The Hungarian Grand Prix is the twelfth Grand Prix in the 2010 Formula 1 World Championship season and is due to take place on the weekend of the 30th of July to the 1st of August 2010 at the Hungaroring, in Mogyoród, near Budapest. If you’re planning to go to the race, here is some information about the circuit and some of the area’s other attractions.
Budapest Overview
The Hungaroring is in Mogyoród, in Greater Budapest, in Hungary. The city of Budapest is the country’s capital and is situated on both banks of the River Danube, in central Hungary.
Budapest came into existence in the 19th century, when the cities of Buda, Pest and Óbuda were unified. In 1950, a further 7 towns and 16 villages were attached to Budapest and the area became known as Greater Budapest.
The city is known for its beautiful, historic architecture, and its attractions include a wide range of museums, performing arts venues, and spa baths.
Getting to Mogyoród
The easiest way in which to get to the Hungaroring is by flying to Budapest Ferihegy International Airport and hiring a car. It will take you about 30 minutes to drive from the airport to the centre of Budapest in your hire car, and about 40 minutes to drive to the Hungaroring from the airport.
The Hungaroring
The Hungaroring opened in March 1986 and hosted the first Formula 1 Grand Prix to take place behind the “Iron Curtain”. The track is 2.722 miles long and feaures 14 turns.
It’s notoriously difficult to overtake on the Hungaroring, despite changes having been made to the layout of the track over the years to help to make it easier to do so. The track is also built on sandy soil and isn’t regularly used throughout the year, so is known for being dry and dusty.
If you’re visiting the Hungaroring to watch the 2010 Formula 1 Grand Prix, you should be able to get a great view of the action, as the track is in a valley and 80% of it is visible from any one point on it.
Camping and Hotels
If you want to truly immerse yourself in the Grand Prix atmosphere, the best way to do so is by camping at one of the campsites situated by the circuit. However, if you’re looking for more luxurious accommodation, you’ll find plenty of hotels to choose from within Budapest.
If you can afford to splash out, try the Four Seasons Budapest, which is situated on the banks of the Danube, in central Budapest. This 5-star hotel has 179 rooms (including 15 suites) and its architecture is in the Art Nouveau style. Facilities at the Four Seasons Budapest include a restaurant, a bar, an indoor swimming pool and whirlpool, a gym and a spa.
Other hotels in Budapest include the Hilton Budapest, the Budapest Mariott Hotel, Le Meridien Budapest, the InterContinental Budapest and the Ramada Plaza Budapest.
Attractions
Budapest is packed with attractions, so it’s worth extending your trip and exploring the city. Here are just some of the things that you can see and do in Budapest:
- Cool down at the Mogyoród Aquarena Water Park. Situated next to the Hungaroring site, it has 8 different pools and 26 water slides.
- Explore Budapest City Park. The park covers more than 300 acres and is home to many attractions, including Budapest Zoo, the Amusement Park of Budapest, the Vajdahnyad Castle, the Transport Museum of Budapest, Heroes’ Square and the Museum of Fine Arts.
- Relax with a visit to one of Budapest’s thermal baths. There are 15 different thermal baths within the city, thanks to its 118 natural springs, and bathing in the waters is reputed to have health benefits.
- Explore the city’s historic Castle District, home to famous buildings such as Buda Castle, Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion.
Essential Information
Budapest is an hour ahead of the U.K. and the currency used is the Hungarian Forint.
Image: Kleszczu
Tags: Amusement Park of Budapest, Buda Castle, Budapest, Budapest City Park, Budapest Ferihegy International Airport, Budapest Zoo, Castle District, Fisherman's Castle, Formula 1, Four Seasons Budapest, Heroes' Square, Hungarian Grand Prix, Hungaroring, Hungary, Matthias Church, Mogyorod, Mogyorod Aquarena Water Park, Transport Museum of Budapest, Vajdahnyad Castle
