4 Reasons why the Dutch GP's Return to F1 is Good

#2 It's a Fine Track

Dutch Grand Prix, 1961

Because it's not been on the Formula 1 calendar since the 1980's many fans will question what Zandvoort is like to drive and race around. Major renovations took place in the late 1990's and early 2000's and the track went from being one in a state of disrepair to one which hosted major racing series such as DTM (German Touring Cars). The circuit is much shorter these days due to development around the track but it still retains some of its original features.

Zandvoort is named after the seaside town which it is located near to and the beach's sand dunes define the track. The first corner, the Tarzan hairpin, is a deceptively tight cambered corner where overtaking is a possibility, but only for the very brave (just ask Prost). Following Turn 1, there are a series of bends before the high-speed and extremely cambered Sheivlak and Hondenvlak corners, it will be a special sight to watch modern Grand Prix cars flying through there. Overtaking will be difficult around this track, there's not much doubt about that, but that's the case for most tracks in F1 at the moment anyway.

Major work needs to take place for it to become an FIA Grade 1 (the required standard for an F1 Grand Prix), such as the kerbs being flatter and perhaps some of the camber being removed from some corners. Whatever changes though, it will be a very welcome re-addition to the Formula 1 calendar.