Monaco with more run-off. The Hungaroring is a tight and twisty track at which the drivers have to manage 14 slow speed corners over just one 4.3km lap. Combined with some of the shortest straights on the calendar, a maximum downforce package and a well balanced car are essential to achieve a competitive lap time.
The track is used infrequently during the year, so grip levels are normally very poor at the start of the weekend. The situation improves as rubber goes down, but car set-up can usually only begin in earnest on Saturday morning, once the track has become representative.
Another effect of the corner sequencing will see the tyres experience intense thermal loads in Hungary as repetitive braking, cornering and acceleration events over the 70 lap race will leave little opportunity for cooling. Together with the high ambient temperatures common to Hungary which will push track temperatures in excess of 50°C, tyre wear will be at its peak this weekend.
Dust can also cause problems at the Hungarian Grand Prix, as the dirty track at the start of the race weekend distorts the data ahead of qualifying. Although the circuit evolves throughout the weekend, the track offers little grip off the racing line so the opportunities for overtaking during the race are few and always risky. Qualifying position and pit-stop strategy could therefore define the race result.
The Hungaroring is located just 19km from the capital city of Budapest, so the race is always well-attended.