Hungarian F1 Grand Prix

Hungarian F1 Grand Prix Tour Hotel

Hungary – Track and Stands

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The Hungaroring track is situated 20 kilometres north of Budapest, so the Hungarian Grand Prix gives you the perfect opportunity to explore one of the most beautiful cities in central Europe. Known as the ‘Paris of central Europe’ and ‘the Queen of the Danube’, Budapest is adorned with beautiful architecture, most of which was built towards the end of the 19th century when the city enjoyed a boom during the industrial revolution. The four ornate bridges that link Buda and Pest were built at this time. The weather is invariably hot around race time, which only adds to the enjoyment of your visit.

“I really enjoy Budapest,” says Kimi Raikkonen. “It’s a very beautiful city, with lots to do – lots of clubs and outdoor bars. Many Finns come to the race because there are some historical links between Hungary and Finland, so it’s the closest I get to a home grand prix during the year. The track is quite slow, but it’s very physical, so it’s a good challenge over a race distance.”

The track is situated in a natural bowl, with the result that more than 50 percent of the track can be seen from most vantage points. There are four types of grandstand seat, split into super gold, gold, silver and bronze, with general admission prices being some of the most inexpensive on the calendar. It can be extremely hot over the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, so take lots of sun block and – like the drivers – keep hydrated. There is a water park at the track, so if the heat does get too much you can always take the plunge and shoot down one of its numerous water slides.

There are enough sights in Budapest to keep you busy for a week, and they are spread all over the city, so don’t limit yourself to just one area. To name just a few of the highlights: the Hungarian National Gallery, which is situated in the wings of the Royal Palace; the Lukacs Thermal Baths; Heroes Square and Castle Hill, situated on the Buda side of the river Danube.

As far as restaurants are concerned, most of the international cuisine is situated on the Pest side of the river, with gems such as Articsoka, La Bodega and Iguana. For Hungarian specialities, try Bagolyvar or Mori Borozo.

Race History

Hungary first hosted a Grand Prix in the 1930s, but following the Second World War and the building of the Iron Curtain it was not until the 1960s that motorsport began to find a place in the country.

At the start of the 1980s there was a general wish for a Grand Prix to be held behind the Iron Curtain and negotiations took place with the Soviet Union with a view to a race being held in Moscow. In the summer of 1983 however, the attention of the Formula One decision makers turned away from Moscow and towards Budapest in Hungary, whose national sporting authority was keen to put the country back on the map of global motorsport.

At first a street race through Budapest was suggested, but in the end the decision was taken to build a brand new circuit in a valley 19 kilometres outside Budapest.

The valley provided natural vantage points for spectators and in 1985 work began on the Hungaroring. The track opened in 1986 and it held its first Formula One event in August that year. It was a huge success and almost 200,000 fans showed up.

Although tight and twisty, the circuit has been known to throw up some great races, the most memorable being Thierry Boutsen’s win in 1990, beating Ayrton Senna by 0.3 seconds, and of course the 1997 race where Damon Hill in the Arrows sensationally passed Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari only to be denied the win by mechanical failure on the very last lap.