Dutch GP chances fading away

The possibility of Formula One returning to the Netherlands has taken a hit as Zandvoort’s owner admits the chances of them hosting a race is “not great”.

Bernhard van Oranje has told Formule 1 that: “We are talking to Liberty Media but the chance that it succeeds is not that great.

“Many countries are willing to pay any price for Formula 1. The fee to Liberty Media alone is around $20 million, which no circuit produces with ticket sales.

“So there must be money from investors and that is what we are doing now.”

Zandvoort last hosted a race in 1985, when Niki Lauda won for McLaren.

France will host a Grand Prix for the first time in over 10 years this year, as part of Liberty Media’s plan to bring back some classic race circuits to the F1 calendar.

Van Oranje continued, saying: “Liberty has said that they want classic European races, but at the same time it makes little sense to have so many races in Europe.

“New markets like Mexico are more interesting to them.

“For me as a promoter it’s a difficult story, but as long as there is a chance, we will continue.”