The official website of the MotoGP World Championship, as well as the Superbike World Championship, reported on Monday, 18 September that Hungary could soon return to the calendars of both racing series.
According to the statement on motogp.com, the rights holder Dorna Sports, in collaboration with the Hungarian Mobility Development Agency (HUMDA), is working to make two possible venues suitable for hosting motor racing events in the near future. The goal of Dorna and HUMDA is to obtain the necessary homologation for the Hungaroring and the newly built Balaton Park Circuit in Balatonfőkajár, as a result of which
both the Superbike World Championship and MotoGP could return to Hungary.
As reported on motogp.com, under the previously signed and now updated agreement, Dorna and HUMDA aim to have the Balaton Park Circuit included as a venue in the 2024 Superbike World Championship calendar, where it would serve as a reserve venue in the MotoGP programme. Starting from 2025, MotoGP races would be held at the Hungaroring.
The official website of the Superbike World Championship, worldsbk.com, also reported these same pieces of information on Monday, with the addition that the series calendar could expand with a new venue ‘in the very near future.’
The official inauguration of the Balaton Park Circuit took place in Balatonfőkajár on 16 May. At the time the owners explained that except for Formula 1 and MotoGP races, the venue is capable of hosting any other motorsport event. However, according to the recent statement from MotoGP, it seems that the track will be able to accommodate the prestigious championship.
The asphalt track spans 4,115 metres in length and features 16 turns. Situated just a few kilometres from the M7 motorway and a mere 85 kilometres from Budapest, it boasts a wide range of accompanying facilities. During the opening press conference for the Balaton Park Circuit, Gianpaolo Matteucci, a member of the racetrack’s board of directors, expressed that all the investors involved in the project, who were private individuals, held the belief from the outset that this track was feasible.
Hungary has a rich history of motorsports, particularly in Formula 1 and various other racing disciplines.
The country has two major racing tracks: the Hungaroring and the Balaton Park Circuit.
The Hungaroring is located in Mogyoród, a small town near Budapest. It is probably the most famous racing circuit in Hungary. It first hosted a Formula 1 Grand Prix in 1986, becoming the first Eastern European track to host an F1 race before the Iron Curtain was lifted. The track quickly gained popularity among drivers and fans alike. It is a 4,381-kilometre circuit with 14 turns. It is known for its twisty and challenging nature, making it a favourite among drivers who appreciate technical tracks. Its relatively low-speed layout often leads to exciting races with limited overtaking opportunities. Aside from Formula 1, the Hungaroring has hosted various other motorsport events, including the FIA GT Championship, DTM, and other international racing series.
Apart from the two major circuits, Hungary has a history of motorsport enthusiasts and various regional and national-level racing events. The country’s interest in motorsport is further evidenced by its support for young racing talents through various racing academies and development programmes. Most notably young Hungarian drivers such as Dániel Bereznay and Patrik Sipos are beginning to garner success in Formula 1’s E-sports series.
Overall, Hungary’s motorsport scene is growing, with the potential for hosting international racing events and nurturing local racing talent. The addition of the Balaton Park Circuit is expected to further enhance Hungary’s position in the world of motorsport.
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