Dutch GP revival moves closer after Assen visit

The prospect of a Dutch Grand Prix returning to the calendar in the future moved a step closer last week when Charlie Whiting carried out an inspection of the Assen Circuit.

In the wake of Max Verstappen’s rise to prominence, Liberty Media has expressed a desire to see F1 return to the Netherlands for the first time since a race was last held at Zandvoort in 1985.

Whiting visited Assen as it chases the necessary FIA Grade 1 status needed to host F1. Whiting suggested that only minor changes would be required to upgrade the track, with provisions for extra kerbing, guardrails and Tecpro barriers at certain points needed.

Assen circuit chairman Arjan Bos said: “It’s extremely pleasant to hear that Charlie Whiting is also very happy with the track, the modern facilities and level of maintenance. His positive judgment is an important step in the right direction to get F1 back to the Netherlands, but we are not there yet. Far from it. The next step would be for the FOM to pay a visit to the Circuit Assen. This will likely happen in the near future.”

F1 commercial director Sean Bratches said last year that a Dutch GP would be a valuable addition to the calendar, but he was understood to favour a street circuit in one of the country’s major cities.