Valtteri Bottas made history on June 6, 2010, at what was then known as Circuit Park Zandvoort. He became the first driver to win the Masters of F3 two years in a row. Since then, his love for the dune circuit has never faded. “Zandvoort still feels like it used to,” he says.
Valtteri, you have a long history at Circuit Zandvoort. When did you first race there?
“I believe it was in 2007. I had a test for Renault and also a race. Since then, I’ve known the circuit well and have always enjoyed driving there.”
Why are so many drivers enthusiastic about the circuit, both in its old and new layout?
“For me, Zandvoort is truly an old school circuit. And that’s what you, as a driver, really want: unique turns, camber differences, elevation changes… All of these elements make a track challenging and exciting.”
First Victory in Zandvoort in 2009
Laughs: “That’s right: the Masters of Formula 3. A year later, I won that race again, becoming the first driver to win this prestigious race two years in a row. I still remember Sebastian Vettel handing me the trophy on the podium. That was a very special moment.”
Significance of the 2009 Victory
“That year, we were racing in the F3 Euro Series, but our engine power was lagging behind the teams with Volkswagen power units. It wasn’t a bad season, I think I finished third in the championship that year. But such a big win really boosted my confidence.”
Other Fond Memories of the Netherlands Apart from the Races
“Oh, absolutely. I remember going out in 2009 after the race in Zandvoort with Jules Bianchi and Adrian Tambay, my teammates at the time. That was a very fun evening. Because Jules is no longer with us (Bianchi passed away in 2015 due to a crash in Suzuka the previous year), that is a very cherished memory.”
