F1 race director Whiting inspects Assen as track chases Grade 1 licence
The Assen circuit has moved a step closer to being able to hold a Dutch Grand Prix, after Formula 1 race director Charlie Whiting visited the track for an inspection
Whiting visited the Assen TT Circuit last week for a track inspection, with the venue chasing the Grade 1 licence it would need to stage a grand prix.
A statement issued on Friday from Assen chiefs said that following the 'thorough inspection', Whiting's verdict was that only a few minor changes were required for the FIA to be happy it could hold an F1 race.
The necessary alterations would mainly involve adding extra kerbstones, guardrails and Tecpro barriers at certain points around the track.
The circuit itself would not require any major changes so the layout could remain unchanged - something that is important because track chiefs had said they would not be interested in holding an F1 race if it had a negative impact on its hosting of the Dutch TT MotoGP event.
Whiting's track inspection followed a preliminary assessment by the FIA.
In December, a computer simulation already indicated that the TT Circuit Assen met the Grade 1 safety requirements set by the FIA in terms of track layout and width.
Circuit chairman Arjan Bos said: "It's extremely pleasant to hear that Charlie Whiting is also very happy with the track, the modern facilities and the level of maintenance.
"His positive judgement is an important step in the right direction to get Formula 1 back to the Netherlands, but we are not there yet. Far from it.
"The next step would be for the FOM to pay a visit to the TT Circuit Assen. This will likely happen in the near future."
The Champ Car World Series and Superleague Formula both held races at Assen in the past.
Formula 1 commercial chief Sean Bratches told Autosport last year that he would be interested in bringing the Dutch Grand Prix back on the calendar, but was understood to favour a street circuit venue in one of the country's major cities.
Will F1's most volatile rivalry explode in 2018?
F1 race start times could change in plans to boost TV ratings
Mercedes F1 could regret letting de Vries go, says Shovlin
Mercedes F1 could regret letting de Vries go, says Shovlin Mercedes F1 could regret letting de Vries go, says Shovlin
How lockdown lessons have helped plans for F1's 8K TV future
How lockdown lessons have helped plans for F1's 8K TV future How lockdown lessons have helped plans for F1's 8K TV future
De Vries cleared of wrongdoing in dispute over €250K loan
De Vries cleared of wrongdoing in dispute over €250K loan De Vries cleared of wrongdoing in dispute over €250K loan
Hamilton: Lack of rear downforce leaves W14 on "knife-edge" at Suzuka
Hamilton: Lack of rear downforce leaves W14 on "knife-edge" at Suzuka Hamilton: Lack of rear downforce leaves W14 on "knife-edge" at Suzuka
BTCC Silverstone: Rookie Doble takes shock pole
BTCC Silverstone: Rookie Doble takes shock pole BTCC Silverstone: Rookie Doble takes shock pole
Are Red Bull and Ferrari on back foot for potential F1 Japanese GP tyre wrecker?
Are Red Bull and Ferrari on back foot for potential F1 Japanese GP tyre wrecker? Are Red Bull and Ferrari on back foot for potential F1 Japanese GP tyre wrecker?
Marquez will take Honda's interests into account while finalising MotoGP future
Marquez will take Honda's interests into account while finalising MotoGP future Marquez will take Honda's interests into account while finalising MotoGP future
How Tsunoda has eliminated a crucial F1 limitation
How Tsunoda has eliminated a crucial F1 limitation How Tsunoda has eliminated a crucial F1 limitation
How McLaren has revamped its F1 team to become a contender again
How McLaren has revamped its F1 team to become a contender again How McLaren has revamped its F1 team to become a contender again
Why precedent doesn’t favour Massa’s F1 legal challenge
Why precedent doesn’t favour Massa’s F1 legal challenge Why precedent doesn’t favour Massa’s F1 legal challenge
Why Sainz’s Singapore F1 success was not just about DRS genius
Why Sainz’s Singapore F1 success was not just about DRS genius Why Sainz’s Singapore F1 success was not just about DRS genius
The signs that suggest an immediate Red Bull resurgence in F1's Japanese GP
The signs that suggest an immediate Red Bull resurgence in F1's Japanese GP The signs that suggest an immediate Red Bull resurgence in F1's Japanese GP
The lessons Russell can take from his "two-centimetre" Singapore F1 mistake
The lessons Russell can take from his "two-centimetre" Singapore F1 mistake The lessons Russell can take from his "two-centimetre" Singapore F1 mistake
Singapore Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023
Singapore Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023 Singapore Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023
The Singapore secrets that helped Sainz end Verstappen's F1 winning streak
The Singapore secrets that helped Sainz end Verstappen's F1 winning streak The Singapore secrets that helped Sainz end Verstappen's F1 winning streak
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.