Assen moves forward with Dutch GP endeavor, names promoter

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Assen is stepping up its efforts to bring Formula 1 back to the Netherlands where it was last seen 1985 at the country's historical venue at Zandvoort.

FIA race director Charlie Whiting conducted a visit of the Assen circuit in January and outlined a series of changes and alterations necessary to upgrade the track to the mandatory Grade 1 FIA licence.

The venue, located in the northern region of Holland, near Groningen, is the very popular home of MotoGP's Dutch round.

Whiting's rather positive review of the circuit prompted the creation of a dedicated company - the Netherlands Grand Prix Foundation - which will act as the promoter of an F1 event after receiving a mandate from the Assen TT Circuit to handle future commercial negotiations with The Formula One Group.

Zandvoort's Dutch Grand Prix chances are fading

The endeavor has received the full support of the Assen city and the Drenthe province

"The board of the TT Circuit is happy to entrust The Netherlands Grand Prix Foundation with the organization of a possible F1 race in Assen," said Assen TT Circuit president Arjan Bos.

"The board members of this foundation have earned their stripes in the International motorsport arena and have been at the head of the biggest events in the history of the circuit.

"We expect maximum cooperation."

Zandvoort, the historic home of the Dutch Grand Prix in the past, recently indicated that its own chances of hosting an F1 event were remote, citing the financial burden associated with a potential race.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.