'No major obstacles to Dutch Grand Prix'

Officials at Zandvoort have suggested that there are 'no major obstacles' standing in the way of the circuit hosting a Grand Prix in the future.

Zandvoort has been off the F1 calender since 1985, but in 2015 discussions were resurrected and investigations commenced into the feasibility of the track being able to meet the demands of a modern Grand Prix weekend.

Today [Friday], findings from the research firm Decisio declared that hosting a race at Zandvoort is a 'realistic scenario' adding that the economic impact to the area would be 'significant'.

Positives in the report outlined the site's excellent transport links, being in close proximity to Amsterdam aiport and also with a train station within a close distance to the track. It was also suggested that, given the huge popularity of driver Max Verstappen in the region, the audience numbers could reach 250,000, bringing a significant boost to the local economy.

However there were notes of caution in the report, namely the level of investment that would have to be guaranteed to bring the track up to FIA standard, as well as the race fee to enter the F1 calendar, thought to be in the region of £8m and £18m respectively.

Furthermore, a wholesale redesign of the pit and paddock would likely be necessary, which would require co-operation and sponsorship from local business to make the entire project viable.

However, the overall headline will be encouraging to Dutch fans desperate to see their hero Verstappen on home soil - one day.