Basically, this track is a street circuit without the houses, as it is very tight and twisty and overtaking is almost impossible.
Driving a lap of the track is actually a challenging and enjoyable experience for the drivers, but getting past their colleagues is a frustrating business. Thankfully for the spectators, this frustration can result in weird and wonderful attempts at passing. It is also one of the hottest venues on the calendar, but another plus is that the paddock boasts one of the best views of the track of any circuit.
Hungary Basics
• The Hungaroring has been a feature of the F1 calendar since 1986, meaning that it celebrates its quarter century of races this time out.
• The race is traditionally associated with Finnish fans, who, for some reason, travel here in droves. One theory suggests it's because the Hungarian and Finnish languages share some similarities. Others maintain that the bargain basement beer prices of the early years of the race are responsible.
• Despite the lack of overtaking opportunities here, pole position does not guarantee a win. Of the last 10 wins, only half have been scored from pole, in 2007 (Lewis Hamilton) and from 2001-2004 (Michael Schumacher, Rubens Barrichello, Fernando Alonso and Schumacher again).
Hungary Racing
• Hungary, because of its tight confines, often results in processional races and Thierry Boutsen’s 1990 win perfectly demonstrates this. The Belgian led away from pole and despite being slower all race, managed to keep Aytron Senna at bay for 77 sleepy laps. It was Boutsen’s final win.
• When stuck behind a rival, the only possibility is to rethink your strategy, which is exactly what Ferrari did in 1998 when Michael Schumacher looked like being eclipsed by the McLarens of Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard. Ferrari moved Schumacher to a three-stop strategy, but it would only work if the German could lap at superhuman pace. He managed it and by the time he emerged from his third stop he was in front and took one of his finest victories.
• Scuderia Toro Rosso’s Jaime Alguersuari set a record last year, when, making his F1 debut, he became the youngest ever F1 driver at just 19 years and 125 days.
Hungary Analysis
• Hungary is one of the slowest circuits on the calendar so a good high downforce set-up similar to that used in Monaco is important, particularly at the front end of the car as understeering wide can be costly. Good traction and mechanical grip from tyres are also needed for clean exits from the slow corners. Teams will run a softer suspension set-up to help with this.
• Bridgestone will bring the medium and super soft tyres to Hungary to help with grip, though the drivers will have to be careful to preserve the life of these fragile compounds.
• Hungary is normally baking hot at this time of year and the slow speeds, coupled with extreme heat, can lead to cooling and engine problems, though only 56% of the lap is run at full throttle. The heat’s not nice for the drivers either.
What Happened Last Year
After a season of Brawn domination, broken only occasionally by Red Bull Racing, McLaren returned to the top step, completing the comeback they’d been threatening for several races. Lewis Hamilton started from fourth but was soon up to second behind pole-sitter Fernando Alonso. He dropped to third under pressure from Red Bull Racing’s Mark Webber but retook the position with a KERS-boost on the next lap. Things stayed like that until Alonso pitted on lap 12 and was released despite not having his front right wheel properly attached. It promptly detached itself and his race was over. It handed the lead to Hamilton who never looked back, the Briton eventually winning ahead of Kimi Raikkonen and Mark Webber. The race was also notable for the accident that befell Felipe Massa, the Ferrari driver being hit in qualifying by a spring that detached from Rubens Barrichello’s car. Massa sustained serious head injuries and was sidelined for the rest of the season before returning this year.
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