Assen: Yamaha Takes Pole, ZX Moto Strong, Öttl and Aegerter Solid

Lucas Mahias secured his tenth World Supersport pole position at the TT Circuit Assen on Friday, April 17, 2026, edging out his compatriot Valentin Debise in a dramatic late-session battle that was twice interrupted by red flags.

Mahias, riding for GMT94 Yamaha, set the fastest lap of the Tissot Superpole session with a time of 1’36.490 seconds to claim pole position for the Pirelli Dutch Round of the 2026 FIM Supersport World Championship. His effort came after a red flag period caused by a crash from Xavi Cardelus exiting the Geert Timmer chicane, which brought out the second red flag of the day and required medical attention for the French rider.

Following the restart, Mahias improved his time in the final minutes of the 45-minute session to lock in the top spot on the grid. Debise, representing EASTROC ZXMOTO Factory Evan Bros Racing, finished second with a lap of 1’36.561 seconds, just 0.071 seconds behind Mahias. Albert Arenas completed the front row for AS BLU CRU Racing Team with a time of 1’36.572 seconds, 0.082 seconds off the pole.

The session began with Tom Booth-Amos and Can Oncu exchanging fast laps, with Booth-Amos initially leading after the first red flag. However, both saw their times drop as the session progressed, finishing fourth and fifth respectively. Booth-Amos recorded a 1’36.600s on his Triumph Street Triple 765 RS, while Oncu logged a 1’36.628s aboard his Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing YZF-R9.

Philipp Öttl delivered a solid performance for Feel Racing WorldSSP Team, securing eighth place on the grid with a time of 1’36.667 seconds on his Ducati Panigale V2. His result placed him in the middle of the third row, continuing a consistent weekend for the German rider. Dominique Aegerter lined up 11th with a time of 1’37.045 seconds on his Kawasaki ZX-6R 636, reflecting a steady but unspectacular qualifying effort.