The future of the Hungarian MotoGP Grand Prix will be a key topic of discussion during this weekend’s race at Balaton Park Circuit in Balatonfőkajár, according to Zsolt Gyulay, Chairman and CEO of Hungaroring Sport Ltd.
Speaking on Wednesday morning on M4 Sport’s National Sports News programme, Gyulay said representatives of the championship’s rights holder would meet with Hungarian officials to discuss the long-term future of MotoGP in the country. He added that the talks are expected to include the state secretary responsible for sport and the interior minister, whose portfolio currently includes sports affairs.
Gyulay explained that a previous ten-year agreement had been signed with a company that has since entered liquidation, prompting Hungaroring Sport Ltd to step in and secure the organization of this year’s event.
‘There was a ten-year contract with a company that is now being liquidated, so we stepped in and managed to sign an agreement for this year’s race weekend. The future remains an open question. MotoGP would definitely like to race at the Hungaroring, but the circuit in Mogyoród is currently not suitable for motorcycle racing,’ he said.
He noted that Hungary already hosts a major international motorsport event through the annual Formula One Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring, making it advantageous for MotoGP to be held in the Balaton region rather than near Budapest.
According to Gyulay, Hungaroring Sport Ltd became the promoter of this year’s MotoGP event at the request of championship organizer Dorna following the collapse of HUMDA. He pointed out that the arrangement was also influenced by the fact that Formula One rights holder Liberty Media is the majority owner of Dorna.
A government decree formally appointed Hungaroring Sport Ltd to oversee the event at the end of March, allowing ticket sales to begin in early April.
‘Despite the short preparation time, ticket sales have been encouraging. I believe attendance will comfortably exceed 10,000 spectators, and potentially significantly more, at Balaton Park,’ Gyulay said.
The executive also highlighted the company’s role as promoter of the Superbike World Championship round held at Balaton Park Circuit a month ago. He said the event was successfully organized in cooperation with the circuit and the National Event Management Agency despite the limited preparation time.
Gyulay reported that organizers and Dorna representatives had already arrived at the venue and that preparations were progressing smoothly.
‘Everyone is currently satisfied. The necessary grandstands have been installed, and visitors will be welcomed with numerous side events, including motorcycle demonstrations and stage programmes,’ he said.
He added that holding the event before the peak summer tourism season was beneficial and had been specifically requested by stakeholders in the Balaton region.
The official programme for the Hungarian MotoGP weekend begins on Friday with free practice sessions. Qualifying and the MotoGP sprint race will take place on Saturday.
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