2020 Dutch GP in doubt?

Dutch tree huggers are out to stop the Dutch GP at Zandvoort. It really should be at Assen anyway – a superior circuit

(GMM) Dutch GP boss Jan Lammers has played down suggestions Formula 1's return to Zandvoort in 2020 is in doubt.

Organizers revealed recently that, thanks to Max Verstappen's success and popularity, a million people registered to get tickets for the first Dutch GP since 1985.

But this week, an organisation called Rust Bij De Kust – whose motto says locals are "Tired of racing noise in the dunes and in your backyard" – indicated that it will step up its efforts to disrupt plans for the 2020 race.

According to BNR Nieuwsradio, the group intends to object to Zandvoort's planning applications to upgrade the circuit, which could mean the circuit runs out of time to be ready for 2020.

"The last thing Rust (meaning 'rest') Bij de Kust wants is rest," Zandvoort spokesman Lammers, a former Formula 1 driver, told the Dutch publication Formule 1.

He said race Organizers are not worried about the efforts to disrupt the plans for 2020.

"We have commitments from the municipality, from the region and from The Hague that they are flexible and positive with regard to granting us permits," said Lammers.

"We assume that the government will deliver on its agreements. Secondly, I think the government has a duty of care to an event where 315,000 people want to go."

But Lammers also said race Organizers have planned ahead for potential road-blocks.

"It's like driving to work — you expect to have to stop at some red lights," he said.