A guide to the Hungaroring Grand Prix Circuit
The Hungaroring is considered to be F1 racing's endurance test. Although the length of the race is standard, at 77 laps and at a total of 306.670km (191.669mi), it is the time - almost 2 hours - it takes to complete the race on the slow twisty circuit that is the challenge. On top of which, drivers and cars have to battle the August heat in Hungary, this is combined with the dust from the surrounding landscape and makes the circuit extremely slippery. Many drivers liken the Hungaroring to a kart track rather than a Grand Prix circuit. The Hungaroring is tight and twisty and sometimes compared with the Monaco street circuit, as it is just as difficult to overtake.
Built in 1985, in a record time of 8 months, the Hungaroring is located in a 110 hectare natural valley, surrounded by 50 hectars of rolling hillside. This means that the track is basically situated in a natural amphitheater and boasts one of the best viewing tracks for spectators, as 70 per cent of the circuit is visible from any point. In fact, F1 enthusiasts rank Hungaroring and Austria's A1 racing circuit as the two best, in terms of visibility. Hungaroring is nick-named the 'shallow plate', as it looks like spectators are sitting around the side of plate looking on to the circuit.
The Hungaroring is considered to be one of the safest F1 Grand Prix tracks on the F1 Championship calendar and meets all modern safety standards set by the F1 governing body, FIA. In 2002, the Hungarian Grand Prix was awarded the Best F1 Promoter Trophy by FIA.
The hot weather of course is a boon for the spectators, as many of the grandstand seats are uncovered - bring hats and sunscreen! Many enthusiasts recommend sitting opposite the pits, where you can see the pit boards.
The Hungaroring is not used much during the year for other events and is basically 'dusted off' for the F1 Grand Prix, each year in August.