Moto2 class, received a hero’s welcome after qualifying in the guest house of his RW Racing GP team on Saturday. He had to explain to the hundreds of attendees – mostly sponsors and supporters – that he could live well with his 21st place in the race on Sunday.

“I initially missed the feeling on the dry asphalt, but I improved well in qualifying,” he said. “In my fast laps I had some problems with other drivers on the track and that cost me some time. But I can be satisfied.”

‘Funnily enough, I have the least experience with this circuit’

Father Jurgen is also busy in Assen, because he is the personal supervisor of his talented son. The former road racer – who in 2000 was still in the lead in the 500cc at the TT – keeps a close eye on Zonta not being too distracted and ensures that all his gear is ready.

“I see that many young guys have to arrange all that themselves, but that comes at the cost of that bit of focus that you need for driving. He has a schedule and he has to stick to it,” said Van den Goorbergh.

His son also doesn’t seem very upset by the busy schedule. “It’s part of it,” said the teenager, eager to show what he is capable of in the race. “Of course it’s my home race, but strangely enough I have the least experience with this circuit of all the riders in Moto2.”

In addition to Van den Goorbergh, Bo Bendsneyder also takes part in the Moto2 race in Assen. He starts from eighth position. The race starts at 12:20 PM.