Belgian GP promoter plays down potential knock from Dutch GP return

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Belgian Grand Prix promoter Andres Maes has played down concerns a possible Dutch Grand Prix return in 2020 could have a detrimental impact on the race.

The event at Spa-Francorchamps has enjoyed a revival economically in recent years thanks to the arrival of Max Verstappen, who was born in Belgium despite racing under the Dutch flag.

Thousands of fans make the trip to the Ardennes to follow the Red Bull driver but there is a possibility that if Holland does get a Grand Prix at either Zandvoort or Assen it could reduce interest at the iconic venue.

"It is only natural that we constantly have to fight for our place," Maes was quoted by F1i.com. "We do not veto a race in the Netherlands, but we have asked if there are plans.

"If there is a Dutch Grand Prix, they will need at least three years to prepare everything."

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Spa did sign a new three-year contract this year taking the race through until 2021, with the recent financial boost as a major reason, and there is still uncertainty over how long it would take either of the likely Dutch venues to redevelop and be ready to host F1.

Given the current warnings by Liberty Media to other historic races in Britain and Italy recently, however, no-one hopes the Belgian GP is put a risk just as it was in the mid-2000s.

 

         

 

 

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