Dutch Sports Council urges government to back Zandvoort F1 bid

The Dutch Sports Council advisory board has written to the Holland's parliament stating that Formula One considers Zandvoort as the only viable option for hosting a Dutch Grand Prix.

The historical home of F1 - which last hosted a round of the world championship in 1985 - has been trying to put together a bid for the race.

However, Zandvoort has been forced to contend with the Assen circuit's own ambitions to bring a Grand Prix back to the Netherlands.

The circuit's promoters signed a letter of intent with FOM in mid-December and they now have until March 31 to secure the funding for their event.

The Formula One Group has engaged in discussions with both venues, but in its open letter to the country's government, the Nederlandse Sportraad - through the voice of its chairman Michael Van Praag and Secretary-General Mariëtte van der Voet - insists that Zandvoort should be considered as the first and only choice for F1.

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"Direct contact between the NLsportraad and the responsible manager of FOM made it clear that circuit Zandvoort is the only candidate in the Netherlands suitable to organize a Formula 1 race in the Netherlands because of the history and the close proximity of big cities and airports," stated the letter.

"FOM stated that the only possibility of the Formula 1 race being awarded to the Netherlands is if the business case of Zandvoort is completed in time to the deadlines discussed."

"Direct contact between the NL Sportraad and the responsible manager of FOM made it clear that circuit Zandvoort is the only candidate in the Netherlands suitable to organize a Formula 1 race in the Netherlands, because of the history and the close proximity of big cities and airports.

Interestingly, Assen recently contended that its bid for the race was fully funded, thanks to a foreign investor and subsidies from the municipal and provincial governments.

Zandvoort on the other hand requires outside sponsorship as the Dutch government has warned that no funds would be allocated to the event. But the NL Sportsraad is attempting to reverse that stance.

"The NLsportraad appeals to the national government, provinces and cities to discuss the ways in which the organization of this event can be supported and used in such a way that the social returns are optimized.

"The NLsportraad is of the opinion that the nation as a whole - including Circuit Assen - can take advantage of the spin off if there is a mutually agreed plan and cooperation. Facilitation by the government is crucial to guarantee infrastructure and security preconditions.

"Participation by the government is crucial to profit in the fields of economics, sustainability and of course sport. Cooperation between the different Ministries is indispensable.

"The NLsportraad is of the opinion that organizing a Formula 1 race provides a unique opportunity for many Dutch sport fans to enjoy motorsports and their hero Max Verstappen.

"If utilized well, the Formula 1 race also offers opportunities to develop the region and to promote the Netherlands in many different ways.

"Cooperation is crucial: cooperation between private and public parties, cooperation within the public sector and cooperation between government departments."

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