TT Circuit Assen confirms next step towards potential Formula 1 hosting

A Grade 1 license is the highest FIA homologation and is mandatory for circuits that want to host a Formula 1 race. Assen wants to obtain that permit so the circuit is ready for a potential arrival of the pinnacle of motorsport, should an organizer come forward in the future. The TT Circuit itself would therefore not act as the organizer, but it is open to facilitating a Dutch Grand Prix after Zandvoort drops off the F1 calendar.

Circuit director Mark van Aalderen confirms that the application was submitted earlier this year, but emphasizes that it is separate from the circuit’s organization. According to him, it is up to TT Circuit Assen to make the track suitable for the highest FIA level. A potential organizer and financier of a Formula 1 race would then have to be a different party.

“Those are indeed two different matters. One is getting the circuit’s facilities in order. That can only be done if you go to Grade 1. That is what we are investigating now,” Van Aalderen answers a question from GPblog. “For that, we have asked the FIA what is needed to bring the circuit up to that level. That is our task. In addition, someone will have to come along to organize and finance such an event. That is not the case here.”

Which adjustments might be necessary is not yet clear at this time, according to Van Aalderen. That question is currently with the FIA, and more clarity will follow when the circuit is inspected for homologation.

Chairman Arjan Bos says that, in preparation for the process, the circuit has already sought advice from Hermann Tilke, the German circuit designer responsible for many modern Formula 1 tracks: “We also received advice from Hermann Tilke in Aachen, the in-house architect. Also to get an idea in advance of what we can expect. We think we can pursue that,” Bos adds.

In terms of infrastructure, space, and facilities, things are in good shape in Assen. “We think so too, but we really haven’t discussed the details yet. I’d be lying if I said we had. We’ve been introduced, we’ve gotten to know each other on several occasions now, and the relationships are good. They have always been good,” the chairman continues.

Bos emphasizes that MotoGP remains the absolute priority for the TT Circuit. At the same time, he does not rule out that Assen will also host Formula 1 races in the future, should that opportunity arise: “We also believe: MotoGP is the most important thing here. And if, alongside that, we can host Formula 1, we would be very happy to do so. But at the moment, that is not the case,” Bos concludes.