If the Netherlands wants a Formula 1 race in 2020 then the government must support Zandvoort’s plan, the Dutch Sports Council has claimed.
F1 owners Liberty Media are very keen to bring the country back on the calendar for the first in over 30 years with interest booming thanks to the rise of Red Bull driver Max Verstappen.
However, the venue which last hosted a Dutch Grand Prix was dealt a blow when the government declared a race did not meet the requirements for a funding subsidy.
“Circuit Zandvoort explained that there are sponsor partners that are interested but their confidence in the business case of Zandvoort might have decreased because the central government chose to only facilitate the plans and not provide a subsidy,” the Council wrote on Monday.
“This explanation is consistent with the findings of the NLsportraad that the confidence of companies increases when the central government is willing to facilitate and invest. Sports events flourish with public-private partnerships.”
It was also noted that private sponsors were holding back from supporting Zandvoort with an apparent rival bid from another Dutch circuit at Assen being touted in the media.
However, the Council dismissed any thought of the MotoGP venue securing rights to an F1 race.
“Direct contact between the NLsportraad and the responsible manager of FOM made it clear that circuit Zandvoort is the only candidate in the Netherlands suitable to organize a Formula 1 race because of the history and the close proximity of big cities and airports,” their letter continued.
“FOM stated that the only possibility of the F1 race being awarded to the Netherlands is if the business case of Zandvoort is completed in time to the deadlines discussed.”
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That deadline is believed to be the end of March meaning time is quickly running out to secure funding, therefore, the Council pleaded with the government to reverse their earlier conclusion.
“The NLsportraad appeals to the national government, provinces and cities to discuss the ways in which the organization of this event can be supported and used in such a way that the social returns are optimised,” they said.
“The NLsportraad is of the opinion that organizing a Formula 1 race provides a unique opportunity for many Dutch sports fans to enjoy motorsports and their hero Max Verstappen.
“If utilised well, the Formula 1 race also offers opportunities to develop the region and to promote the Netherlands in many different ways.
“Cooperation is crucial: cooperation between private and public parties, cooperation within the public sector and cooperation between government departments.”
