More than one million people applied for tickets for next year’s Zandvoort Formula One grand prix, the first on the Dutch circuit in 35 years.

‘We knew it would be popular but this is more than we had ever imagined,’ spokesman Jan Lammers told broadcaster NOS. ‘Bringing this event back to the Netherlands has been welcomed in all quarters.’

The three-day event can absorb up to 105,000 people a day. Tickets are being allocated on the basis of a lottery and applicants will find out on Tuesday if they have been successful.

The race will take place in May 2020, but the date has not yet been set.

The last Zandvoort Grand Prix, which was won by Niki Lauda, took place in 1985. The Dutch fixture dropped off the calendar because it was to expensive to stage.

The cost in 2020 is expected to hit €40m, which includes a €20m fee to the Formula 1 organisation. Some €10m needs to be spent on improving facilities at the track, including building temporary stands. The money will come from sponsors and ticket sales, with the cheapest costing €140 for an adult.

Of those who have applied to attend the 2020 event, 70% say they will use alternative transport to the car.