2026 Assen WorldSBK: Iker Lecuona leads red-flagged final practice
Iker Lecuona keeps Aruba.it Ducati on top during FP3 at Assen, Somkiat Chantra declared 'unfit for today'.
Iker Lecuona took over at the top of the timesheets during Saturday morning's final practice for the 2026 Assen WorldSBK round.
After team-mate Nicolo Bulega, who has won all six races so far this season, set the Friday pace with a 1m 33.687s, Lecuona lowered the best lap of the weekend so far to a 1m 32.823s.
That put the Spaniard 0.25s clear of Alex Lowes (Bimota), with Barni Ducati's Alvaro Bautista and BMW’s Miguel Oliveira completing the top four.
Title leader Bulega was fifth fastest, but remained on race rubber for a 1m 33.322s.
Chantra 'unfit for today' after FP3 fall
The session was interrupted by red flags, with eight minutes remaining, due to an accident for Somkiat Chantra on the exit of Turn 5, the hairpin leading onto the back straight.
The HRC rider lost the rear, lowsiding from his CBR1000RR before the bike suddenly gripped and ran over the Thai rider’s foot and leg.
The former MotoGP rider was clearly in pain and required treatment on track before being taken to the medical centre, allowing the session to restart.
Chantra has been declared 'unfit for today' due to a lower back contusion, plus muscular contusions and hematoma to his thighs. The Thai rider's condition will be reviewed tomorrow morning before warm-up.
Chantra’s team-mate Jake Dixon remains sidelined by wrist injuries from pre-season testing at Phillip Island and is being replaced by 17-time Assen WorldSBK winner Jonathan Rea for a second consecutive event.
Rea, now a Honda test rider, was 17th this morning, just behind Tommy Bridewell.
The Superpole qualifying session takes place at 11:15am local time (10:15am UK).
Full Free Practice 3 results from the Dutch World Superbike round at Assen.
Peter has been in the paddock for 20 years and has seen Valentino Rossi come and go. He is at the forefront of the Suzuki exit story and Marc Marquez’s injury issues.
