Assen bidding for Dutch GP in '2020 or 2021'

The TT circuit in Assen has emerged as a front-runner to host a Dutch Grand Prix in the future, with members of the motorsport organising committee keen to secure a five-year agreement for the venue from as soon as 2020 or 2021.

The emergence of Max Verstappen at Red Bull has sparked the imagination of the Dutch fans, who are among the most well-travelled in F1 over the past few seasons, and the idea of hosting a race there is a natural progression.

Liberty Media have been in active conversations about extending the calendar beyond the 21 races we have this year, with Miami already pencilled in for next October, while nearby Copenhagen as well as Buenos Aires and Vietnam have been earmarked as potential venues.

There has been criticism from some quarters about the idea of extending the calendar and how that may dilute the action or create additional strain on the teams by asking them to work well into their car development team at the end of the season.

But Jos Vaessen from Dutch Grand Prix Foundation has confirmed that there has already been discussions with Liberty Media about making some amendments to the track, and that a Dutch GP would be 'the most supported in Europe'.

He said to Motorsport: "We're going for 2020 or 2021. We hope for 2020. We would prefer to have a five-year contract, but I can imagine that they want to start with a three-year commitment, because we will be new on the calendar."

"We hope to be able to beat the other candidates for a Grand Prix with a better track, better facilities and more seats. One thing is certain: if the Formula 1 comes to the Netherlands, then we will probably be the race with the most visitors in Europe. Assen is in any case known for the fans that always stands along the track.

"The Dutch TT attracts 100,000 to 110,000 spectators on the racing day. I cannot imagine that the Formula 1 would be less well attended."