History
A popular fixture on the annual Formula 1 calendar, today including destinations as far-flung as Azerbaijan, China and Abu Dhabi, the Hungarian Grand Prix actually dates back to 1936 when 100,000 gathered in Népliget to see great Italian pre-war star Tazio Nuvolari, ‘The Flying Mantovani’, drive his Alfa Romeo into first place. Another finisher was Hungarian László Hartmann, who two years later died after crashing his car into the palm trees lining the circuit in Tripoli, Libya. Few Magyars have featured in Formula 1 since.
Fifty years after the first Hungarian Grand Prix, a modern-day circuit was set up at Mogyoród. Initially, Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, keen to expand the brand behind the Iron Curtain, was in discussion with Moscow, before he turned his attention to Budapest.
Various venues were considered – Ecclestone was also understood to be looking at a Monaco-type course around streets in the city centre – before Mogyoród was settled upon.
Circuit
The circuit’s plans, created by computer, were created by engineers István Papp and István Gulácsi. The circuit was originally 4km in length, but since then reconstruction has extended it to 4.4km, with 14 turns. The twisting track is tricky and dusty, a real trial of strength for the drivers in the heat. Construction only took eight months from October 1, 1985, and the first race was held in the following March. On August 10, 1986, the first post-war Hungarian Grand Prix was won by Nelson Piquet, followed by Ayrton Senna.
The Hungarian Grand Prix has been a regular fixture in the Formula 1 racing calendar ever since – and is currently contracted to continue until 2021.
The Hungaroring is built in the middle of a broad valley, and approximately 80% of the course is visible from every seat, making it ideal for spectators.
Tickets & information
Tickets, for Friday, Saturday, race-day Sunday or the whole weekend, are still available in certain sections – for details see GP Tickets Shop. For all other information, see the official race guidebook.
How to get there
By public transport: Ticket holders are entitled to free bus transfers from Stadion station (by Puskás Ferenc Stadion on the M2 metro line in Budapest) to Mogyoród. Alternatively, the suburban HÉV train H8 runs from Örs vezér tere at the terminus of the red M2 metro line to Mogyoród (journey time 30min). Most trains then go on to Gödöllő. From Mogyoród station, another free transfer service goes to the racetrack.
By car: Traffic jams are notoriously bad on the roads that surround Mogyoród during the race weekend, and parking at Hungaroring’s free spaces (by gates 2 and 7) is a particularly daunting prospect. Directions to Mogyoród from central Budapest are fairly straightforward, taking motorway M3, making sure you have a motorway pass and fill up the tank in case of traffic jams.
Taxi: For reaching the track from Budapest, the taxi companies recommended by Hungaroring management are 6×6 Taxi and City Taxi. An average fare from central Budapest is €40, from Budapest Airport around €60.
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 52,000 forints (€160) per person one-way. A chopper service is also available from Budapest Airport to the track. Check out this website for complete details.
Watching the race
For those who can’t make it to the races, the Grand Prix is broadcast live at numerous hangouts around Budapest, including the city’s open-air Champs Sziget Beer Garden on Margaret Island, but you can also catch the race in real time at bars such as Rocky’s in the city’s nightlife quarter.
After the winners are doused with champagne on Sunday, the Buddha-Bar Budapest plays host to the Heineken Grid Club party, attracting prominent Formula 1 drivers and Hollywood stars to an upscale post-race bash, featuring international music mixers and unlimited drinks included with the entry fee. Prices start from €120 per person (admission after midnight) or from €500 for a Platinum VIP table, allowing you to make free use of a whole range of high-end spirits. Tickets (€250) for a place at the Gold VIP table have already sold out. To go the whole hog, it’s €10,000 for an eight-person Palladium VVIP table – with six bottles of Dom Pérignon champagne thrown in.
