Racing Team Nederland driver Frits van Eerd has high hopes for a future FIA World Endurance Championship race in his home country, even suggesting a WEC event on the Formula One support bill.

The Dutch entrepreneur has a long history of backing motorsport from his homeland, including drivers such as F1 star Max Verstappen and various racing events, through his Jumbo supermarket chain.

Speaking to DSC, van Eerd said: “Seriously, I’ve been thinking about it. What we should think about is why is WEC not on the same weekends as Formula One? That should be possible, and now Zandvoort has been put on the F1 calendar again.

“So yes, I think we should go back to Holland because I would like to have some great promotion with Jumbo in Zandvoort; that would be a great combination. So let’s think about it. I know a lot of people, and hopefully, they become as energetic as I am about the idea.”

Last weekend marked the first time Racing Team Nederland campaigned its ORECA 07. There it took pole position and was in contention for the win during the race until van Eerd suffered a gear-selection issue in the closing stages.

It’s clear that the Dutchman enjoyed driving the car on the newly-resurfaced Silverstone circuit: “I was driving around Silverstone with a big smile! This is really a tough circuit for a bronze driver, with this kind of speed. It’s such a huge difference, compared to what we had last year and the year before with the Dallara, so I’m a very, very happy man.

“Today, for me, it was so much easier to compete with the other LMP2s. If you look at the times, I’m the quickest bronze driver, and it’s all new to me. I’m not used to the car and the setup, but it feels so comfortable. It feels good and I’m happy.

Before the race, van Eerd outlined his goals this season. “A victory would be beyond my dreams!” He said. “My dream is to be on the podium in a world championship, and I think we have a fair chance, put it that way. We need a bit of luck; everyone needs some luck, but we have more chance than ever before.”

And with a third-place finish on Sunday, one of those goals has already been achieved.