HungaroringSince the first Grand Prix was held here in 1986 as the only Formula 1 race hosted behind the Iron Curtain, the Hungaroring track has earned a reputation for being one of the safest raceways in the circuit, although not an easy one to negotiate – the winding and uneven course makes overtaking very challenging, and multiple competitions here have concluded with photo finishes. Compared with other major speedways worldwide, Hungaroring does not feature many straightaways, meaning that the top speed here is “only” about 320 kilometers per hour – however, the Hungarian Grand Prix is usually held in dry and dusty conditions, while this weekend’s weather forecast currently predicts steady rainfall, increasing the unpredictability factor at every tight turn.
For spectators, Hungaroring is ideal – built in the middle of a broad valley, the track is nicknamed “The Shallow Plate” because approximately 80% of the course is visible from every seat in the stands. As of press time, most of the inexpensive seats are no longer available, with every ticket in the “Bronze” section sold out. For those willing to pay for prime views, plenty of spaces are still offered in the “Silver” and “Gold” sections, while general admission passes are also available – check the official ticketing website for complete details.
Getting to HungaroringLocated at Mogyoród – an ordinarily quiet municipality found a little less than 20 kilometers away from central Budapest – Hungaroring becomes the most popular destination in Hungary this weekend, with plenty of transit options offered. Depending on your budget, getting there from downtown Budapest can cost as much as over 150 euros (by helicopter) to as little as under 1,000 forints (by public transportation) – here is a rundown of options:
Helicopter: Combine deluxe sightseeing with a quick and comfortable ride from Budapest Prestige Heliport (located on the Pest riverfront in District XIII) directly to the track at prices from 153 euros one way or 306 euros round-trip; chopper service is also available from the Budapest Airport to the track. Check out this website for complete details.
Taxi: The only taxi companies allowed to take passengers directly to the main Hungaroring entrance are 6x6 Taxi, Taxi 2000, and Taxi 4. While fares vary depending on the exact pick-up point, an average price for reaching Hungaroring from central Budapest is 35 euros, while service from the Budapest Airport should cost approximately 50 euros.
Public Transportation: Grand Prix ticketholders are entitled to free coach transfer service from the bus station by Árpád Bridge in Pest’s District XIII, near the Árpád híd M3 metro stop; buses depart every few minutes on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – exact schedules are available here. Alternatively, anyone with Budapest’s BKK public transportation tickets or passes can reach Hungaroring by taking the M2 metro to the Örs vezér tere terminus and transferring to the HÉV commuter train toward Gödöllő, then disembarking at either the Szilasligetstop (followed by a 30-minute walk to Hungaroring) or the Mogyoródstop, where bus transfer service is offered directly to the raceway; see this BKK webpage for complete English-language information.
By car: When considering the speeds reached by Formula 1 drivers on the Hungaroring track, it’s somewhat ironic that traffic jams are notoriously bad surrounding Mogyoród during the race weekend, and parking is a particularly daunting prospect – however, if you must bring a car, the directions to Mogyoród from central Budapest are fairly straightforward. Drive up Andrássy Avenue towards and into City Park, passing around Heroes’ Square and through the park to the on-ramp to motorway M3, which will take you directly to Mogyoród – but make sure to fill up the tank before you go.For more information about reaching Hungaroring, check out this webpage.
Watching the actionPlenty of engine-revving attractions await ticketholders at Hungaroring throughout Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (the day of the big race, starting at 2pm) – and three-day ticketholders are welcome to a public pit walk today from 4pm to 7pm. The complete timetable for major race events is available here.For those unable to visit Hungaroring, plenty of places throughout Budapest broadcast the Grand Prix amid spirited celebrations. Among them, the city’s most popular Irish pub, Jack Doyle’s, complements the vrooming viewing with live music every night at 10pm from July 24-27; the multiple TVs at John Bull Sport Pub show every practice round on Friday and Saturday before the big event on Sunday; and the heats can be enjoyed outdoors along with delicious pub grub at the Champs Beer Garden on Margaret Island.After the winners are doused with champagne on Sunday, two upscale celebrations welcome the public that night to join reveling drivers and celebrities. Symbol Budapest hosts the official after-party featuring def DJs Petra Silander, Nathan Cozetto, and Zenbi keeping things spinning on the dance floor until late into Monday morning. Meanwhile, Buddha-Bar welcomes prominent Formula 1 racers, Hollywood stars, and you to join the posh GR1D CLUB party featuring international music mixers and unlimited drinks included with the entry fee, which can be as low as 60 euros.
