History
There was a remarkable fifty years and one world war between the first and second Hungarian Grands Prix. The inaugural race was held on a circuit in Budapest in 1936 and attracted the cream of Europe’s racing talent. Bernd Rosemeyer started from pole but was forced to settle for second at the flag behind Tazio Nuvolari. In third place came Nuvolari’s great rival Achille Varzi.
When the addition of the Hungarian Grand Prix to the 1986 Formula 1 calendar was announced it was major news, being the first Grand Prix to be held behind the Iron Curtain. Despite its tight layout the Hungaroring circuit has produced several exciting races over the years, even though overtaking is notoriously difficult.
Nelson Piquet claimed victory in the first two Hungarian Grands Prix, both at the wheel of a Williams-Honda. In 1988 Ayrton Senna won in that year’s all conquering McLaren but the following year saw the Brazilian fall victim to an audacious overtaking manoeuvre from Nigel Mansell. The Briton went on to win, despite starting from 12th on the grid.
Thierry Boutsen scored a popular win in 1990, the Belgian using the confined nature of the track to keep Senna’s McLaren at bay. In 1991 and 1992 there was no stopping Senna, however, as he recorded consecutive victories. Damon Hill scored his breakthrough maiden Grand Prix win at the Hungaroring in 1993 and won again in 1995. The 1994 event went to the Benetton-Ford of Michael Schumacher en route to his first World Championship.
French-Canadian Jacques Villeneuve won in both 1996 and 1997, although the latter victory was a fortunate one. Damon Hill led going into the last lap in his unfancied Arrows but suddenly slowed, allowing Villeneuve past. Michael Schumacher and Mika Hakkinen shared the spoils of victory with two wins apiece over the next four years before Rubens Barrichello's win for Ferrari in 2002.
The 2003 race signalled the arrival of Fernando Alonso, who became the youngest driver ever to win a World Championship Grand Prix. Michael Schumacher scored the last of his four wins at the Hungaroring in 2004 with Kimi Raikkonen taking his McLaren to victory a year later.
Jenson Button had an astonishing race in 2006, winning in his Honda from 14th on the grid. It remains the Englishman's sole Formula 1 victory. Last year's race brought victory for Lewis Hamilton during his impressive debut season with McLaren.
2008 Prospects
On recent form McLaren look to have the upper hand over title rivals Ferrari but the Italian team will be desperate to get their challenge back on track after disappointing outings in Britain and France. Qualifying will be crucial with overtaking being so difficult. History suggests that it will be a dry race, with 2006 being the only year it has rained at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Facts and Figures
Race date: Sunday 3rd August, 2008
Race distance: 70 laps
Circuit length: 2.722 miles (4.381 km)
Lap record: 1 minute 19.071 seconds (Michael Schumacher - Ferrari, 2004)
Weather forecast: Dry and sunny for all three days with very slight chance of showers.
