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The usual complications and spectacular racing of Assen. Rainfall before the start of the race, following by a sun trying to dry the track both contributed to the uncertainty of Race 2, with a race that could have been anybody's up until two laps from the end. At that point Jonathan Rea's advantage was clear and he closed the Dutch weekend with another significant double win, with Sykes behind him and also Davies, who couldn't do more than fifth.
A race that saw tyre strategy play a major role in deciding the outcome.
On the wet track, it was the two Kawasakis out front at the first corner, with Chaz Davies' Ducati immediately behind, trying to keep pace. After just a few laps it was clear that those on rain tyres were beginning to suffer, with sections of the track gradually drying and favouring those who'd opted for intermediates.
The central phase of the race saw Australian Joshua Brooks, with the BMW of team Milwaukee, play a starring role, leading the race ahead of the Ducatis of Xavi Fores and Chaz Davies, holding on despite still being on the rain tyre. Nine laps to go and the two Ducati came into to change tyre, going for a full slick configuration. A wise choice with Brookes doing the same two laps later. Unfortunately the Australian pushed too hard in trying to make up for the time lost in making a pit-stop, exaggerating on the cold tyres and crashing as a result.
Jonathan Rea got the strategy spot on, starting with a wet setting before coming in at the right time to move over the slicks once the track was almost completely dry. Sykes on the other hand came in at the same time as his team-mate but went for a slick/intermediate combination. Not the right choice, as he himself said after the race, as he was left with a setting that didn't allow him to fight in the final stages, while Rea was able to increase his pace and win with something of a lead.
Third for a strong Michael VD Mark who fought back after Saturday's crash to finish behind the two Kawasakis.
A great race also for Lorenzo Savadori on the Aprilia of Team Iodaracing. Despite difficult track conditions, Lorenzo demonstrated the talent and tactics of a veteran, making up positions and only juts missing out on a podium finish. The Ducatis of team Aruba proved to be a little disappointing. Davies wasn't able to make the most of the extra grip offered by the slicks and closed fifth, losing 14 points to championship leader Rea.
A race that started well but became tough after the tyre change. Davies closed ahead of Hayden, sixth with the second Honda and Alex Lowes with the Yamaha. Giugliano went no further than eighth, in front of Leon Camier with the MV and Xavi Forés with the Ducati of team Barni. A race to forget for Matteo Baiocco, out on the 11th lap, while Alex De Angelis didn't even start, injured in warm-up. He'll return at Imola.
