JULY 24, 2001

Verstappen douses Dutch GP plans

ARROWS driver Jos Verstappen has poured cold water on the plans to revive the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, claiming that in no way is the seaside circuit ready to host a modern Formula 1 event.

ARROWS driver Jos Verstappen has poured cold water on the plans to revive the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, claiming that in no way is the seaside circuit ready to host a modern Formula 1 event.

Zandvoort was a favorite venue for Grands Prix between 1952 and 1985, and has recently undergone a significant rebuild in order to meet modern safety standards. Although Formula 1 decision maker Bernie Ecclestone is due to accept an invitation to visit the circuit Verstappen feels that the infrastructure in place is not yet up to the standards that Formula 1 now demands.

"They are a long way off holding a race there. I don't know why they mentioned Zandvoort," he said. "The pit garages, they made new ones, and they are not big enough. I do like Zandvoort, but I just think they are not able to do the race yet."