New drone footage shows Zandvoort’s famous gravel traps have been largely replaced as work continues ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix.
When it was announced the historic circuit would return to the Formula 1 calendar for the first time since 1985 this year, concerns were quickly raised that run-off areas would be introduced to improve safety at a location where space is at a premium.
The company behind the renovations, Dromo Circuit Design, reassured by insisting they would not take away the character and challenge of Zandvoort by replacing gravel with tarmac.
As the footage posted by Jorg de Bruijn on YouTube shows, however, a different story is being told with run-off areas being installed at most corners albeit quite similar to escape roads on street circuits in appearance with avenues around the gravel traps to then rejoin the circuit.
Most notably, tarmac run-off areas have been included at Tarzan (Turn 1), Turn 9, a fast right-hander at the top of the circuit, and the Audi-S chicane at Turns 12 and 13.
Elsewhere work is also continuing on the new 18-degree banking at the final corner with an image shared via Facebook appearing to show the first layer of tarmac being laid on the incredibly steep turn.
Naturally, with so much work going on in the depths of winter, Zandvoort isn’t looking at its finest currently, but with Red Bull already conducting promotional events, the countdown to the Dutch GP on May 3 is well underway!