Hungaroring's future looks secure with huge investments after the 2019 race

Hungaroring looks set for a major overhaul in the coming years which should be completed without interrupting the presence of the Hungarian Grand Prix on the championship calendar.

The Hungaroring race circuit was built back in 1986. The first ever Hungarian Grand Prix was a sensation because it was the first race to take place behind the iron curtain, but it was also remarkable duo to the relatively short time period the construction works required. The originally 4.014km long circuit was built within eight months.

Since its inception, the Hungaroring saw two major overhauls. In 1989, the circuit was shortened to 3.975km. To aid overtaking on the twisty layout, 2003 saw the start-finish line getting longer and length of the course increased to 4.381km.

F1Technical.net learned from the Hungaroring press officer that the complex will be renovated after the 2019 Grand Prix. To secure the continuity of Formula One races, the work will be divided into three phases. In the first step, the main grandstand and the commentary booths will be updated, followed by the second step which involves the reconstruction of the pit building including the garages, race control and media centre. As the last phase, a brand-new visitor centre will be created inside the territory of the complex.

The Hungarian government is also supportive because the Grand Prix entices large crowds of foreign race fans. Tempted are many not only by the Hungaroring, but also by the close proximity of Budapest which is arguably one of the most stunning capitals in Europe.

Ahead of the 2018 Hungarian GP on Sunday, minister for foreign affairs, Péter Szijjártó had a conversation with Formula One CEO Chase Carey about the plans of the Hungarian government. The minister revealed that Carey expressed his wishes regarding the future shape of the Hungarian GP which should maintain its unique features.

“It (the track and the event) must not lose its unique features which made many people fall in love with this track and the Hungarian Grand Prix since 1986.”

He added that the economic effect of the Hungarian Grand Prix is positive which was even more tangible because of the increase of sold tickets.

The positive impact “involves three pillars. One is the Hungarian economy, the effect on the GDP, the tax income and the measurable media advertisement,” he said.