It was already a while ago that the terms 'Formula 1' and 'Zandvoort' in the same sentence were mentioned, without that this was placed in a context of nostalgia and a longing for times past. After the marginal victory by Niki Lauda in 1985 had happened with the Dutch Grand Prix and that seemed to be more or less the end of that chapter. Since the arrival of Max Verstappen glimpse of a bright spot on the horizon, and so it proved on Friday.
After Niki lauda in 1985, his 25th and last Grand Prix victory raced in the Zandvoort dunes, fell to the canvas for the Formula 1 race at the seaside resort. The circuit was, even for the standards that in 1985, followed, in disrepair. It was not very safe, the facilities were behind, it was time to put a period to convert. How beautiful and unique the circuit, the Formula 1 was outgrown.
It was not a whole lot better for Zandvoort. Of course, in the years ' 90 it was each year a party with the Marlboro Masters and as Jos Verstappen came along it was full, but the allure of yesteryear was gone after the last drops of champagne out of the bottle by Niki Lauda. The low point was perhaps the Williams-demonstration in 1999. Ralf Schumacher fell silent with a smoking engine, after which a Marshall came with his fire extinguisher in one hand and in the other hand some ice cream. While Ralf was about to scold that he had to shoot, the Marshall to think what the priority was; the ice cream or the slowly but surely up in flames going Williams. The Williams won, but the Ice cream was thrown with clear reluctance in the marram grass.
No, the formula 1 had little more to look for in the dunes. Demos here and there, it wasn't much. However, while Prince Bernhard Jr. took over the circuit a few years ago, was a Limburg adolescent trying to raise the formula 1. And as that goes with success of compatriots, also the formula 1 could count on a wave of new enthusiasts. And since the Bernhard van Oranje not in ambition is missing, the plan soon to check out the new look which would be required to return to the formula one sea.
The results of the subsequent investigation were on Friday 10 november presented in, how could it be otherwise, Zandvoort. First there was a general chat held in the Red Bull lounge, then went to the Heineken-skybox. Much shorter and more concise we also don't get; the biggest young talent of the moment drives at Red Bull, while one of the biggest sponsors of the sports the traditional Dutch Heineken is. We have worse for, so to speak.
We spoke with Prince Bernhard Jr., Jan Lammers, Robert Doornbos and Allard Kalff about the research.
The result of the research was actually not very surprising; Yes, there can be a Grand Prix held at Zandvoort, but that is going to be a relentless ditch cost money and we also have not everything in our own hands. Chase Carey and his fresh new friends must also cooperate. But well, if everything in the right direction, then it's not unthinkable (and I would also not go, it is not inconceivable) that the Grand Prix of Netherlands an Edition number 35 is going to get.
It is now up to the local entrepreneurs, the sponsors, the municipality and the Government, to here something out of it. Provided, of course, the priority; There's been talk of new circuits, streets circuits, or the ability to on the TT circuit of Assen. At the bottom of the stripe is in any case clear: there is zest for a Dutch Grand Prix.
Is it? No idea. Actually we are not a whole lot further than before the feasibility study. What is now before us is a clear plan with which Prince Bernhard and his associates to business and Government. And if we rely on the enthusiasm what to taste was during the presentation, we can assume that the circuit board at the crack of dawn on all relevant doors is going to add up.