Hungarian Grand Prix

The Hungarian Grand Prix is extremely popular with both drivers and spectators alike. Despite a distinct lack of overtaking opportunities the race regularly produces some thrilling racing and the central European location results in large crowds. The race has been a mainstay of the Formula One season since it was first introduced and has recently been confirmed as part of the racing calendar until 2016.

2011 Season

The nature of the track means that drivers are largely divided over their opinions of the race. Fernando Alonso is one of the drivers who claim to love the dusty, tight circuit and his Ferrari team will be gearing up for a strong challenge.

With limited over-taking opportunities the qualifying performances will take on even greater significance and the Ferrari team will look to improve their poor qualifying record this season if they are to challenge. The strong links between Finland and Hungary means that there are always a lot of Finish spectators present and Heikki Kovalainen will look to support to improve on his season so far.

Overview

The Hungaroring is a narrow circuit with lots of tight corners, which makes overtaking extremely difficult. This means that the race could be won and lost in qualifying with pit stop strategy essentially to success.

The circuit is 4.381 km in length with the race taking place over a total of 70 laps leading to a full Grand Prix distance of 306.630 km. The lap record is held by Michael Schumacher with a time of 1:19:071 set in 2004. The circuit has a total of 14 corners and is renowned for the dusty surface that requires to concentration from the drivers throughout.

History

The Hungarian Grand Prix joined Formula One in 1986 with a race that attracted 200,000 spectators despite the relatively high ticket prices. Formula One had been attempting to race behind the Iron Curtain for some time and there were initially discussions for a race to be held in Moscow.

However, the Hungarian authorities were keen for the exposure that the event would bring to the country and they were keen to build on the Grand Prix history in the country, with the first race taking place in the 1930′s.

At first the Hungarian Formula One race was expected to take place on a street circuit but it was decided to construct a purpose-built circuit 19 km outside of Budapest as home to the race. The circuit sits inside a natural amphitheatre allowing fantastic viewing across the track and has proved very popular with spectators. The race has been held continually since 1986 and an agreement has recently been reached to ensure racing continues at the Hungaroring until 2016.

Key Moments

2006

Jenson Button secures a fine victory having started the race in 14th place on the starting grid.

2003

Fernando Alonso claims victory to record his first Grand Prix win. He becomes the first Spaniard to win a Grand Prix.

2001

Michael Schumacher put in a great performance to pick up the win and equal Alan Prost’s then record of 51 Grand Prix victories.

1998

Michael Schumacher changes his pit stop strategy mid-race and goes on to win convincingly.

1993

Damon Hill records his first Grand Prix victory with a solid performance in a tight race.

1990

Thierry Boutsen fights to the finish and eventually beats Ayrton Senna by 0.3 seconds.