Zandvoort not in financial trouble: "We've got reserves"

With the announcement that no major events may take place in the Netherlands until September 1st, a Dutch Grand Prix is not possible for the time being. It is also not allowed to race at Zandvoort until May 20th and although the circuit is not in trouble, the corona measures do have a lot of impact.

No events

For the time being there will be no racing events on the track, not even without an audience. The hope was that it would be possible, but unfortunately it is not. This says circuit director Robert van Overdijk at Motorsport.com. "For the circuit this extension means that it will take a very long time before we can organise events again.

"You're hoping for something 'with an audience is not allowed, but maybe an ADAC GT Masters of Blancpain can, but without an audience. But that won't be possible until September 1st." This does not mean that the circuit will remain closed until then, for the time being the operating rules are in force until 20 May and after that a relaxation could be announced.

Until then, users of the circuit, such as Bleekemolens Race Planet, cannot use the track in the dunes. This will have the effect of reducing revenues, also because the track was closed in the last few months due to the renovation. But for the time being there is no reason to worry.

"That we would completely shut down as of 15 March, no one in the Netherlands has prepared for that. There is a package of measures from the government, a cloth for the bleeding. It doesn't make up for everything, but it does give you a bit more room", Zandvoort also has some reserves, "fortunately we still have some fat on our bones as a circuit".

Open circuit

In recent times the circuit has been working out a way to still be able to open, where the one and a half meter distance can be guaranteed. They understand the measures taken by the government, says van Overdijk, but it is "a bit sour" that they still have to stay closed.

"We already had all the procedures and protocols in place to comply with the one and a half metre distance. This would enable us to slowly but surely restart operations", but unfortunately this is not allowed.