Hungary set to host MotoGP races from 2025

MotoGP has just confirmed that Hungary will host a MotoGP race next year, with the brand-new Balaton Park set to bring the central European country back onto the highest class of motorcycle road racing events schedule.

The venue, near Lake Balaton in western Hungary, will undergo upgrades to the circuit and facility in order to welcome MotoGP next season.

MotoGP first raced in Hungary in 1990 before returning for a second Hungarian GP in 1992. Since, the nation has also celebrated the successes of home hero Gábor Talmácsi as he became the first Hungarian to become a Grand Prix World Champion by taking the 2007 125cc crown.

The sport has now confirmed that 2025 will see the pinnacle of motorcycle racing return to compete in the country. Provisional dates for the event are the 22nd to the 24th of August 2025.

Although the circuit has been recently built, upgrades will be made to the circuit itself to prepare for the debut of MotoGP, and work will be undertaken on infrastructure and fan services in advance of the crowds that accompany the world’s most exciting sport wherever we race.

Lake Balaton, the largest in central Europe, "will provide a stunning backdrop for MotoGP – giving fans chance to enjoy top class sports entertainment in a spectacular tourist destination."

Furthermore, the Superbike World Championship will also race at Balaton Park next season.

Commenting on the announcement, Chairman of the Board of Directors of HUMDA Zrt, Balázs Weingartner noted: "I would like to thank Carmelo Ezpeleta for the trust he has placed in us over the years and of course the support of the Hungarian Government.

"The hard work of many years is finally coming to fruition, thanks to which we have been included in the calendar of the most watched sports in the world. It is a testament to the strength of our country that, despite the difficulties, we are here today and can embark on this new path of shared success.

"Motorsport is about emotion and passion, but there is even more to it than that. We believe that these sports will promote the engineering knowledge and expertise of our country, the excellence of our riders, the touristic complexity of our country and, of course, the fantastic hospitality and support. And speaking of cheering, the Hungarian heart is beating stronger for a Hungarian success, so we will make sure that our talents can show their skills on the home races next year and we will cheer them on together."

"This goal has been on the horizon several times, unfortunately there have been more and more turns on the horizon, but one thing is for sure, we have never been so close and under such clear skies.

"Our eyes are smiling under our helmets at the last turn before the finish line and we are concentrating all our energy on waving the chequered in front of the roaring crowd so we Hungarians can enjoy that feeling in our home country as well."

Commenting on the announcement, CEO of Dorna Sports, Carmelo Ezpeleta added: "We’re very happy to announce that Balaton Park will be on the 2025 calendar for MotoGP™ and WorldSBK. The circuit is in a spectacular location and will be a fantastic destination for fans to come and see the world’s most exciting sport in action.

"Work is underway to get the venue ready for its historic debut on the calendar, adding another chapter to Hungary’s history in motorcycle Grand Prix racing, and we’re very much looking forward to returning to a key market in central Europe."