A1 GP: World Cup of Motorsport 2008/09

CIRCUIT PARK ZANDVOORT

Overview:

The circuit is located near the town of Zandvoort, in the Netherlands, a stone's throw from the dunes of the North Sea coast line. The list of winners in Holland is like a Who's Who of racing greats with Ascari, Fangio, Clark and Stewart among the race winners. With a history of 17 Dutch Grands Prix under its hallowed tarmac, it also has the distinction of being the only circuit to host a Grand Prix where all 15 cars that took to the grid finished, all without making a pitstop, during the 1961 Dutch Grand Prix. Its close proximity to the seaside gives the track something of a holiday atmosphere.

The most famous corner in the circuit is the Tarzanbocht (Tarzan corner) which provides excellent overtaking opportunities. This corner is reportedly named after a local character who had earned the nickname of Tarzan and only wanted to give up his vegetable garden in the dunes if the track's designers named a nearby corner after him.

Circuit Park Zandvoort has proved its pedigree on the A1 Grand Prix calendar, and 2008-09 will be the third time that the circuit will host a round of the World Cup of Motorsport.

Specifications:

Location: Zandvoort, Netherlands
Track Length: 4.18km
Longest Straight:
Turns: 11
Laps: TBA
Lap Record: Luca Badoer, Ferrari, 1'19.880 (2001)
Direction: Clockwise
Address: Burgemeester van Alphenstraat 108, 2041 KP

History:

Although there were some races at Zandvoort before WW II, a real circuit was not built until after the war, mainly designed by John Hugenholz. The first event was held in 1949, as the Zandvoort Grand Prix. The following year, the race was called the Dutch Grand Prix, and it was included in the Formula One World Championship in 1952. In 1985, the Dutch Grand Prix was held for the last time, as part of the circuit had to be remodelled because of new buildings. Currently the circuit is again bidding to be included in the Formula One World Championship. The major event that is currently held at the circuit is the Marlboro Masters, where Formula 3 cars of several national racing series compete ith each other.

In the history of the circuit, several fatal accidents have occurred: among them those of Piers Courage during the 1970 Dutch Grand Prix, and Roger Williamson died in 1973.

On a more pleasant note the venue was memorable for providing a number of firsts such as the first win for BRM and Jon Bonnier in 1959 and the same for Hunt and Hesketh in 1974. The last visit here was in 1985 and since then the circuit has been used for club racing with the annual Marlbor Masters of Formula 3 providing the highlight of the international races.

The older 'Classic' Zandvoort circuit layout is modelled in detail and can be driven in the Grand Prix Legends racing simulation for X86-based pc's.

Directions:

The circuit is just 15 miles west of Amsterdam.