F1 looking into streetrace in Amsterdam or Rotterdam
- Published on 11 Oct 2017 08:50
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- By: Rob Veenstra
F1 could be looking to stage a race on the streets of the Dutch capital. Reports including in the Berliner Kurier indicate that on the back of Max Verstappen's huge popularity, Liberty Media is open to a potential race on the streets of either Amsterdam or Rotterdam. "Liberty's seriousness is demonstrated by the recent visit to Holland of Sean Bratches, who looked into all possibilities," the Berliner Kurier report declared.
However, well-known Dutch F1 television presenter Olav Mol is not getting too excited. "It seems to be a long-shot to me," he told the Ziggo Sport Totaal broadcaster. "Formula one will first want to add another American race in Las Vegas or New York. Any deal for the Netherlands will be done at the government level, so I think it's a bit premature. But if it happens, I'll be the first to support it," Mol added.
Former F1 driver Robert Doornbos added: "We have two beautiful circuits in Assen and Zandvoort, but a street race would bring certain advantages. Now it will come down to the political and financial level, but I'm 1000 per cent behind it and would support it in every possible way," he said. (GMM)
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Replies (10)
Login to replyKyalamiKid
Posts: 146
Why more streetraces? There are 2 circuits in The Netherlands that could host a grand prix with some (major) upgrades.
When adding races to the calendar, I think Liberty Media should look at Africa, there hasn't been a GP since '93 on the continent.
LightIsRight
Posts: 113
Okay, and what country and which track. The only track close to F1 ready is Kyalami. The only country close to being able to host an F1 race and support the race properly is? None? We have no hope. We will never have a government that will support and finance a race. They too busy lining their own pockets. Also I don't think that F1 is watched by the majority here, hence funding is never going to happen from that perspective. Unless liberty can work miracles then I don't see a race coming to Africa.
LightIsRight
Posts: 113
And don't say cape town. It would be highly irresponsible to spend that much on a race when they are in severe drought and that money could be used to help there instead
KyalamiKid
Posts: 146
South Africa, Kyalami would be the best go yes, especially if Porsche will enter F1 again in the future (Kyalami is owned by Porsche SA)
There are enough large corporations that could fund this without the need for government money (The Franschhoek Motor Museum is owned by a billionaire). Not saying it s easy, but not impossible.
LightIsRight
Posts: 113
There is a reason he is a billionaire. He probably doesn't waste his money on something that won't show him a return. I don't believe it's easy to show a profit from bringing in formula 1 as a private organisation. BUT if you look at the big picture and it is government funded then the increased tourism could be positive in terms of the amount of money sunk into the race. If Porsche enter F1 then that may be the only hope of a race in Africa but I wouldn't hold my breath.
KyalamiKid
Posts: 146
Not holding my breath for anything to happen here in SA ;)
Found this old poll on Sky
www.skysports.com/(...)k-your-dream-new-gp
Xtreme
Posts: 53
Hoax
kngrthr
Posts: 203
this is about the tenth proposed g.p.
we will have to have a summer series and a winter series at this rate.
that would be fun actually. one series in each hemisphere. same cars but different drivers and support personnel for each half.
makes a joke of Malaysia thinking they can come back whenever they feel like it.
mbmwe36
Posts: 533
Make no mistake, Liberty Media is just trying to drum up interest in F1 in the different countries. It was the same here in Copenhagen a few months ago where the media went into a frenzy.
I'd say the Netherlands have a slightly better chance because of Max. But at the end of the day, it's gonna come down to commercial appeal and money, plain and simple.
f1dave
Posts: 782
Please NO street races anywhere !