Reports are mixed for two proposed additions to the Formula 1 calendar next year.
According to Motorsport Week and others, a deal is close for the Dutch Grand Prix to return at Zandvoort for what would be the first time since 1985.
The country has seen a massive boom in F1 interest in recent years thanks to Max Verstappen, something owners Liberty Media have been keen to capitalise on that.
A deadline came and went at the end of March though, and after the speculation of a five-year deal late on Monday, Jans Lammers, the would be Dutch GP sporting director, played it all down.
“This is still premature,” he was quoted by F1i.com. “We are on the right track, but we are still working on the finishing touches.
“It’s very nice to hear these rumours but I think they are still a bit ahead of the troops. It is not up to us to make this known.
“Formula 1 is not just about Zandvoort,” he added. “They have 21 or 22 races. When everything is complete, we will probably come out with the news but it is not there yet. We are optimistic.”
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Across the Atlantic, however, pessimism is growing over the proposed street race in Miami, Florida.
After cancelling plans for a 2019 event due to local opposition, a vote to push ahead with 2020 was abruptly halted by a local court decision last week.
It has since been rescheduled for May 19, but that could be too late for a spot on next year’s schedule and there are still logistical and local challenges still to overcome.
