Dutch prince dreams of F1 race at Zandvoort
- Published on 15 Feb 2016 12:05
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- By: Rob Veenstra
Zandvoort, an iconic former F1 circuit, could revive the long-defunct Dutch grand prix. Late last year, we reported that the track - famously nestled among coastal sand dunes and a host of more than 30 grands prix until 1985 - was once again being linked with the F1 calendar. "Everyone is enthusiastic about it, so I think the government and industry needs to tackle it together," a local politician said.
Now, the Dutch newspapers Algemeen Dagblad and De Telegraaf are reporting that Zandvoort has been bought by Prince Bernhard of Orange-Nassau. He is the son of Princess Margriet Francisca, the aunt of the reigning monarch. Reportedly, the prince and a business partner bought Zandvoort from Hans Ernst, who has owned the track for almost three decades.
When asked about the possibility of F1 returning to Holland, prince Bernhard said: "That is the ultimate dream." He said the track will be developed. "Assen has been well developed, and Zandvoort will follow, meaning that along with Zolder in Belgium there will be a strong triangle of circuits in this part of Europe," added the prince. (GMM)
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Replies (2)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
It would be nice to have another historic track coming back, but I fail to see how it will be able to return, the calendar is pretty much stuffed at the moment. Unless one GP collapses and they could implement a european GP and let Zandvoort and a few other tracks take turns.
khasmir
Posts: 893
No Dutch prince can put Zandvoort on the crowded F1 calendar. There is no way to compete with countries that get huge amounts of government (oil) funding.
A dream, that is all it is and will remain so unless they can find some serious funding and a serious organizer instead of "some prince with a dream" ;)