MotoGP Returns with a New Challenge: Balaton Park Circuit
The MotoGP world championship is set to make a comeback in two weeks after a summer break, marking the start of an intense period with five double-headers. This means 10 rounds will be held within just three months, providing fans and riders with a packed schedule.
Following a visit to Austria’s Red Bull Ring in mid-August, the MotoGP paddock will head to the newly established Balaton Park circuit for the first Hungarian Grand Prix since 1992. Located on the shore of Lake Balaton, approximately 55 miles southwest of Budapest, this track has sparked significant interest among the racing community. To gain insight into the circuit, it was logical to speak to someone who had recently raced there.
Alvaro Bautista participated in the inaugural World Superbike round at the circuit last weekend, securing a podium finish in race 1 and the sprint race before crashing out of race 2. The Spaniard was in third place when he lost control of his Ducati at high speed entering Turn 8, resulting in multiple falls as his bike hit the safety barriers.
Unlike some other riders, such as Iker Lecuona, who described the track as “not safe,” Bautista does not consider it dangerous. “After everything that had been said, I honestly expected much worse,” he told Infomalangraya.com. “Let’s just say it positively surprised me. The asphalt has a lot of grip.”
Bautista believes it is up to the riders to assess the risks, especially when entering the first chicane. That area saw the most serious incident during the WorldSBK weekend, with a pile-up involving six bikes at the start. “I don’t think it’ll be a problem in MotoGP, because riders in that class know they can’t take excessive risks. But the Moto2 guys, and especially those in Moto3, will have to be really careful – especially on the first lap,” said the two-time World Superbike champion.
Regarding the barriers, Bautista pointed out certain areas where the circuit’s boundaries are narrow and could benefit from adjustments. “At Turn 1, the wall is pretty close, and also on the outside of Turn 5. In those two sections, if something goes wrong, it could be dangerous,” the Ducati rider emphasized.
Balaton Park measures 4.08km with 17 corners, making it the third-shortest track on the calendar after the Sachsenring (3.67km) and Valencia (4.01km). All signs indicate that it will be the slowest circuit on the schedule.
Toprak Razgatlioglu’s pole lap in World Superbike was recorded at 149kph, which is 5kph slower than the previous slowest track, Cremona. “It’s a very slow track that favors agile bikes. Whoever can, ditch the wings,” Bautista joked, before adding: “With the Superbikes, we only hit fifth gear on one straight – and then immediately downshift. In fact, since MotoGP bikes can adjust their gear ratios and sprockets, they might not even use fifth gear at all.”
As the MotoGP season resumes, the introduction of the Balaton Park circuit brings new challenges and excitement for both riders and fans. With its unique layout and potential hazards, the track will test the skills and adaptability of the competitors. The upcoming races promise to be thrilling, offering a fresh chapter in the ongoing story of the championship.