BUDAPEST, HUNGARY — Forty years ago, on September 10, 1985, a landmark contract was signed in London that would bring Formula 1 racing behind the Iron Curtain for the first time. The historic news was not initially reported in Hungarian media, as the announcement was coordinated to happen simultaneously in both London and Budapest. The story of how the country secured the race is a fascinating tale of geopolitics, strategic vision, and rapid construction, as reported by talex.hu.
A Strategic Move for Formula 1
Formula One Constructors’ Association (FOCA) president Bernie Ecclestone had a clear goal: to expand the sport’s market into Eastern Europe. His initial attempts to bring F1 to Moscow and then to Rijeka in what was then Yugoslavia proved unsuccessful. It was his friend, Tamás Rohonyi, who had extensive experience with the Brazilian Grand Prix, who suggested Hungary. Rohonyi’s connections with the Hungarian Foreign Ministry paved the way for negotiations, which culminated in the contract signing in London just two days after the key details were ironed out at the Monza race.
The Race to Build a Circuit
Before settling on Mogyoród, several other locations were considered and ultimately rejected, including a street circuit through Budapest’s City Park and the abandoned race track in Népliget. Ecclestone himself vetoed a site near Lake Velence. Mogyoród was finally chosen due to its ideal location, situated close to the capital. The track’s construction began in October 1985 and was completed in a record-breaking timeframe. Despite concerns about a harsh winter, the new Hungaroring was inaugurated on March 24, 1986, with a race held in honor of the late Hungarian motor racer János Drapál.
Early Challenges and Lasting Legacy
In its early years, the Hungarian Grand Prix struggled to be financially viable. The race did not attract enough foreign visitors to cover the high royalties required to host F1. Today, however, that is no longer the case. The Hungaroring’s current contract runs until 2037, and the track recently underwent a major renovation to its utility systems and facilities. While other host nations like France and Germany have dropped off the calendar, Hungary’s race remains a fixture. The number of annual F1 races has also grown from just 16 in 1986 to 24 today, showcasing the sport’s global expansion since its historic entry into Eastern Europe.
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