Dutch GP September switch "great" for Zandvoort

Dutch Grand Prix sporting director Jan Lammers has welcomed the switch from May to a preferable September date on the provisional 2021 Formula 1 calendar.

F1 was set to return to Zandvoort for the first time since 1985 in May of this year, but the coronavirus pandemic and resulting national lockdowns prevented the event from taking place.

With home-hero Max Verstappen the star attraction, Zandvoort had expected capacity crowds across all three days.

However, Lammers believed the May calendar slot would not allow the circuit to exploit the maximum potential of hosting a race, and said in August: "We aim to create a festival for the entire family, a true race festival over three days. So we need the public to show the event's full potential. With them and thanks to them we can organise these great things.

"So if May 2021 wouldn't be possible with fans, perhaps we can organise the Dutch GP later during the year."

Reacting to the provisional 2021 calendar released on Tuesday morning, which places the Dutch Grand Prix on September 5, Lammers said he welcomed the change.

“The return of F1 to the Netherlands was initially made possible by an entrepreneurial initiative, but just as important, that was followed by the massive interest of many race fans in our country," he said.

"This new date just after the summer has the advantage that the peak of the summer holidays is over, that there is a good chance the weather will be good, and the corona measures will be more limited.

"This is a great date for Zandvoort and the entire region. In other words, the organisation is very positive and prepares to organise a large public event on this date.”

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