Hungary – Presentation: It’s not holiday time yet!

I love the Hungaroring. Everyone always says it’s Monaco without the walls, but it isn’t, it’s Hungaroring! It’s fast, it’s often quite hot, and even though the track isn’t wide, overtaking is definitely present. The second sector is one of the best of the year, it’s quite fast with sharp changes of direction. The track was always fairly bumpy, but it has improved a lot in recent years. I really enjoy the Hungaroring, but Budapest is also quite cool. The city is incredible; it’s very beautiful, the food is good, and I love spending time in the city center. It’s just before the summer break, so there’s always a good atmosphere in the paddock before everyone takes their well-deserved vacations.

Unlucky once again in Germany with a retirement due to mechanical failure, the Honey Badger still hasn’t lost his famous smile to announce the color in Hungary. The Hungarian Turn is simple in appearance but has established itself as an important event of the season, especially as it initiates the summer break.

The narrow track is enticing, and its quick turns are just as captivating. The slight uphill break at turn 4 triggers the second winding sector, where balance and aerodynamics are crucial in the pursuit of time. Before that, the cambered turn 2 is a favorite overtaking spot for drivers. We remember the battle between Räikkönen and Verstappen in 2016, the one between Hülkenberg and Magnussen that led to a polite exchange of insults during post-race interviews last year, or Alonso’s outside overtake on Sainz after a lengthy duel, also in 2017.

The tour of the property

Back to back action! This weekend #F1 is headed for its final pre-break race the #HungarianGP and we’re bringing a truck load of #Fit4F1 purple for the occasion! https://t.co/yF4oulbaFo pic.twitter.com/UeHvIXjpz8

— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) 23 juillet 2018

A little moment of nostalgia for this owner’s tour. We go back 14 years to revisit a car, a sound, and a driver for whom we are eagerly awaiting the best news regarding his recovery.

For posterity

Being a son does not automatically grant access to success and achievement. Nico Rosberg, son of Keke Rosberg, 1982 world champion, can attest that having a name is not everything. Work, determination, and perseverance are among the keys. During the 1993 Hungarian Grand Prix, Damon Hill, son of Graham Hill, world champion in 1962 and 1968, became the first son of a world champion to win a Grand Prix. He clung to his determination after several failures earlier in the season to make history in Formula 1.

Tarmac and mistral

The final #Fit4F1 shoe order before the summer break has been placed! Here’s what everyone’s wearing to the #HungarianGP! https://t.co/Nyhj94syVx pic.twitter.com/MYfQt47iyw

— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) 17 juillet 2018

The ultra-soft remains the most popular choice for this Hungarian weekend, being the softest allocated by Pirelli. Renault is the most aggressive team with 10 sets for each of its drivers. In a rare move, Red Bull has opted for conservation by mirroring the strategy usually chosen by Mercedes, which makes the soft work better than the ultra-soft. Let’s not forget to note that Pirelli skipped a range for Hungary, favoring the ultra-soft over the super-soft.

The tire allocation for the weekend is gospel until the rain appears. The Hungarian Grand Prix is known for its high temperatures, but the rain should not be forgotten. The weather for the coming days is uncertain in the sky over Budapest, with thunderstorms making their way since the beginning of the week.

Drivers will find a so-called green and clean track for Free Practice 1, with the forecast calling for sunshine, temperatures around 30°C, and winds under 10 km/h. Free Practice 2 will take place in warmer conditions despite less sunshine, with the thermometer exceeding 30°C.

The weather is changing a lot above the Hungarian capital, and it’s unpredictable when the storms will occur. At the time of writing, Free Practice 3 is expected on a dry track (note: washed by overnight rain) with a timid sun and temperatures similar to those of the first practice session. The qualifying session is also expected to be dry with temperatures reaching almost 35°C despite an almost absent sun. Rain could come in towards the end of the session around 4 p.m.

For Sunday, rain is forecasted in the morning, but the Grand Prix will take place under a well-veiled sun with no rain for the time being. Temperatures will range between 31° and 33°C, similar to Friday afternoon.

The TV program!