The roar of the engines can be heard as I arrive at Circuit Zandvoort on my bike, despite the rain-soaked road. No, it’s not a real Formula 1 race that I will be attending, but I will be there virtually towards the end of my visit.
The Circuit Zandvoort is my third Formula 1 track to get to know after visiting the circuits in Barcelona and Monza. In Barcelona I was almost able to experience a bit of real racing feeling during free practice and in Monza I drove along the track in a van. I was a bit excited to see what I would experience in Zandvoort.
History of the Dutch racetrack
The original 4.2-kilometer race track was designed in 1948. The track is located in the dunes to the north of Zandvoort and was characterized at the time by its fast corners and a treacherous hairpin bend directly in the start/finish area.
In 1971, the circuit was rebuilt following a fatal accident and changes in safety standards. Only then were Formula 1 races allowed to take place there again. The newly installed chicane was intended to force the drivers to slow down. Another chicane followed in 1979.
Between 1952 and 1985, 30 official Formula 1 World Championship races were held on the circuit. These were listed in the racing calendar as the “Dutch Grand Prix”.
The last Formula 1 race in Zandvoort took place in 1985. In 1998, the operators extended the track to 4.26 kilometers through further modifications. They gave up older parts of the track in the south and added new sections in the east.
Even though no Formula 1 cars raced at Zandvoort for many years, the circuit was used a lot. Events such as the DTM and national races were held.
Of course, the operators were still flirting with the idea of hosting a Formula 1 race. By increasing the safety aspect, such as Formula 1-compatible safety fences, and after adapting the track layout and infrastructure, Zandvoort was awarded the contract for further races in the premier class. Races have been taking place again since 2020 and the permit for further events is currently valid until 2025.
Car racing and nature reserves – how do they go together?
Circuit Zandvoort is located in the middle of the dunes on the North Sea coast and runs through a nature reserve.
How can that be?
It is important to note. The racetrack already existed before the area was declared a nature reserve. The operators therefore did not build in a protected area. Nevertheless, motorsport and nature conservation are naturally contradictory and environmentalists have often tried to prevent Formula 1 races in court.
Certainly not an easy decision for the judges, but the complaints have always been rejected so far. The entire region would lose an important source of income if the race weekends were to be discontinued. However, there are still restrictions that the operators must adhere to. For example, racing is only allowed on a few weekends a year and some of the races traditionally held there have had to look for other locations. There are also noise restrictions, for example. For example, a certain noise level may not be exceeded for a set period of time. There is also no use in artificial light, which greatly reduces operations, especially in the winter months.
I particularly like this measure, which is not only for environmental reasons, but also for logistical reasons. It is not possible to travel by car on race weekends. Instead, the train connections will be increased so that you can arrive almost every 5 minutes. If you still come by car, you have to park a good 6 kilometers from the race track. Many visitors arrive by bike. The organizer has created large parking facilities for them directly at the race track.
Circuit Zandvoort experience
Even though the weather was rather modest during my visit to Circuit Zandvoort, there was a lot going on. From a viewing platform, I was able to see how car fans realized their dream of driving fast. Here, on the race track in Zandvoort, you have the opportunity to race around the track in a Porsche, Lamborghini, Aston Martin or similar. All you need is a car driver’s license and after a briefing from the specialist staff, you’re ready to go.
You wouldn’t believe how many visitors make their dreams come true here. There were several groups, with the same type of car, always taking turns on the track. Those who prefer to be driven and trust the skills of a professional have the opportunity to be a co-driver on the track.
I didn’t ride in the cars and preferred to watch them. I found it very exciting that we were allowed to take a look into the “sacred hall”, the race control center. Countless monitors show a complete view of the course of the track. From there, lightning-fast decisions such as the yellow or red flag have to be made or critical race behavior has to be assessed.
Of course, the race also includes an award ceremony. It’s a good thing they’re still working on it before the next race. It didn’t look much like a championship. But you can still celebrate like this.
A short stop in the pit lane added to the racing feeling. The vehicles were parked here waiting for their turn.
But we went on to an experience that I won’t forget in a hurry.
So many destroyed racing cars
Our next stop was at the Racesquare Circuit Zandvoort, which is home to numerous racing simulators. It was gaming time for us!
Fully equipped, we took our seats in the simulator. Almost lying down, I sat in a hard plastic seat wearing headphones. The room darkened and a short video with explanations appeared on the screen in front of me.
My number one mistake at this event: I was busy reading the English subtitles and didn’t realize which of what felt like 100 buttons meant what. More on that later…
Then we set off. We drove in on a training drive. Completely unexpectedly for me, the steering wheel vibrated and I had to hold it really tightly.
Then came my mistake number 2: even a racing car in a simulator has a brake. At the beginning of the training session, I thought it would be enough if I just took my foot off the accelerator as soon as a bend came up. I completely ignored the beautiful green-yellow-red arrows … and then … you not only hit the gravel but also the barrier wall. With one of what felt like 100 buttons, you could then get yourself back into the pit lane – if you had paid more attention during the introduction (see my mistake 1). It’s a good thing there are nice people to help you, otherwise I’d still be stuck against the wall. During the training phase, I felt like I’d wrecked 10 cars before I developed a bit of feeling and used the brakes.
After the training comes the race. And now I used the brakes, held the steering wheel properly and made a real effort. I hardly ever ended up in the gravel and only hit the barrier wall once. I wasn’t fast, but it was fun and I laughed a lot. It was a unique experience for me and I can only recommend trying out a racing simulation.
How do I get to the Racesquare Circuit Zandvoort t?
You enter the racetrack through the main entrance at Burgemeester van Alphenstraat 108.
If you follow the path past the main grandstand, you will reach parking lot A. There (at the back on the right-hand side) is a pedestrian tunnel that leads under the racetrack.
Once you reach the other side, you will be in paddock 1. A staircase leads to a terrace and Mickey’s Bar. This is where the Racesquare Circuit Zandvoort is located.
You can book a timeslot for the simulation on the provider’s website.
The visit to the race track was part of the program during a press trip with Visit Zandvoort.
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