The Hungaroring, situated in Mogyorod, Hungary, has expressed its interest in bringing the MotoGP World Championship to the country for the 2018 season as part of its plans for a major revamp of the circuit.
The Hungarian circuit, the scene of Formula One’s first foray behind the Iron Curtain in 1986, is set to undergo a series of modifications in order to bring it up to modern safety standards for motorcycle racing according to motorsport.com.
Work is set to begin in October, which will see certain corners and run-off areas altered as well as the construction of a new grandstand, commentary boxes and a new pit complex. A museum and visitor centre will also be built. The 2.722-mile circuit was resurfaced last year for the first time since the track was built back in 1985.
Speaking to Hungarian television network M1, the circuit’s Chief Executive Officer Zsolt Gyulay confirmed that they will hold discussions with MotoGP’s governing body, the FIM, once the project is underway later in the year.
“During the construction, we will be in talks with the FIM in order to make the track eligible for MotoGP races,” he said.
“When we are in the planning process, and if there is a will from all sides, we need to turn the Hungaroring into a track, mainly with changes to turns and escape areas, which is eligible for motorcycle races.”
Gyulay admitted that the Hungarian government would have to be on side for the Hungaroring to host MotoGP, but expects them to be. He also confirmed that the circuit will continue to stage F1 after agreeing a new deal last year to remain on the calendar until 2026, with hosting fees remaining at a reasonable level.
“It was a very important step because, in terms of costs, the new contract was signed on more favourable conditions. Because we extended our contract until 2026, the hosting fee will not be as high.”
He added: “Having a contract until 2026 also gives us safety because of the ongoing changes in F1 ownership, which could be dangerous for European tracks that traditionally pay less than new tracks or the ones in the Far East. In that regard we are safe, and that is good news.”
Two Grand Prix Motorcycle races were staged at the Hungaroring in 1990 and 1992, Mick Doohan and Eddie Lawson taking to the top step of the podium respectively. MotoGP was originally meant to return to Hungary in 2010 at the Balatonring, but financial woes saw circuit construction stopped. The World Championship instead took up residence at MotorLand Aragon, where it will remain through to the end of 2021.
