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Zsolt Gyulay, President and CEO of Hungaroring Zrt., stated that everything is in place to ensure that this weekend’s Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix will be a fitting celebration of the 75th anniversary of the sport and the 40th race at the Hungaroring. The Mogyoród facility has undergone a renovation costing more than HUF 100 billion (EUR 255 million), the results of which will be enjoyed by teams and fans alike at this weekend’s race.
During a tour for the press on Tuesday, Zsolt Gyulay emphasized that the renovation of the main building, the paddock, and the grandstand is an important milestone in the history of the Hungaroring. The first phase of the renovation is practically complete, so this year the Formula 1 teams will be welcomed by a modern environment, and the paddock will have the second-largest pit capacity after Silverstone. “We are confident that not only the drivers and teams, but also the fans will appreciate all this. This 40th race marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new one,” said Gyulay. The Hungaroring has also received recognition in international sports diplomacy: Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1, called the Hungarian developments ‘exemplary.’
The race winner will not receive just any trophy this year: Herend Porcelain Manufactory has once again created a unique, hand-painted trophy to mark the anniversary. Another new feature is the launch of the Hungaroring Trophy Club, where fans can collect special miniature helmets modeled on the trophies each year. The organizers are also announcing a new naming game: spectators can suggest names for the corners of the track, allowing the audience to play an active role in shaping the history of the Hungaroring.
The anniversary Hungarian Grand Prix will not only take place on the track in Mogyoród, located northeast of Budapest, but also in downtown Budapest.
In the days leading up to the race weekend, F1 cars and drivers appeared on Margaret Island, the Chain Bridge, and Heroes’ Square, where fans could admire the wonders of the sport up close.
This year, Hungaroring announced a treasure hunt in the capital for the first time, with the lucky winners getting to enter the pit lane – 40 spectators will have this opportunity, symbolically referring to the 40th race.
There will also be surprises for the F1 teams: a Rubik’s cube competition, pancake baking, and even fencing lessons are on the program, showcasing Hungarian creativity and hospitality. The organizers have invited several iconic guests to mark the anniversary: former sports boss Bernie Ecclestone and former driver Thierry Boutsen will also be coming to the Hungaroring in person. Nigel Mansell, winner of the 1989 Hungarian Grand Prix, will recall his memories of the Hungarian track in a video message. The Hungaroring is thus entering a new era, not only in technical terms but also historically: the aim is for it to retain its rightful place in the Formula 1 calendar in the new era.
Via MTI; Featured photo: MTI/Máthé Zoltán