Hungaroring

The Hungaroring is a Hungarian racing circuit near the village of Mogyoród, about 20 km north-east of Budapest, alongside the M3 motorway. The track was built in just eight months and opened on 24 March 1986 — the first permanent racing circuit behind the Iron Curtain. It became home to the Hungarian F1 Grand Prix, which it has hosted every year since opening as the first Formula 1 race in the Eastern Bloc. Following a 2003 reconstruction, the main straight was extended by 202 m, giving the track its current length of 4,381.08 m. It has 14 corners and 36 m of elevation change between the highest and lowest points. The maximum incline is 6.2%, the maximum decline 7.0%. The circuit holds FIA Grade 1 homologation and, in addition to the F1 Hungarian Grand Prix, hosts the DTM, FIA WTCC/WTCR and other series. The venue sits in a natural valley, meaning about 80% of the track is visible from any point — earning it the nickname "Shallow Plate". The F1 contract has been extended through to 2032.

The first Formula 1 race behind the Iron Curtain (1986); set in a natural valley with about 80% of the track visible from any vantage point, earning it the "Shallow Plate" nickname; a narrow, twisty layout with a reputation as one of the most difficult F1 circuits for overtaking.