Circuit van Drenthe in Assen approved for Formula One

The FIA has, in principle, approved Circuit van Drenthe in Assen for use in future Formula One Grand Prix races in the Netherlands instead of the famous Circuit Zandvoort as the former meets all the safety requirements and layout regulations, according to Dagblad van het Noorden.

The Dutch Grand Prix used to be a staple of the Formula One calendar, and famous figures such as Niki Lauda and Alain Prost both have wins in the Netherlands to add to their collection. However, a GP has not been held in the Netherlands for 32 years.

Due to the emergence of Dutch prodigy, Max Verstappen, though, Formula One racing in the Netherlands has seen a massive surge in popularity over the past few years, and F1 and Liberty Media chiefs are looking to take advantage and bring racing to the country again.

Traditionally, Circuit Zandvoort is the venue for the Dutch Grand Prix, but after several course assessment during the summer it was revealed that the track did not meet FIA safety requirements.

Attempts have been made to improve Zandvoort, but another circuit has now emerged as favourite to be named as the location for a Dutch GP and that is the Circuit van Drenthe.

Nothing has been confirmed by the FIA, however, as they have only named the circuit as suitable 'in principle' which means there will be reassessment in the future, with no decision even made if a Dutch Grand Prix will happen.

The chairman of the course, Arjan Boss, was positive after the track test.

"The first messages are certainly hopeful," said Bos to RTL.

"I see the rest of the process with tension, but also with confidence, if we could take Formula 1 back to the Netherlands, that would be fantastic. "