The TT Circuit Assen has confirmed that it is taking concrete steps toward the possibility of hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix in the future. Circuit officials have openly expressed their ambition, while making it clear that MotoGP will remain the venue’s highest priority despite the growing interest in bringing F1 back to the Netherlands after Zandvoort’s scheduled departure from the calendar.
Assen applies for FIA Grade 1 certification
Earlier this year, TT Circuit Assen submitted an application to the FIA for Grade 1 certification, the highest level of circuit homologation required to host a Formula 1 event. The move is designed to ensure the Dutch venue is ready should a promoter decide to bring Formula 1 back to the country once Zandvoort leaves the championship schedule.
While the circuit is not looking to become either the event promoter or its financial backer, it wants to make sure its facilities are capable of staging a Formula 1 weekend if the opportunity arises.
Assen management explains the project
Circuit director Mark van Aalderen stressed that upgrading the venue and organizing a Formula 1 race are two completely separate matters.
“Those are actually two different issues. One is bringing the circuit’s facilities up to standard. That can only be done if you aim for Grade 1.”
He continued: “That is what we are looking into now. That’s why we asked the FIA what is required to bring the circuit up to that level. That is our responsibility. On top of that, someone will still have to come in and organize and finance such an event. That is not the case here,” he said while speaking directly to GPblog.
At this stage, it is still unclear which modifications, if any, will be required. The FIA will need to inspect the circuit before providing a detailed assessment of the upgrades necessary to achieve Grade 1 status.
Assen chairman Arjan Bos also revealed that the circuit has already sought preliminary advice from renowned German circuit designer Hermann Tilke, who has been responsible for many of Formula 1’s modern venues.
“We have also received advice from Hermann Tilke in Aachen. It was mainly to get a preliminary idea of what we can expect. We believe we can move in that direction,” Bos explained.
According to the chairman, Assen is already in a strong position when it comes to infrastructure, available space and its overall facilities.
“We believe so as well, but in reality we haven’t discussed the details yet. I would be lying if I said otherwise. We have met, we’ve had the opportunity to get to know each other on several occasions, and our relationship is good. It has always been good,” he added.
MotoGP remains Assen’s top priority
Despite the growing interest in Formula 1, Arjan Bos was keen to emphasize that MotoGP will continue to be the circuit’s flagship event.
“We believe that as well: MotoGP is the most important thing here. And if, alongside that, we could also host Formula 1, we would be very happy. But that is not the situation at the moment,” the chairman concluded.
For now, Assen is simply preparing from a technical standpoint for the possibility of welcoming Formula 1 in the future, without shifting its focus away from its long-established motorcycle racing heritage. Any future Dutch Grand Prix at the circuit would still depend on an external promoter willing to organize and finance the event.
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