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Balaton Park Circuit

Coordinates: 47°00′29″N 18°11′56″E / 47.00806°N 18.19889°E / 47.00806; 18.19889
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Not to be confused with Balatonring, a failed circuit project located on the opposite side of the Lake Balaton intended to host the Hungarian motorcycle Grand Prix.
Balaton Park Circuit
Logo of Balaton Park Circuit

Balaton Park Circuit Track Map
Full Circuit (2023–present)
Balaton Park Motorcycle Circuit Track Map
Motorcycle Circuit (2025)
LocationBalatonfőkajár, Hungary
Time zoneCET (UTC+1)
CEST (DST)
Coordinates47°00′29″N 18°11′56″E / 47.00806°N 18.19889°E / 47.00806; 18.19889
Capacity10,000
FIA Grade2[a]
OwnerPrivate Investment Group
Broke ground2013
OpenedMay 2023; 2 years ago (2023-05)
ArchitectFerenc Gulácsi[1]
Major eventsCurrent:
Grand Prix motorcycle racing
Hungarian motorcycle Grand Prix (2025)
World SBK (2025)
TCR Eastern Europe (2024–present)
Former:
Ferrari Challenge Europe (2024)
F4 CEZ (2023–2024)
Websitehttp://www.balatonparkcircuit.com/
Full Circuit (2023–present)
Length4.115 km (2.557 miles)
Turns16
Race lap record1:34.466 (Italy Giacomo Altoè, Ferrari 296 Challenge, 2024, Ferrari Challenge)
Motorcycle Circuit (2025)
Length4.075 km (2.532 miles)
Turns17
Race lap record1:39.384 (Turkey Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, BMW M1000RR, 2025, World SBK)

Balaton Park Circuit is a 4.115 km (2.557 mi) motor racing circuit located near Balatonfőkajár, Hungary, 85 km (53 mi) southwest of Budapest. The track is designed to host regional and international races. The circuit was opened in May 2023.[2]

History

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Balaton Park Circuit – Pitlane

The main phase of construction for the Balaton Park started in 2019.[3] The racetrack is owned by a private group of investors led by former racecar driver Chanoch Nissany, with the circuit's secondary goal to be to act as a test circuit for Nissan. The project was financed using the investors' own equity, without any involvement from banks or external funding. The circuit is intended to be a modern addition to Hungary's motor racing scene, complementing the older and well-established Hungaroring circuit.[2]

In September 2023, it was revealed that the circuit will be planned to be included in the Superbike World Championship in 2024, and it will be also the reserve venue of MotoGP World Championship in the same year before the return of Hungarian motorcycle Grand Prix to Hungaroring in 2025.[4][5] On 26 October 2023, it was confirmed that the circuit will host its first World SBK race on 23–25 August 2024.[6] However, on 7 June 2024, it was announced that the World SBK round at the circuit was replaced by the round at Circuito do Estoril due to the ongoing works at the circuit.[7] On 19 September 2024, it was announced that the circuit would host both Grand Prix motorcycle racing and Superbike World Championship next year, the former would be held in August 2025, the latter would held in July 2025.[8][9] For these motorcycle races, there were significant changes made for the circuit.[10] Turns 6 and 7, instead of a double apex turn, was converted to two doglegs with a straight connecting the two, a chicane replacing the Turn 11 dogleg, and a tight Turn 13 that connects to a tight right-handed Turn 14 and into a left-handed Turn 15 that ensures walls will be further from the circuit, in which the layout length would be changed as 4.075 km (2.532 mi) for the motorcycle races while the original Grand Prix layout was also retained.

World Superbike testing

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On 22 June 2025, a number of WorldSBK riders arrived at Balaton Park to test the circuit ahead of its debut round in July. The Balaton Park test saw many WorldSBK riders get their first taste of the Hungarian circuit ahead of its debut on the calendar in July. Among those in attendance were Honda HRC duo Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge riding the standard CBR1000RR-R.[11]

MotoGP testing

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In late June 2025, test riders from five MotoGP manufacturers Honda, Yamaha, KTM, Ducati, and Aprilia tested the Balaton Park Circuit. This year, the Hungarian GP was included in both the WSBK and MotoGP calendars, for the first time since 1992. The five test riders included Augusto Fernández of Yamaha, Michele Pirro of Ducati, Pol Espargaró of KTM, Stefan Bradl of Honda, and Lorenzo Savadori of Aprilia.[12]

Other testing

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In August 2025, six Ducati riders, Marc Márquez, Francesco Bagnaia, Alex Márquez, Fermin Aldeguer, Fabio Di Giannantonio, and Franco Morbidelli, participated in a private test at the Balaton Park circuit on August 5th. This test was conducted in preparation for the Hungarian GP debut, which will be held on August 22-24th. The Borgo Panigale-based manufacturer also fielded Ducati test rider Michele Pirro. This private test was conducted on the latest Ducati Panigale V4S motorcycle.[13]

Design and facilities

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The Balaton Park Circuit has been planned and constructed according to the FIA Grade 1 standards, initially obtaining a Grade 2 license. The track features Tecpro barriers and 'MyLaps' latest technology, including GPS, LED Panels and timing systems.[14]

The track has a length of 4.115 km (2.557 mi) and varies in width between 12–15 m (13–16 yd). It consists of 16 corners, with six right turns and ten left turns in its full layout. The circuit's facilities include 48 pit garages, VIP areas and lounges, media center, medical center, and two additional support paddock areas.[15] For the Grand Prix motorcycle racing and Superbike World Championship next year, there will be new layout created for motorcycle races.[10]

Events

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Current
Former

Lap records

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As of July 2025, the fastest official race lap records at the Balaton Park Circuit are listed as:

Category Time Driver Vehicle Event
Full Circuit: 4.115 km (2023–present)
Ferrari Challenge 1:34.466[16] Giacomo Altoè Ferrari 296 Challenge 2024 Balaton Park Ferrari Challenge Europe round
GT3 1:34.919[17] Mateusz Lisowski [pl][18] Mercedes-AMG GT3 2024 Balaton Park FIA CEZ Endurance round
Lamborghini Super Trofeo 1:36.760[17] Josef Záruba [cs][18] Lamborghini Huracán LP 620-2 Super Trofeo EVO2 2024 Balaton Park FIA CEZ Endurance round
LMP3 1:37.054[19] Miro Konôpka Ligier JS P320 2023 Balaton Park FirstLap Cup
Formula 4 1:37.546[20] Ethan Ischer Tatuus F4-T421 2024 Balaton Park F4 CEZ Championship round
Porsche Carrera Cup 1:37.833[21] David Dziwok Porsche 911 (992) GT3 Cup 2025 Balaton Park Porsche Sprint Challenge Central Europe round
GT4 1:42.662[17] Richard Gonda[18] BMW M4 GT4 2024 Balaton Park FIA CEZ Endurance round
TCR Touring Car 1:43.844[22] Attila Bucsi Hyundai i30 N TCR 2024 Balaton Park TCR Eastern Europe round
Renault Clio Cup 1:54.384[23] Tomáš Pekar Renault Clio R.S. V 2024 Balaton Park Clio Cup Bohemia round
Suzuki Swift Cup 2:00.048[24] Balázs Hartmann Suzuki Swift 1.4 Turbo 2024 Balaton Park FIA Swift Cup Europe round
Motorcycle Circuit: 4.075 km (2025)
World SBK 1:39.384[25] Toprak Razgatlıoğlu BMW M1000RR 2025 Balaton Park World SBK round
World SSP 1:43.296[26] Stefano Manzi Yamaha YZF-R9 [de] 2025 Hungarian World SSP round
World WCR 1:53.089[27] Chloe Jones Yamaha YZF-R7 2025 Balaton Park World WCR round
Supersport 300 1:58.718[28] Kakeru Okunuki Yamaha YZF-R3 2025 Balaton Park FIM BLU CRU World Cup round

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ Balaton Park Circuit's Grade 2 licence expired on 26 April 2025.

References

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  1. ^ White, Megan (16 May 2023). "Balaton Park Circuit opens in Hungary". Motorsport Network. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  2. ^ a b Kuntschik, Gerhard (21 May 2023). "Neuer Balaton Park Circuit genügt höchsten Standards" (in German). Speedweek. Archived from the original on 24 May 2023. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
  3. ^ Brook-Jones, Callum (16 May 2023). "Balaton Park Circuit opens in Hungary". Professional Motorsport World. Archived from the original on 7 June 2023. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
  4. ^ "WorldSBK working on a return to Hungary". WorldSBK. Dorna. 18 September 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  5. ^ "Hungary on the horizon for MotoGP". MotoGP. Dorna. 18 September 2023. Archived from the original on 27 September 2023. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
  6. ^ "2024 WorldSBK calendar announced, two new circuits ready for action". WorldSBK.com. Dorna. 26 October 2023. Archived from the original on 26 October 2023. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
  7. ^ "Estoril to host penultimate round in 2024, Hungarian Round cancelled". WorldSBK.com. Dorna. 7 June 2024. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  8. ^ "Balaton Park in Hungary to be included on 2025 MotoGP™ calendar". MotoGP. Dorna. 19 September 2024. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  9. ^ "Balaton Park in Hungary to be included on the 2025 WorldSBK calendar". WorldSBK.com. Dorna. 19 September 2024. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  10. ^ a b Jeffries, Tom (25 September 2024). "How Hungary's Newest Track Is Preparing For MotoGP". motorsport.com. Motorsport. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  11. ^ "Sirkuit Balaton Park Dikritik Pembalap setelah Debut Tes WorldSBK". Crash (in Indonesian). 26 June 2025. Retrieved 10 July 2025.
  12. ^ "MotoGP, Stefan Bradl at Balaton Park: "Sixth gear is superfluous. It lacks flow."". GP One. 26 June 2025. Retrieved 10 July 2025.
  13. ^ "Semua Pembalap Ducati MotoGP Berlatih di Sirkuit Balaton Park". Rider Tua (in Indonesian). 6 August 2025. Retrieved 6 August 2025.
  14. ^ Lewis, Oli (17 May 2023). "Brand new Balaton Park Circuit Hungary is permitted for F1 race". gpblog.com. Archived from the original on 17 May 2023. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  15. ^ Collantine, Keith (16 May 2023). "New £173m Formula 1-grade Balaton Park Circuit opens in Hungary". Race Fans. Archived from the original on 23 May 2023. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
  16. ^ "2024 Trofeo Pirelli - Balaton - Race 2 (30 Minutes +1 Lap) - Final Classification" (PDF). 2 June 2024. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  17. ^ a b c "Laptiming Cup – FIA CEZ Circuit Racing Championship & ESET Cup Series & MNASZ Autós Gyorsasági OB – Balaton Park Circuit (4114 m) – 2024.06.26-28. - Endurance – Touring Cars – Race Official Final Result" (PDF). 27 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  18. ^ a b c "2024 Laptiming Cup – CEZ Endurance – Laps" (PDF). 27 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  19. ^ "#FirstLap Cup – FIA CEZ F4 Championship & MNASZ Autós Gyorsasági és Endurance OB – Balaton Park Circuit (4114 m) – 2023.10.07-08. - Touring Cars TC/GT National – Race 1 Official Final Result" (PDF). 7 October 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  20. ^ "Laptiming Cup – FIA CEZ Circuit Racing Championship & ESET Cup Series & MNASZ Autós Gyorsasági OB – Balaton Park Circuit (4114 m) – 2024.06.26-28. - FIA CEZ F4 – Race 2 Official Final Result" (PDF). 28 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  21. ^ "2025 Porsche Sprint Challenge Central Europe Round 3 - Balaton Park Circuit - PSCCE - Revision 1 - Result Race 1" (PDF). 14 June 2025. Retrieved 14 June 2025.
  22. ^ "Laptiming Cup – FIA CEZ Circuit Racing Championship & ESET Cup Series & MNASZ Autós Gyorsasági OB – Balaton Park Circuit (4114 m) – 2024.06.26-28. - TCR Eastern Europe – Race 2 Official Final Result" (PDF). 28 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  23. ^ "Laptiming Cup – FIA CEZ Circuit Racing Championship & ESET Cup Series & MNASZ Autós Gyorsasági OB – Balaton Park Circuit (4114 m) – 2024.06.26-28. - FIA CEZ TWC1-2 (Clio Cup) – Race 2 Official Final Result" (PDF). 28 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  24. ^ "Laptiming Cup – FIA CEZ Circuit Racing Championship & ESET Cup Series & MNASZ Autós Gyorsasági OB – Balaton Park Circuit (4114 m) – 2024.06.26-28. - Swift Cup Europe – Race 1 Official Final Result" (PDF). 27 April 2024. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
  25. ^ "World SBK - Hungarian Round, 25-27 July 2025 - Results Race 2" (PDF). World Superbike. Dorna. 27 July 2025. Retrieved 27 July 2025.
  26. ^ "World SSP - Hungarian Round, 25-27 July 2025 - Results Race 2" (PDF). World Superbike. Dorna. 27 July 2025. Retrieved 27 July 2025.
  27. ^ "FIM Women's Motorcycling World Championship - Hungarian Round, 25-27 July 2025 - Results Race 2" (PDF). World Superbike. Dorna. 27 July 2025. Retrieved 27 July 2025.
  28. ^ "FIM BLU CRU World Cup - Hungarian Round, 25-27 July 2025 - Results Race 2" (PDF). World Superbike. Dorna. 27 July 2025. Retrieved 27 July 2025.
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