MotoGP: Hungary set to join the calendar from 2023

An agreement has been reached which will see Hungary host a MotoGP round from as early as 2023.

Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta met CEO of Kelet-Magyarország Versenypálya Kft. József Pacza, Hungarian Minister of National Innovation and Technology László Palkovics, delegates from the Hungarian government and Hungarian motorcycling legend Gábor Talmácsi to discuss the project in Budapest today (March 4). 

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The proposed Hungarian Grand Prix would take place at a brand-new venue, with construction expected to begin in the second quarter of 2021. The venue will be located in Debrecen, Hungary’s second largest city, in the Hajdúság region. 

The project will create a motorsport hub in the area, whilst it’s hoped that it will create interest and foster Hungarian talent to one day following in the footsteps of riders such as 2007 125cc World Champion Talmácsi.

Following the meeting, Ezpeleta said:

“Finally, this is coming true, we’re very happy because in Hungary there is a lot of passion for the sport, Gabor was World Champion and with this project many more Hungarian people will start coming into our talent Cups and in our paddock, our wish is to bring the best for the circuit – spectators, economic impact, give coverage of this region around the world on TV – but also to have the possibility of more Hungarian riders in future through the Road to MotoGP.

“From the beginning we’ve been in contact with the people creating the project, and I was in the region two years ago. What is happening there is very special. The FIM is following the works for homologation, and I think the circuit will be one of the best in the world.”

Hungary hosted a 500cc Grand Prix at the Hungaroring in 1990 and 1992, however plans for a return to the country in 2010 – at the proposed Balatonring circuit – never materialised. 

“It’s very emotional for me, I’m very proud to be here,” Talmácsi said. “My life story is basically that I represented my country as a rider for 10 years in MotoGP and now, in a different position I represent Hungary as a motorsport expert and I always try to give back, to support motorsport projects like this one.

“I’m proud to be part of the project, I love motorbikes, I love racing and I always follow the sport even when I’m not racing. It’s a great moment for us to be here and that the government has signed the contract with Dorna.”