It has been known for some time that Zandvoort, and thus the Netherlands, will soon leave the F1 series. There will be two more races on this track and then… Then, after initial hesitation, Assen has now announced its willingness to take over the baton!
But the situation is not simple. The true traditions of Europe and Formula 1 mean less and less to the current management of the racing circus, although (unfortunately) Arjan Bos, president of the Assen circuit, has indicated that they would be happy to become exchange partners in the (admittedly awful) rotation system invented by F1.
"Of course, our big dream is to bring Formula 1 to Assen. I think that when you invest so much money in a track and have the support of the public, then - if there is such a possibility - we definitely have to try. That is exactly what we are doing and we are very positive about this possibility. We will calmly analyse what is needed to realistically apply, but for now it is not possible to say that Zandvoort is saying goodbye and Assen is coming in.
We have to remain cautious. I don't know, we'll see if F1 wants this race at all. I would also like to hear Zandvoort's arguments as to why they are ending, and I also don't know Formula 1's vision for the Netherlands. We know that they want fewer European races, that they are thinking about Africa and India. We have to take these aspects into account as well," Bos mused.
