The Dutch A1 Grand Prix
Circuit Park Zandvoort is the venue of the Netherlands A1 race, the first race of the 2006-7 season. Zandvoort is considered to be a driver’s circuit, with the most famous corner The Tarzan corner (Tarzanbocht) at the end of the main straight. This corner gives great over-taking opportunities and was reputedly named after a local man (nicknamed Tarzan) who agreed to give up his garden in the dunes if a corner was named after him!
Zandvoort hosted the Dutch Grand Prix between 1952 and 1985, before being removed from the Formula One roster due to some renovations being required at the circuit. The popular Austrian driver, Nikki Lauda, won the final race in 1985.
The opening race of the 2006-7 season was a stunning spectacle with numerous great overtaking manoeuvres, the race was eventually won by Team Germany, with the USA, Australia and Team Netherlands following them home. There was even drama before the start, with Team Switzerland stalling on the formation lap causing Team Malaysia to collide with them. The race was a great start to the season, with the lead changing hands before Germany’s Nico Hulkenberg brought his car home.
Zandvoort, situated less than 20 miles from Amsterdam, is itself a popular destination for visitors, with 4.5 million tourists coming here each year, to sample some of the great pubs and restaurants, and enjoy the long sandy beach. The circuit itself has good facilities, with food and beverages outlets, as well as some VIP suites.
There are trains every hour from Amsterdam’s Central station to Zandvoort, although sometimes a change of trains is required at Haarlem. The journey time is about 30 minutes. Buses depart every half an hour from just outside central station, but the journey takes longer. To drive from Amsterdam, take the N5, A5, N200, via Haarlem, although be warned that traffic can be bad during the summer.