source
Pretty cool artistry happening on Zandvoort beach in Holland before this weekends Grand Prix race.
The one race I have been looking forward to for almost two years now as last years was cancelled. I am looking forward to seeing an Orange dominated race track with overwhelming support for local hero Max Verstappen.
source
Adding a new track to the racing calendar that the drivers and teams haven't tested before is always going to bring new challenges. When this track was being built we knew it would be special with the specially designed sloped corners just adding to the experience. The layout of the track definitely makes the race as overtaking is what everyone wants to see. The latest safety fencing has been erected so this is the top specifications all tracks have to adhere to today. Zandvoort in the past has had a checked history with a number of fatalities.
source
Looking forward to overtaking on the high speed bends as teams have to gamble on more or less downforce for this particular track. This has decent straights and enough corners to probably balance out either way so this will not be straight forward setting the cars up.
Noise pollution along with financial issues have plagued this race track for many years and it is finally great to see it back on the racing calendar. Formula One is blessed to have so many good tracks dotted around the world I think it is crazy to be hosting more than one race in a country when it needs to be shared out. Growing the sport by travelling to new areas is what everyone should be doing.
source
Today was media day and all about getting to know the track before practice sessions start tomorrow. The car set up will be mostly done already on the simulators back at the factories but these now need to be double checked.
source
Even the teams arrivals were somewhat precarious as everything is new for many not knowing the best routes to take.
So much has changed since 1965 as the teams use different equipment taking everything that is required as these teams are now on the road for three weekends running. This is the second race of a triple header with Monza in Italy next weekend to follow.
source
I think everyone including Formula One and the FIA have been looking forward to this race as this is the home Grand Prix of Max Verstappen's Orange Army. As a marketing point of view for the sport this is huge as the "Orange Army" travels Europe making their presence felt. This is more like a thank you as I do believe they have bought this race back because of the overwhelming support they have shown. No one in their right mind would miss such a potential to grow the sport as this is a given with Max's popularity.
This was one area the FIA have targeted with the other being the USA for the sports growth. Nowhere has fans quite like the Dutch though as they have proven travelling everywhere so this should be one big party all weekend.