Zandvoort ultimatum set for Dutch GP deal

Hope of securing the Dutch Grand Prix's return to the Formula 1 calendar now rests solely with organisers at Zandvoort being able to strike a deal, after the Dutch Sports Council confirmed that the TT circuit in Assen will not be considered by F1 bosses to host a race.

Attempts to bring the race to Assen, which currently hosts MotoGP, are well-backed, with local funding already in place.

Things are not so clear at Zandvoort, with government backing ruled out and improvements required at a track which does not have the FIA's top grading – required to host F1.

With Max Verstappen's surging popularity, Liberty Media are keen to bring a race to his native Netherlands.

In an open letter, Van Praag said: "Direct contact between the NLsportraad and the responsible manager of FOM made it clear that circuit Zandvoort is the only candidate in the Netherlands suitable to organize a Formula 1 race in the Netherlands because of the history and the close proximity of big cities and airports.

"FOM stated that the only possibility of the Formula 1 race being awarded to the Netherlands is if the business case of Zandvoort is completed in time to the deadlines discussed."

The deadlines put in place by Liberty means Zandvoort must be able to prove it has enough backing to pay hosting fees and make necessary improvements by the end of March.

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