Behind closed doors Dutch GP will only happen if 'the audience wants it'

If there is no interest in a television only Dutch Grand Prix, officials will not sanction a rescheduled event says promoter Jan Lammers.

Fans turn on the television to watch Formula 1 in part because of the sporting spectacle, but also to enjoy the atmosphere. Without that crucial second factor, Lammers wonders whether there is the appetite for a behind closed doors race.

“If we race at Zandvoort without an audience, it will be because the audience wants it," Lammers told RTL GP.

“We have seen here and there online that if the fans have to choose between no grand prix in Zandvoort this year or a grand prix that no fans can attend, you will notice that there is a great sentiment for a grand prix that can only be watched on TV.

“Only in such a situation can we consider it.”

Lammers also suggested that LIberty Media may have to foot a certain amount of the bill should a race be held behind closed doors, much in the same way that Silverstone are hoping that the Formula 1 hosting fee will be waived with Liberty Media hiring the track instead.

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“You are talking about quite large sums of money, which obviously not only Zandvoort has to cough up, but also other countries,” added Lammers.

“It is therefore also a bit about how deep the pockets of the FOM are. How much can they handle all that during this difficult period.”

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