Assen circuit boss Arjan Bos has rated the chances of bringing Formula 1 back to Holland as “50/50” following a largely positive inspection by FIA F1 race director Charlie Whiting.
The venue is the annual host venue for MotoGP’s Dutch Grand Prix but would require the necessary Grade 1 licence all tracks must obtain to hold an F1 race. That process took a good step forward, however, after Whiting reportedly mentioned only minor changes to the kerbs, barriers and the circuit layout to achieve it.
It follows a bullish claim late last year by Bos that Assen would be much better suited than Holland’s last F1 venue at Zandvoort to welcome the sport back after over three decades.
“We’re not there yet, but it is nice to hear that Whiting is so positive about the circuit, the modern facilities and the state of maintenance,” he told De Telegraaf after the inspection.
“We have always said that we hope to bring the Grand Prix back to the Netherlands within three years. At the moment I estimate the chance at 50/50.”
A race is a priority for commercial rights holder Liberty Media based on the surge of interest generated by Max Verstappen in recent years which has boosted attendances in Belguim and Austria to name a few.
Hopes for a street circuit event in Amsterdam or Rotterdam have dropped leaving one of the country’s purpose-built circuits to take up the mantle.
