Anger as F1 teams get go-ahead to drive on Dutch nature reserve

Teams allowed to take beach route to get to Netherlands’ first F1 grand prix in 35 years

The restoration of Formula One in the Netherlands after 35 years has been controversial after two race teams discovered a green light crossing into a marine environment to ensure that their workers avoid traffic on the way to the region.

Red Bull Racing and AlphaTauri teams will be allowed to drive from their two-mile beachfront hotels within Noordvoort reservation, a popular resort for marine and breeding birds between the Zandvoort racetrack and the North Sea.

The decision was made despite protests from the Netherlands (BPA) bird protection Association. Its director, Fred Wouters, said the damage would be as great as the race had to be during the breeding season.

The main purpose of the beach conservation, which is to create restrooms and to house livestock boats, but also water markers, is being broken, ”said Wouters.

A spokesperson for the Zandvoort Municipality said the option to drive to the beach would only be available if there was heavy traffic and the weather made it impossible to use a helicopter.

He said: In fact, teams are traveling by road or by plane, but it can be very frustrating if the drivers can’t arrive on time. In addition, police have indicated that there is something that can attract fans to slow down the drivers. If so, using the beach is safer than the route used by groups on regular routes to and from Zandvoort. 

A maximum of 10 electric Audi e-tron vehicles or a Porsche Cayenne 4×4 hybrid will be allowed to drive twice per day between Noordwijk and Zandvoort. They will have to move the column at high speeds and in a limited way to monitor the waves.

Marc Janssen, of the Foundation for Dune Conservation, said he was concerned about the distraction caused by cars and supporters who wanted to participate.

“Signs and birds are more affected by visual impairment,” he said. “When they see the distance from the car, they wander off to the beach. That costs a lot of energy for water signs. ”

The complaint by Dutch Red Bull driver Max Verstappen is believed to secure the return of Formula One to the Zandvoort track, which last caught the F1 grand prix in 1985. Formula One will hold the race until at least 2022 in the line. between the sand dunes.

Credit: https://newsfara.com/