Zandvoort loses F3 Masters

The Dutch circuit is limited to just five days where it is allowed to run events over a certain noise level, and a request for more days has been denied.

Zandvoort has been limited to just five days where it can run loud events, and these days will be taken up by DTM and A1GP in 2007.

"The wish to attract more international events is in line with Dutch government policy," said circuit CEO Hans Ernst.

"But due to the ruling of the court it is impossible to attract further big events that can have a positive effect on the whole region."

Circuit officials had applied for the number of days to be increased to seven, but the request was denied for this year, meaning that the one-off F3 event can't take place.

"The needs of the few have been made more important than the needs of Zandvoort and the entire region," said Ernst.

Despite this setback, Ernst is still upbeat about 2007, as the World Touring Car Championship will make its first visit to the circuit and the series does not go over the noise limit.

"Of course we are disappointed, but we are not beaten yet," he said. "With major events like WTCC, DTM and A1GP our international line-up is still very strong."

It is expected that the organisers of the F3 Masters will look for another European venue to host the one-off event, which is traditionally a mid-season opportunity for teams from the F3 Euro Series and British F3 series to go head-to-head.