Hungaroring Formula One Race Track in Budapest

Hungaroring in Budapest

The Formula One race-track, Hungaroring, is situated close to Budapest and is home to the Hungarian Grand Prix. In 1986 it was the scene of the first Formula 1 Grand Prix, to take place, behind the Iron Curtain. It was Bernie Ecclestone that envisioned a city track, like the Circuit de Monaco, and was advised by a friend, to turn his attention to Budapest. Instead of having a race-track within the city limits, the communist government moved to outside the city, and built and entirely new track. After 20 years, it is still the track that was constructed in the least amount of time. The new Hungaroring track was completed in eight months.

The Hungaroring track is very hot and extremely dusty. The races are usually held according to the Grand Prix calendar, which places it in the middle of the central European summer. It’s very first wet race, only occurred in 2006. The dust that is found on the track can be put down to the fact that the track is not in use throughout the racing season, but its location, in a valley in close proximity to Budapest, is also a magnet for the dust and litter that originates from the city. In addition, the track is built on extremely sandy soil, and therefore if a car’s wheel moves off the track, it causes a massive and blinding dust cloud. Usually as a track rubbers in, that is not constantly in use, the track will gradually become faster. This is not so, in Hungaroring’s case, as the track remains scattered with dust. Running late on this track, during qualifying, can sometimes work to a drivers’ advantage.

Overtaking on this track is not an easy feat. The track, as mentioned before, is dusty and very twisty off the racing line. However, all these facts have not stopped the action from happening here. There have been some spectacular moments recorded at Hungaroring, such as in 1987 when Nigel Mansell lost his wheel, or the famous duels between Ayrton Senna and Nelson Piquet. Not forgetting the year of 1997, an Arrows car and a wonderful driver named Damon Hill. And there are many more of these moments to look back on.

In its 20 year history, the Hungaroring race track has managed to crown two very talented drivers, namely Nigel Mancell and Michael Schumacher. Both drivers were able to win the title of the World Championship very early in the racing season. Two drivers made their debut into F1 on this track as well, also being the first F1 drivers for their countries, namely Zsolt Baumgartner of Hungary and Robert Kubica of Poland. The Constructors Championship was won by the Williams F1 Team in 1996, at the Hungaroring Race Track. Many drivers are divided in opinion when asked about the track. A few minor changes have been made to the track, but due to some of the most exciting moments in F1 having taken place here, their contract has been extended to 2011. The advertising of tobacco will be banned from the race track in 2007.