Formula 1 wants to use the Netherlands as an example: "Seen the enthusiasm"

Zandvoort in September

In 2020, Formula 1 would have returned to Zandvoort for the Dutch Grand Prix after 35 years, but the coronavirus threw a spanner in the works. The race, like many other races, was cancelled and so they had to wait for another chance. There will be another chance, but in September. An ideal move by the organisation.

''We are very happy with this new date. Especially because we would like to have a full house. The chance of that is greater by holding the race later in the year. Certainly now that several developments seem to be moving cautiously in the right direction, yes. Also with the news that Pfizer brought out the day before yesterday, that the development of a vaccine looks pretty good," says Robert van Overdijk to Motorsport.com.

Example for other races

The circuit director is positive about the progress made in combating the coronavirus. ''We would like to roll out the plans we had for 2020. You can think of all sorts of scenarios for 'what if', but that is not the issue now. If things change in the world, we will adapt again at that point."

Zandvoort didn't have to negotiate for a long time with Formula One Management, because they too want fans in Zandvoort. ''It soon became clear that both we and FOM want as many fans as possible in the stands. After all, they have seen the enthusiasm in the Netherlands grow to enormous proportions. They see all the ideas we have for organising not just an F1 race but the ultimate race festival as a showcase for other countries," concludes Van Overdijk.