Zandvoort's layout may not have changed significantly since 1999 at first glance, but the renovations ahead of the circuit's return to the Formula One calendar did introduce changes that made it fit modern requirements better. iRacing is going to add this current version to its simulation soon - with good news for owners of the older version.
Image credit: iRacing
Sim racers will be pleased to hear that they will not have to fetch their wallets again if they want to run the modern version of Zandvoort if they own "the historic version of Zandvoort", as iRacing themselves put it (although that wording makes us think about the high-speed course that was used until 1989). Anyone who does not own Zandvoort yet will get both versions if they purchase the new track.
Looking at the track map, nothing much has changed for Zandvoort from its 1999-2019 version (left) to the current layout - but only at first glance. Image credit: racingcircuits.info
The runoff for the first turn Tarzanbocht has been upgraded, and the pit exit now joins the track after the turn instead of right before it. The following Gerlachbocht has been widened, and Hugenholtzbocht has been moved slightly to create a bigger runoff area. Meanwhile, the exit part of Hans Ernst Chicane has been widened, and new kerbs have been installed in many places around the track, and the grid has moved further towards Tarzanbocht.
The 3D Foliage System that is already in use at Willow Springs (pictured) should make the dunes of Zandvoort a visual highlight. Image credit: iRacing
More circuits are currently in the works, too, as was confirmed by Executive Producer Greg Hill in July's Dev Update: Algarve, Misano, Mugello, Pukekohe, Lédenon and the Circuito de Navarra are all in development, although it is not quite clear yet which ones are going to be ready for September's Season 4 release. And we are still wondering when it is Spa-Franchorchamps' time for a modernization treatment...
Image credit: iRacing
Sim racers will be pleased to hear that they will not have to fetch their wallets again if they want to run the modern version of Zandvoort if they own "the historic version of Zandvoort", as iRacing themselves put it (although that wording makes us think about the high-speed course that was used until 1989). Anyone who does not own Zandvoort yet will get both versions if they purchase the new track.
Looking at the track map, nothing much has changed for Zandvoort from its 1999-2019 version (left) to the current layout - but only at first glance. Image credit: racingcircuits.info
Faster, Wider, SAFER
But what exactly are the differences? Ahead of the planned return to the F1 calendar for 2020, Zandvoort saw extensive renovations and alterations to modernize the track, with the final turn called Arie Luyendykbocht having been transformed from an already fast right-hander to a flat-out banked turn, complete with SAFER barrier.The runoff for the first turn Tarzanbocht has been upgraded, and the pit exit now joins the track after the turn instead of right before it. The following Gerlachbocht has been widened, and Hugenholtzbocht has been moved slightly to create a bigger runoff area. Meanwhile, the exit part of Hans Ernst Chicane has been widened, and new kerbs have been installed in many places around the track, and the grid has moved further towards Tarzanbocht.
The 3D Foliage System that is already in use at Willow Springs (pictured) should make the dunes of Zandvoort a visual highlight. Image credit: iRacing
Expect Better Visuals
The upgraded version of Zandvoort is also likely to benefit from the visual improvements iRacing has made recently, as was showcased at Willow Springs with the new 3D Foliage System introduced for Season 3 of 2023. As Zandvoort is one of the more interesting circuits when it comes to its location nestled in the dunes right by the coast of the North Sea, an immersive visual experience can be expected.More circuits are currently in the works, too, as was confirmed by Executive Producer Greg Hill in July's Dev Update: Algarve, Misano, Mugello, Pukekohe, Lédenon and the Circuito de Navarra are all in development, although it is not quite clear yet which ones are going to be ready for September's Season 4 release. And we are still wondering when it is Spa-Franchorchamps' time for a modernization treatment...
