Zandvoort wants to become “the most demanding circuit in Europe” according to Lammers

Zandvoort is currently undergoing a serious facelift in order to welcome the return of the Dutch Grand Prix next May after 35 years of absence.

On the menu of alterations, a beneficial and essential expansion of the paddock but above all the development of a pair of elevated turns, including the last curve of the route called Arie Luyendijkbocht in honor of the Dutch driver Arie Luyendyk, double winner of the 500 Miles d 'Indianapolis.

The second uphill sector will be the 4th turn, Hugenholtzbocht which pays tribute to the director of the circuit John Hugenholtz. Robert van Overdijk, CEO of Zandvoort, recently stated that the slope of the Arie Luyendijkbocht would be 32% with a difference in altitude of 4,5 meters between the base and the top of the bend. That is to say an elevation twice as pronounced as the famous “Banking” of Indianapolis.  

“With these modifications, the Zandvoort circuit will become the most beautiful and demanding circuit in Europe, even in the world, said Jan Lammers, ex-pilot of Formula 1 and former winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans became sporting director of the Dutch Grand Prix. I can only be proud of it, as someone who was born in Zandvoort and passionate about motorsport.”

The work, which is due to end in February 2020, has been entrusted to the Italian agency Studio Dromo, which visited the circuit last year in the company of the late Charlie Whiting, whose many prerogatives included the approval of the F1 tracks.

“We have done everything to preserve and magnify the unique character of Zandvoort”, declared Jarno Zaffelli, spokesperson for Studio Dromo during a press conference organized last Monday on site. The agency has also published a video which offers a first glimpse of a revisited Zandvoort tour.

Other planned adjustments include the installation of tunnels under the track and new gravel traps.