The Hungaroring lies about 11 miles north-east of Budapest, the capital of Hungary, while it sits near the town of Mogyoród. Builders finished it in just eight months in a natural bowl, and it opened for the 1986 Hungarian Grand Prix, the first Formula 1 race held behind the Iron Curtain. It was a huge success, because Nelson Piquet won in front of a crowd of nearly 200,000.
Critics initially said the historic circuit was too tight and twisty, so organisers have since made several modifications to improve overtaking, including a major rebuild in 2003. Even so, people still call it Monaco without the walls, because the lap is tight and twisty, although the run-off areas are much larger than at Monaco.
The Hungaroring Track
Since the Hungaroring has no long straights, the downforce levels are similar to those at Monaco. According to most drivers, the only real overtaking opportunity is at the first corner, a wide, downhill right-hander at the end of the pit straight.
After that, the lap is a series of slow and medium-speed corners, with a rhythm of left-right changes of direction through the middle sector. Following another car closely is difficult because of the turbulent air, so qualifying position is unusually important.
In addition, the heat in the middle of summer makes it one of the most physical races for the drivers, and tyre wear is a factor in the strategy.
Overall, the Hungaroring is 4.381 kilometres (2.722 miles) long with 14 corners, and the race runs for 70 laps.
Hungaroring Fast Facts
| Hungaroring Fast Facts | |
|---|---|
| Detail | Information |
| Grand Prix | Hungarian Grand Prix |
| Circuit | Hungaroring |
| Location | Mogyoród, Hungary |
| Lap Length | 4.381 km (2.722 miles) |
| Number Of Laps | 70 |
| Race Distance | 306.630 km (190.531 miles) |
| Number Of Corners | 14 |
| First Grand Prix | 1986 |
Conclusion
The Hungaroring stands out for a slow, twisty lap that makes overtaking difficult, so a good qualifying lap matters a great deal. Besides, you can look up race times, session times, results and official notices on our Formula 1 section, the Formula 1 website and the FIA website.
Questions People Ask
Where Is the Hungaroring?
It is in Mogyoród, Hungary, so it lies about 11 miles north-east of Budapest.
How Long Is the Hungaroring?
One lap is 4.381 km (2.722 miles), so a full race of 70 laps adds up to 306.630 km (190.531 miles).
How Many Laps Does the Hungarian Grand Prix Have?
The cars run 70 laps, so they cover 306.630 km (190.531 miles) in total.
How Many Corners Does the Hungaroring Have?
The lap has 14 corners, but Turn 1 at the end of the pit straight is the best place to pass.
When Did Formula 1 First Race at the Hungaroring?
The first Formula 1 race here took place in 1986, when Nelson Piquet won.
Is It Easy to Overtake at the Hungaroring?
No, because the lap is tight and twisty, and Turn 1 at the end of the pit straight is the best place to pass.
Why Do People Call the Hungaroring Monaco Without Walls?
It is a tight, twisty circuit where overtaking is hard, as at Monaco, but it has run-off areas instead of barriers.
