F1 News

Zandvoort have put their balls on the line with huge investment

Zandvoort have "put their balls on the line" with huge investment

04-12-2019 11:07

Former Dutch F1 driver Christijan Albers has praised the owners of Zandvoort Circuit for making big investment in the track ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix's return in 2020. The race returns to Zandvoort for the first time in over 30 years, and the track has gone under serious development.

The rise of Max Verstappen has hugely increased the popularity of the sport in the country, but there were concerns over the width of the track and chances for overtaking.

However, the race organisers have hugely redeveloped the track, including introducing a banking on the final turn.

Albers told De Telegraaf that he has lots of respect for the organisers, saying that they have been brave in their redevelopments.

He said: “A serious amount of money had to be put on the table and a number of enthusiastic entrepreneurs went with it.

“They have put their balls on the line with that investment. At many other circuits, the money comes from the government, so this is super cool for Dutch fans.

“It will be a sensational circuit for a F1 car. It may be something of a parade because the circuit is not very wide, but we can also count on a very tough, tactical grand prix.

“At Zandvoort, you have to deal with factors such as wind and sand. It will be a great weekend in May 2020.”