In the 1980s, the leaders of Formula 1 came up with the idea of building a circuit beyond the Iron Curtain in order to bring new fans, TV viewers, and communities into the bloodstream of the “racing circus”. Not long after this decision, Budapest became the chosen location for the new racetrack, although the location was a subject of much debate – it might seem surprising today, but City Park and People’s Park were among the possible race venues considered. The circuit was originally 4,041 meters in length, but since then reconstructions have extended it to 4,381 meters long, with no less than 14 turns. The construction, which took only eight months, began on1 st October 1985, next to Mogyoród – jus 30 minutes from Budapest -, and the first race was held in the following March.
Ayrton Senna, Nigel Mansell, Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso, and Lewis Hamilton all spoke of Hungaroring as one of the best Formula 1 circuits. The circuit is considered a true classic: the twisting track is tricky and dusty, and since the race is held amid the August heat, it is a real trial of strength for the drivers. The tracing of the circuit also represents old-school styling among today’s uniformed tracks, but this is precisely why drivers like it.
The first Hungarian Grand Prix was held a few months after the rehearsal, on 10th August 1986; the race was won by Nelson Piquet, followed by Ayrton Senna and Nigel Mansell. The absolute track record (1:16, 147) is held by Senna, but Schumacher and Hamilton also raced impressively here, and both of them won at Hungaroring four times. The Hungarian Grand Prix remains a stable point in the Formula 1 racing calendar for three decades now – and will continue to be one, at least until 2021 – and thus Hungaroring ranks among the oldest circuits in the program, only preceded by the circuits of Monte Carlo and Monza.
In the middle of the Hungaroring track locates Hungaroring Kart Center, operating with 270cc SODI GT4 karts, and 200 cc HUBI karts for the kids. The track is 513 meters long, sided with tire barriers, a state of the art timing system, and several locations for the marshals to track the race. Every participants can kepp track of his or her results after every lap, with the help of the digital display located at the finish line. A printed summary of the result is also handed over the racers at the end.
