This year the Hungaroring circuit will host its 25th grand prix, having staged an event every year since 1986. The track, located some 25 kilometres from Hungary’s capital, Budapest, is largely unchanged from its original layout and is notoriously tight, twisty and slippery, as it is little used between Formula One Grand Prix weekends. It has traditionally favoured cars with good mechanical grip and strong slow-corner performance.
Last year’s race was unfortunately notable for the serious injury to Ferrari’s Felipe Massa, who was hit by a component that had worked loose from the Brawn car of Rubens Barrichello ahead. Despite suffering serious head injuries in the accident, Massa’s full recovery and return to top-flight motorsport this season with Ferrari is testament to the safety provisions in place. The helmet damaged in the accident was subsequently subjected to rigorous inspection by its manufacturer and the FIA Institute, as a case study for further improving safety standards.
CHANGES TO THE CIRCUIT SINCE 2009
Other than routine maintenance no significant changes have been made.
FAST FACTS: HUNGARIAN GRAND PRIX
The Hungarian Grand Prix is notable for the number of multiple winners to have taken the chequered flag. Over 24 events, Michael Schumacher has won four races, Ayrton Senna three; Mika H?kkinen, Lewis Hamilton, Damon Hill, Nelson Piquet and Jacques Villeneuve have all won twice. One-time winners are: Fernando Alonso, Rubens Barrichello, Thierry Boutsen, Jenson Button, Heikki Kovalainen, Nigel Mansell and Kimi R?ikk?nen.
Hungarian Ferenc Szisz (1873-1944) won the first ever motor racing Grand Prix, driving a Renault, on June 26, 1906 at Le Mans, France. He is commemorated with a statue at the main entrance gates of the Hungaroring.
Zsolt Baumgartner, who raced 20 grands prix with Minardi and Jordan from 2003-2004 is Hungary’s only contemporary Formula One representative and remains the only Hungarian to have raced in the FIA Formula One World Championship. Baumgartner raised money for his 2004 season by attracting public subscriptions to his ‘Zsolt Baumgartner Supporters’ Club’. He scored his sole Formula One point by finishing eighth at the 2004 US Grand Prix.
Jenson Button took his first Formula One victory at the 2006 Hungarian GP – his 113th Formula One race. The win was also Honda’s first since returning to the sport as a full works team earlier that season. Its only previous Formula One ‘works’ wins came at the 1965 Mexican Grand Prix and the 1967 Italian Grand Prix.
CIRCUIT DATA
Length of lap: 4.381km
Lap record: 1:19.071 (Michael Schumacher, 2004, Ferrari)
Start line/finish line offset: 0.040km
Total number of race laps: 70
Total race distance: 306.630km
Pitlane speed limits: 60km/h during practice sessions; 100km/h during qualifying and race
ADDITIONAL MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES
Qualifying: All drivers eliminated in Q1 or Q2 will be available for media interviews immediately after the end of each session, as will drivers who participated in Q3, but who are not required for the post-qualifying press conference. Where? At the back of the FIA weighing garage.
Race: Any driver retiring before the end of the race will be available for media interviews after his return to the paddock. In addition, all drivers who finish the race outside the top three will be available for media interviews immediately after the end of the race. Where? At each team's individual garage/hospitality or alternatively at the back of the FIA weighing garage.
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