F1 Dutch GP 2021: full race start time Zandvoort GP

F1 Dutch GP Zandvoort 2021 race time

F1 Dutch GP Zandvoort 2021 race time

F1 2021 Dutch GP: Timetable and race schedule.

Dutch GP, Pirelli at the test of the Zandvoort overpasses

With the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, back on the Formula 1 calendar after 36 years, it is the fourth time this season that the three hardest compounds in the P Zero range have been chosen: the C1 will be P Zero White hard, the C2 will be P Zero Yellow medium and the C3 will be P Zero Red soft.

The return of the Dutch GP was initially scheduled for 2020, but has been postponed to this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Due to the very demanding curves and the lack of significant data to refer to, the hardest compounds are the most suitable choice.

Zandvoort tyres F1 2021 Pirelli

The characteristics of the Zandvoort circuit

Today’s Zandvoort circuit is quite different from the one that hosted Formula 1 in 1985. In particular, turns 3 and 14 (dedicated respectively to the previous circuit director John Hugenholtz and the Dutch driver Arie Luyendyk) have a banking of about 19 degrees. This is a banking that is more than twice that of Indianapolis (which is about 9 degrees) and this means that the cars will be able to face these corners with a much higher speed than in the past, subjecting the tires to greater stress.

Turn 14 is covered at full throttle, generating forces of more than 4g, while in two other corners braking generates forces of about 5g: the entries in turn 1 and in turn 11. Turn 7, traveled at a speed of over 260 km/h, is another point where lateral forces of about 5g are generated. This is immediately followed by turns 8 and 9 that complete a series of three consecutive curves with high g-forces.

As expected for a circuit inaugurated in 1948, Zandvoort is an old-fashioned track, with tight and fast corners and numerous elevation changes. One of the most famous corners is the Tarzanbocht, the first corner of the lap, which today is closer to the finish line than it was originally. The Hans Ernst Bocht, on the other hand, located at the end of the lap, has a wider output than before and therefore allows the riders to accelerate earlier. Zandvoort is located near a beach of sand dunes that is sometimes deposited by the wind on the track, compromising its grip: this feature is typical of places like Bahrain.

WATCH: ‘It’s a beautiful track’ – The drivers on racing at Zandvoort

Mario Isola, Head of F1 and Car Racing at Pirelli

“The Dutch GP is obviously an unprecedented challenge for us, but thanks also to the data provided by Formula 1 and the teams we were able to establish a compound nomination and prescriptions in line with what should be the characteristics of this exciting new track.

Being a new track, free practice sessions will be crucial to collect real data and formulate the tyre strategy for the race. What is certain is that the conformation of the circuit will subject the tires to demanding loads, as we have seen from the computer simulations we have carried out. This year we have already raced in Zandvoort in the GT World Challenge and this has provided us with some useful information.”

Race start time for F1 Dutch GP (CEST).

Friday 3rd September:

  • Free Practise 1       11:30-12:30
  • Free Practise 2    15:00-16:00

Saturday 4th September:

  • Free Practise 3        12:00-13:00
  • Qualifying       15:00-16:00

Sunday 5th September:

  • Race                        15:00-17:00