08-08-2003, 18:43
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A4993
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Join Date: May 2001
Location: Belgium, Diest
Posts: 2,462
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Hungaroring set for accelerated growth
Quote:
MODIFICATIONS to the Hungaroring have just been completed, a few weeks ahead of schedule, and the circuit is now being made ready to host the Hungarian Grand Prix on August 24.
Since the Hungaroring was completed in 1986, only one significant modification had been made to the track. In 1989 one of the two S-bends, just after the start-finish straight, were removed to allow for greater speed. In 1997 the pit lanes were extended but the modifications did not affect the track layout.
This year's changes will come as welcome news to critics of the Hungaroring who have long since bemoaned the circuit for its lack of overtaking opportunities.
Many Formula One drivers have also said they disliked the Hungaroring because it was too slow.
Nevertheless, Bernie Ecclestone, who holds the commercial rights for Formula One, has been very appreciative of the circuit over the years, once even stating, "The Hungaroring is the best circuit in the world."
When the Hungaroring was built, it was hoped that it would last for two contractual terms, covering 10 years in total. Now it looks set to win its fifth five-year contract.
Following changes to the rules of Formula One (in a bid to make the sport more entertaining, and to remove the predictable dominance of some of the major teams), the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and Formula One Management (FOM) suggested that several tracks, including the Hungaroring, should be modified.
The start-finishing straight has been lengthened beyond the first corner, allowing for more overtaking opportunities. Secondly, the chicane at Turn 11, has been straightened to provide a possible second overtaking spot. The gravel traps along this last section of the circuit have also been modernized and extended.
"Charlie Whiting, the Security Delegate of FIA, visited the Hungaroring on July 14 and was pleased with the reconstruction," Sándor Dávid, Press Chief of Hungaroring Rt told The Budapest Sun. "Mr Whiting said he wished all the other organizers were so enthusiastic," Dávid added.
In addition to circuit modifications, the main entrance has been replaced and offices have been moved into what has been called the "Bio House" - a circular construction covered with earth and grass, complete with a fountain. The Hungaroring now has the capacity to hold 56,000 spectators, 4,400 of whom will watch from a new "Gold 4" section running alongside the extra 200 meters of the start-finish straight.
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www.budapestsun.com
Nog even wachten en we weten of de aanpassingen aan, naar mijn mening één van de saaiste circuits ter wereld, een verbetering zijn of niet.
C U
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Hungaroring ... Overrated ???
