Dutch Grand Prix chief Lammers hits back at sceptics over F1 work
Dutch Grand Prix boss Jan Lammers is adamant Zandvoort will be ready to host a Formula 1 race next May, despite the huge amount of work still required
Revisions to both the track itself and the venue's infrastructure have to be completed in time for the circuit's first F1 race since 1985, which has been scheduled for May 3 next year.
The work is subject not just to approval of the work by the FIA but also by the local authorities, while the track's position in the dunes means there are environmental issues to be considered.
"There is still a lot of work to be done, but we are working hard on that," he told Autosport.
"And just like Max [Verstappen] doesn't wonder if he can handle a grand prix, we think we can handle all the work.
"So I think we're going to surprise a lot of people with the actual event next year.
"At the end of September you will see a lot of action here already. And at the beginning of October this will continue, so before we set up the Christmas tree a lot of work has already been done.
"All the plans are ready and from an architectural point of view it is something that our partners can easily carry out with their expertise.
"So next year there will be a beautiful circuit here."
Lammers denied rumours of possible delays to the work.
"Without telling all Dutch people every single detail right now, Zandvoort is of course a trending topic," he said.
"So the media want to bring news about that as well. And if there's no news, they'll look for it themselves. And of course you can always find something negative then.
"But we have nothing to worry about. The circuit will be ready next year on May 3.
"And I prefer to listen to people who know what's going on than to people who just shout something."
Regarding the circuit revisions he said: "The FIA has yet to give its formal approval. But of course FOM has a lot of experience with the FIA.
"So if they approve it and then submit it to the FIA, you can assume that the rest is a formality. We know the framework set by the FIA."
Lammers described current progress as "within the framework of the controllable", and admitted that there would inevitably be challenges to address.
"We are of course dealing with a municipality, province and government that are confronted with a grand prix they haven't hosted for the last 35 years," he added.
"So everyone is confronted with challenges and has to get used to it again.
"But then you just have to treat everyone's agenda and responsibilities with respect.
"All of this is still going according to plan. So far so good.
"We don't think lightly about it at all, but I have every confidence that we will experience a unique grand prix here. It will be an absolute festival."
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