Hungaroring enters final phase of its extensive reconstruction

When entering the Hungaroring paddock this July, the Formula 1 circus will find themselves in very different surroundings to 2024 as the circuit's reconstruction continues full speed ahead.

The Hungaroring has been part of the Formula One schedule since 1986 when the circuit hosted the first ever Hungarian Grand Prix. In fact, a Hungarian Grand Prix took place several decades earlier, exactly in 1936 in a public park of Budapest, called Nepliget, albeit it was a non-championship event.

The circuit that is located less than 10km northeast of Budapest was laid down in just eight months, in less time than any other modern Formula One circuit. The first race at the new circuit was the Drapál Memorial Trophy in March 1986, three months before its official opening.

Situated in a valley, the tight, twisty circuit features a challenging nature, offering only a few overtaking opportunities. While some work has been performed since 1986, including a significant change to the layout in 2003, many buildings and grandstands have been untouched for long years.

The reconstruction of the Hungaroring has been planned for several years, but work has only kicked off after a delay of several years, at the beginning of 2024. The entire process will be performed in two spells, with the first phase having been completed on 22 May.

The first phase saw the reconstruction of the retaining walls of the event area, while the paddock was also significantly widened. Furthermore, two tunnels were established under the finish straight

The redevelopment of the circuit has continued with the second phase right after last year's Budapest F1 race.

In the past period, 23,785 m3 of concrete have been built in, 7,604 tonnes of reinforcing steel have been installed. In addition, large-scale earthworks were completed around the paddock building.

The construction of the vertical structure of the 3rd floor of the paddock building is underway in some areas. On the main grandstand that sits opposite the paddock building, 100% of the precast reinforced concrete stand beams and almost 50% of the grandstand elements have been installed, and the stair elements are being installed.

22 km of protective tubes and 80 km of lining tubes have been laid in the area surrounding the track strip, including 20 km of power cables. Moreover, the high current system of depot area is complete and low current systems are 90% complete.

The Hungarian race track has now confirmed that the finish straight has now been finalized and the main grandstand and the pit building are also nearing their final state.

"The finish straight is ready for racing (the protective cover that had been disfiguring it for months has finally been removed), the garages are almost ready for the teams to move in, and the main grandstand will soon be full of spectators.

"With 1,200 people working every day, the Hungaroring is now entering the final phase of preparations for the Hungarian GP."