Track: Hungaroring, Budapest, Hungary
Circuit length: 4.381 km
Laps: 70
Race distance: 306.67 km
Fastest race lap: 1:19.071 (Michael Schumacher, 2004)
Located a stones throw away from the beautiful city of Budapest,
the Hungaroring hosts the only Grand Prix in Eastern Europe. Set in
a natural amphitheatre, spectators can enjoy a great view of the
circuit. However, the races in fair weather are usually
processional due to its tight, twisty nature, and a dusty surface
that reduces grip and makes overtaking difficult.
The number of laps covered during the race and the slow speed are
second only to Monaco. A makeover in 2003 saw the pit straight
lengthened and Turn 1 and Sector 3 modified in an effort to improve
the racing action and move the pitlane exit off the racing
line.
The cars are set up with a high downforce configuration in order to
get around the many long and slow bends quickly. The surface is
bumpy, and smooth driving is crucial. Very little grip is offered
off the racing line due to the dust that settles there. As a
result, qualifying on the side of the grid with even numbers is
undesirable as it usually means a poor start for the drivers who
qualify there.
The grand prix usually sees sweltering heat and bright sunshine,
but last years race was the first ever to be held in wet
conditions. Only 9 drivers made it to the end, with Jenson Button
taking his first win. Given Hondas current form however, he will
need another miracle to repeat that feat.
This circuit is also significant to BMWs Robert Kubica, F1's only
Polish driver, who made his debut in last years race as Jacques
Villeneuves replacement. He finished in 7th place but was
subsequently disqualified for having an underweight car. Check out
LOT Airlines' promotions for what is considered his home
race.
The event is also considered a home race to the Finnish contingent
on the grid, which this year consists of Ferrari's Kimi Räikkönen
and Renault's Heikki Kovalainen. With the end of the Austrian Grand
Prix in 2003, one can expect to see fans of William's Alexander
Wurz here too.
Current world champion Fernando Alonso also took his first win at
this circuit in 2003. He is now just 2 points behind the
championship leader/McLaren teammate Lewis Hamilton, after taking
maximum points at Nürburgring while Hamilton finished with none.
The other previous winners who are still active are Räikkönen
(2005), who retired at the last round and crashed out of the lead
of last years race, and Buttons teammate Rubens Barrichello
(2002).
Hamilton's mishaps at the last race have closed up the drivers
championship, and it now looks more like a 3-horse race. Can
Räikkönen, now with an outside chance, claw his way back into
contention? Or will McLaren dominate a procession as they did in
Monaco? Try to stay awake during the race to find out!
