Whiting: Assen would be the best venue for potential Dutch GP

Charlie Whiting has said that a possible Dutch Grand Prix would be more likely held at Assen than Zandvoort. Assen currently holds the Moto GP race and is thought of as a better suit for F1 than Zandvoort, F1’s previous Dutch home.

The Dutch Grand Prix hosted its last race in 1985 and there has been a lot of talk recently about a potential return to the calendar.

Max Verstappen’s rise to the top has boosted F1 interest in the country, and thousands of Dutch fans flocked to the Austrian Grand Prix last weekend, which Verstappen duly won, pleasing his hoard of fans.

FIA race director Charlie Whiting visited Assen earlier this year and believes, with small alterations, the track layout would be good for F1.

Whiting told media in Austria: “From my perspective with minor modifications it would be a nice track for Formula 1.

“I believe the location’s good as well. But that’s all I know, I don’t know whether there’s any commercial negotiations.

“From a track perspective only, yes, it could be OK.”

The Zandvoort track has seen multiple changes to the track layout since it’s F1 days, so Whiting believes it would be easier to get Assen ready for F1.

“I think it would be a great track. I’m not sure yet without the simulations exactly how much work would be necessary,” he said.

“But of the two at present I would say Assen would need very little work”