Hungaroring Face-Lift Given Green Light

Changes proposed for the Hungaroring circuit ahead of this year's Hungarian Grand Prix have been given the go-ahead, track officials said today.

Laszlo Palik, President and Managing Director of Hungaroring told a news conference held at the Karpatia restaurant in Budapest that "the new track will be considerably faster than the old one." More than 70 variations have been proposed in the layout, 38 of which were seriously considered, Vice-President Tamas Frank added.

Plans have now been officially approved by Formula One governing body, the FIA, Formula One Management and the National Automobilsport Federation of Hungary (MNASZ).

The track layout, considered to be outdated by modern standards, will go through the most significant changes in its seventeen year history. The right-hand bend at the end of the pit straight will be transformed into a hairpin, and the straight itself will be lengthened from 586 to 789 metres.

According to predictions, top speeds will raise by about 20 km/h, making it easier for drivers to outbrake their rivals going into the corner. Spectators will get the chance to watch the action from a newly built grandstand, called Gold 4.

Other modifications include the cutting of the second chicane at the other end of the track, making way for a slightly longer back straight and a new, relatively fast right-hander, leading to the final combination of corners that will remain unchanged. The total length of the track will be increased from 3971 to 4384 metres, which is considerably longer than the original version, built back in 1986.

The changes have originally been suggested by Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone himself, who admitted that without the modifications the Hungaroring could lose the Grand Prix before long.

However, the track, frequently criticised in the past for the lack of overtaking opportunities, will not be widened due to the lack of sufficient funds, officials admitted.

The project, estimated to cost around $4.4 million, will be carried out from the Hungaroring's own resources. The government, hoping to keep Formula One in Hungary after the track's present contract expires at the end of 2006, already contributes to its annual budget by about $13 million.

Works on the circuit have already been started around the main entrance, Palik said. Until its completion, scheduled just days before the Formula One race in the middle of August, all other sporting events have been cancelled at the track.

The maiden Hungarian Grand Prix, the first Formula One race held behind the Iron Curtain, was won by Brazilian Nelson Piquet in a Williams-Honda, on August 10th, 1986.