Twan Smits: “No comment” when asked about a possible future in the World Championship

Following his successful Euro Moto weekend at his home circuit in Assen, Twan Smits had taken to his new leading role. After his one-two finish at the TT Circuit, the Dutchman picked up at the Nürburgring exactly where he’d left off in Assen. Setting a new Euro Moto track record, he had secured pole position in impressive style on Saturday aboard his Apreco Yamaha.

“Yes, well, to be honest, I’d actually expected it a bit,” he said quite casually after securing his second pole position in a row. “My bike felt good right from the start on Thursday. I had a good feeling and was able to build up more and more pace. I thought it would stop at some point, around the 1.23 mark. But there were still things where I thought I could tweak and improve them a bit. The potential is there. I feel strong and confident going into the races.”

Rivals left scratching their heads

The Yamaha rider then proved this impressively in both races, making it abundantly clear to his rivals right from the start that he had no intention of giving anyone a chance of victory. “That’s right,” replied Smits rather matter-of-factly after his third consecutive victory, “a good job today. I still had a bit of work to do in the warm-up, but in the race things went well right from the start. I was able to set the pace I’d set in practice. It was a good race for me. With a few minor mistakes, but not too many. I was a bit surprised by the pace of the lads behind me. They were strong and that was a bit daunting at times. In the end, I had the situation under control. Thanks to my team – it’s been my best weekend so far; we’re continuing to improve every time.”

Smits must have grown a tiny bit taller after his second victory this afternoon. “That was my plan,” he revealed afterwards, “to push from the start and build up a lead. That way, I wouldn’t get caught up in any battles either. It worked out well. I was lucky, because things were really heating up behind me. That saved me. The pace was good and the bike was simply perfect this weekend. Thanks for everything.”

When asked about a possible entry into the World Superbike Championship next year, only a mischievous smile flitted across the Dutchman’s face, followed by the expected reply: “No comment.”