In the lead-up to the fortieth Grand Prix of Hungary, the historic Hungaroring is undergoing a thorough renovation. The Formula 1 will return to this iconic circuit in early August. By the time this fourteenth round of the season takes place, many fans will hardly recognize the circuit. The paddock, the main building, and the grandstand have already been extensively renovated. This week, the board released the first images.
The large-scale renovation project at the Hungaroring is slowly coming to an end, so that racing can take place in August. The works, which were officially presented on Thursday, are described as ‘the most drastic transformation’ in the history of the circuit. In the first images, the new pit complex absolutely steals the show. The brand-new building contains 36 racing garages, four technical garages, and a VIP area for no less than 2,000 affluent guests. The new complex replaces the old pit building, which dated back to the eighties.
Furthermore, there are new offices, a press conference room, kitchens, and a rooftop terrace – all completed in just nine months. Across the straight, a new grandstand of 13,000 square meters has been built, with seating for 10,000 fans, plus business spaces and commentary booths. The straight that separates the pit complex from the main grandstand has been re-asphalted. After the construction of two new tunnels under the circuit, the track was indeed in need of a refresh.
Hungary’s Largest Sporting Event
“I believe that the Hungaroring truly deserves this modern new look, especially in honor of its fortieth anniversary,” commented Dr. Ádám Schmidt, Hungary’s Secretary of State for Sport. “The circuit and the Hungarian Grand Prix have become undeniable parts of our country’s recent history. The event followed a period of political change and has rightly grown over the decades to become a favorite location for the stars of the Formula 1 circus.”
“The Grand Prix is typically the most attended sporting event in Hungary,” added Schmidt. He emphasized the importance of the race weekend for the local population. “Last year, more than 300,000 people visited the circuit, of which about 80 percent came from abroad. The total impact of the event on the GDP is more than 26 billion forint (65 million euros). Every cent that the government invests in the Hungaroring, we earn back one and a half times.”
