The newly-redeveloped Zandvoort circuit, which will host the return of Formula 1 to the Netherlands, will reward “brave” drivers according to the architect behind the changes.
Dromo’s Jarno Zaffelli is leading the redevelopment of the seaside circuit and whilst it will retain much of its previous character, some big changes have been incorporated, including a banked final corner.
Speaking to De Telegraaf, Zaffelli shared some thoughts on how the circuit will be driven and why he believes it will require bravery to get right.
“According to our simulations, the drivers can go full speed through Turn 2. After that, it becomes very interesting to see which line they take in the Hugenholtz bend,” he explained.
“The angle of inclination in the ‘bowl bend’ exceeds eighteen degrees. This is really going to be a circuit for the brave drivers. Certainly on that part and on the Scheivlak [Turn 8].
“I think there is a lot to talk about. For the drivers, who of course are curious how they should tackle those bends and where they can overtake.”
Zaffelli also hopes that by limiting the amount of data available to the teams for their simulators, it will add an element of surprise.
“Teams have the raw data,” he told Formule 1. “They do not have the entire circuit. We will keep that data to ourselves for a while.
“We do that because we do not want them to have all the time to simulate. That way there is an element of surprise in it, that is my preference.”
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