A Dutch Grand Prix moved a step closer this week with the appointment of a race promoter to negotiate with Formula 1 owner Liberty Media and to raise the necessary funding to cover hosting costs.
Assen has emerged as the most likely candidate to host a round of the Formula 1 World Championship in 2020, as the Netherland's hopes to capitalise on Max Verstappen's popularity to secure a place on the calendar for the first time since 1985, when F1 raced at Zandvoort.
The local Drenthe government and Assen Circuit have tasked a new company, the Netherlands Grand Prix Foundation formed by LDP International, with the job of negotiating a deal and assessing whether it would impact the Dutch TT MotoGP event held at the same circuit.
If successful, the foundation, would lease the circuit and be held responsible for organising and funding the event.
Assen was recently inspected by FIA race director Charlie Whiting who confirmed it would only require minimal changes to meet the FIA's requirements to host a round of the championship.
The foundation is led by former Assen TT chairman and former F.I.M. president Jos Vaessen.
LDP International, which is behind the project, held the promoter rights to the Dutch MotoGP round between 1979 and 2006 and the 1985 Dutch GP at Zandvoort.
