Kalff enjoys it immensely at Zandvoort

Allard Kalff has been around the Zandvoort circuit for years. The Viaplay commentator is honest when he admits that years ago he did not expect the organisation of such a big event to take off like this. Kalff is thoroughly enjoying himself and is complimentary about the way things are going.

"I have lived in Zandvoort for twenty years, I made my racing debut here, I said my first words through a microphone here. Last year I was even the circuit speaker here, so for me this remains unique", Kalff told GPblog.com's microphone after the first two free practice sessions. The former racing driver also has more than happy memories of driving on the track in the dunes. "I have raced a lot here and done fun things. I love this circuit and the weather is nice, so it's fantastic."

Zandvoort organisation immensely good

In April 2019, it was announced that the Dutch Grand Prix would return to the Formula 1 calendar after 35 years. There were a lot of people who were a bit sceptical at the time, because how was that all logistically possible? "Jan Lammers said when it was announced here. We are going to tell people to come by public transport and by bike, then everyone started laughing. But look around you. Everyone is coming by public transport and by bike. That is just fantastic and I think that is very important," said Kalff."The Orange Legion is also all nice, but if you start dissecting this, there are so many things that organisers can learn from outside. That is incredible."

At last year's edition, many organisers of other events already came to Zandvoort to see for themselves exactly how the organisation works. It will be no different in 2022, as the enthusiasm is huge, both at home and abroad. Many other organisers of Grands Prix are present to learn from the Dutch GP's approach.

Kalff has a clear message for the organisation at Zandvoort. "Keep up the good work. When I hear that there are many organisers from different countries, who all come to see how we do it here, I think they can take an example from the Dutch Grand Prix. The entertainment part is one, but also the fact that you have the majority of the audience coming here by bike or by train. I understand that not everyone in the world can replicate that, but I do think they can take an example from Zandvoort of how things can be done."

Verstappen needs to recover

For Max Verstappen it was a disappointing start to the weekend. In the first free practice session he was only able to run ten minutes because of gearbox problems and in the second free practice session the Red Bull Racing driver had to settle for eighth, while Sergio Perez did not even make the top-ten. Nevertheless, Kalff believes Red Bull and Verstappen will be back in the race."I expect a podium," he said.