F1 News: Hungaroring "open to all solutions" to host August grand prix

The Hungaroring is now third in line on the 2020 calendar, and in theory it should follow on from double headers in Austria and Britain, potentially as the fifth race in five weekends.

Zsolt Gyulay, CEO of Hungaroring Sport Ltd, says that the government is fully behind the event.

"We are in a daily contact with the rights holder," Gyulay told Autosport.

"Liberty [Media, F1 owners] is aware that we are open for all kinds of solutions, and we are ready for organising a race.

"The way it takes is definitely beyond our control, and it depends on the situation the country is in.

"We are waiting for the relaxation of the measures, and how and when life goes back to normal.

"Along with the Austrians and the British we have confirmed, too, that we are fully committed to starting the F1 season.

"We have talked about the option of a closed door race, but its protocol is still being developed for Austria.

"If it has been developed certainly we will comply with the regulations as well.

"Of course, a lot depends on the government's set of rules, too.

"However, one thing is sure, for both the government and the Hungaroring it is very important to organise the Hungarian Grand Prix.

"There are two options. The first one is that we organise a race closed to fans, similarly to Austria.

"Certainly, it would mean a huge loss for the promoter.

"The second option is to organise the race with fans, in which we have 35 years of experience.

"Last year we broke the audience number record, and based on the pre-sold tickets, a similar number was expected for this year's race.

"Of course, ticket purchase has stopped since the coronavirus outbreak started, and we must adapt to the new situation.

"Although the utilisation of the track is suspended now, we continuously do the maintenance at the circuit, which is in good condition, since we are prepared for the Hungarian GP to be held on 2 August."

Asked if an alternative calendar slot had been discussed, he said: "For the time being no other date has arisen."

Gyulay says that so far there have been no discussions with F1 about running two races at the venue.

"It is too early to speak about it, because the negotiations are not at that point yet," he added.

"The circuit is suitable for organising two consecutive races, furthermore, the country would benefit from it either from a touristic or economic point of view, if the teams spent two weeks in Hungary."

The circuit was to have built a long-planned new race control and pits complex for this year's race, but the construction work has been postponed.