Strong thunderstorms hit Assen overnight, giving Cal Crutchlow hope for a "flag to flag" Grand Prix where he could take a gamble with an unconventional strategy. The Brit had stated bluntly: "I would absolutely love a flag to flag race. If it starts raining, I'll stay on slick tires. Or, if the opposite happens, I'll switch to slicks three laps before everyone else."
At the moment, however, the situation has completely changed. The sky over Assen has cleared, the temperature is steadily rising, and the latest forecasts do not indicate any rain during the race. After the overnight showers, the track is expected to remain dry for the entire GP, making a flag to flag race very unlikely and denying Crutchlow the chance to try the strategic gamble he had announced.