Zandvoort takes another hit as Holland bans events until September

The Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort has suffered another setback following the Netherlands' decision to ban all public events until September 1st.

Formula 1's return to the country's historic venue was initially scheduled for May 3, but the event was postponed following the onslaught of the global coronavirus pandemic.

The Dutch organizers had hoped to see their race receive a slot in August following F1's decision to bring forward the sport's summer break traditionally programmed during that month.

Dutch Grand Prix boss Jan Lammers says the extension of the ban on public events by the government does not fundamentally change Zandvoort's issue, but the former Grand Prix driver admitted it was back to square one for the race's organization.

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"It's a pity, of course," said Lammers, quoted by website Formule 1. "Not much changes as nothing had been planned yet, but it's another step back. We are not the only GP organization in this situation."

Asked whether Zandvoort could be penciled in for September, Lammers refrained from making any projections.

"I don't think it makes sense to go through the scenario as it can all be thrown in the trash tomorrow," he said.

"Each answer only raises more questions. It's just a rotten situation for everyone.

"In the Netherlands we really had the feeling that this would be the year, everything seemed ready for it. Anyway, what's going on in the world is much worse, of course.

"We are now talking about scenarios while someone else in the Netherlands has to decide at the kitchen table who will and who will not receive a death notice. It cannot be compared."

Lammers recently said that racing behind closed doors is not an option for Zandvoort. He's therefore surprised by the fans' positive reaction to such a prospect.

"I did not expect that," he admitted. "It seems that if fans had the choice between watching races on television without any spectators or having no races at all, they would choose the former.

"Thatt does not affect us otherwise, but it surprises me. I did not expect that."

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