Gov't Clears Next Phase of Hungaroring Upgrade
Max Verstappen driving on Hungaroring in 2023.
Photo by Jay Hirano Photography / Shutterstock.com
The government has taken a decision allowing the second phase of the upgrade of the Hungaroring race track, on the outskirts of the capital, to move forward, the head of the track's operator said on Wednesday, according to a report by state news wire MTI.
Hungaroring Sport chairman-CEO Zsolt Gyulay said a consortium of Market Epito and Bayer Construct had won the tender to upgrade the main building, the paddock, and the 10,000-seat grandstand with a bid of HUF 79 bln. The upgrade will finish in 2026, on the 40th anniversary of the track, he added.
Phase one of the upgrade, which involves replacing outdated infrastructure, is already underway. A temporary grandstand will be constructed for next year's Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix to take place on July 19.
Defense Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky noted in a video message that Hungary had signed a contract in the summer to host Formula 1 races until 2032. "Now we have to do our part," he added.
Gyulay said Hungaroring could host Formula 1 races until 2037 "if we behave well".
While the Formula 1 races are the "absolute priority" for Hungaroring, it will weigh the track's suitability for MotoGP races, he added.
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