Jan.19 (GMM) Assen has taken concrete steps toward becoming a potential future Formula 1 venue, as the Netherlands prepares for life after Zandvoort.
The TT Circuit Assen has been studying the requirements for an FIA Grade 1 licence since September, with the explicit aim of being ready should a Formula 1 opportunity arise.
“We want to be ready when a concrete application comes in to host a Grand Prix in Assen,” circuit director Mark van Aalderen told RTV Drenthe.
He stressed, however, that Assen would not act as promoter. “If that were to happen, we would only act as facilitators, not as organisers or funders.”
Van Aalderen indicated that any changes would likely be limited. “For now, it seems that it will mainly involve changes related to safety,” he said, adding that the circuit layout itself is not expected to require modification.
“We want to know how much time and money any potential changes would cost.”
Assen previously explored a Formula 1 future in 2018, when it underwent FIA inspection for Grade 1 status, but ultimately lost out to Circuit Zandvoort. Zandvoort is now set to bow out of the calendar, with Algarve International Circuit scheduled to replace it from 2027.
Behind the scenes, Dutch motorsport figures continue to keep Assen’s name alive. Former Zandvoort chairman Jim Vermeulen believes the TT Circuit’s best chance lies not in a permanent slot, but as a reserve venue.
“They should register as a reserve circuit with Formula 1,” Vermeulen said, noting Assen’s existing infrastructure and grandstands for more than 50,000 spectators. “They need to let everyone know that, if needed, they can organise a Grand Prix within four to six weeks.”
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