Hungarian F1 Grand Prix

It’s a quick turnaround for the F1 teams after last weekend’s German Grand Prix as they set up in Hungary for the next race. 

The Hungarian Grand Prix is race No.12 in the 2010 calendar and takes place from 30 July-1 August.  The action takes place at the Hungaroring circuit at Mogyarod, approx. 20 km north-east of Budapest. 

In 1986 the Hungaroring became the venue for the first F1 grand prix to be held behind the Iron Curtain.  The circuit is notoriously challenging, full of twists and turns with limited opportunities for overtaking.   It is often compared for its similarities to the Monaco Grand Prix circuit.

Situated in Hungary, in Central Europe, Budapest is a beautiful city and well worth a look if you have time.  It became Budapest in 1873 when Buda/Obuda, in the hilly area of the west bank of the river Danube, and Pest on the east bank were unified.  Ornate and scenic bridges span the Danube (which runs north-south) to join the two sides of the city, and the river also skirts three islands.   The famous classical music composers Liszt and Bartok were both Hungarian.

Parts of the city are classed as UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Buda Castle Hill area and the banks of the Danube.  Other places of interest include the Royal Palace and Matthias Church, Gellert Hill and the Citadel, the Parliament building, and Heroes Square

Budapest boasts dozens of therapeutic natural thermal spas, baths and caves, which have been enjoyed all the way back to Roman times.  Many Roman remains are still standing, and there are museums containing all manner of artefacts.  For nature lovers there are nature reserves and caves with stalactites.  While in Budapest you must take a boat trip on the Danube.

The main airport serving Budapest is Ferihegy International, approx 16 km (10 miles) southeast of the city.  It is easy to get about in Budapest with its subway system, as well as trams and taxis.  If you plan to see a bit of the country outside Budapest you might consider starting at Lake Balaton, which lies to the southwest.
 
Visit our Travel Guide to Hungary and follow the link for the Foreign Office (FCO) ‘Country Advice’ for updated and very important travel information.  For example, in Hungary you are required to carry ID, such as your passport or driving (photo) driving license, and be prepared to show it any time if requested by the police or authorities (a photocopy will not be accepted).  The FCO advice also includes sections on driving, accessing cash, passports, visas, etc.

Hungary is part of the EU and the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid.  It entitles the holder to emergency medical care in a state-run facility, but the EHIC should not be used as a substitute for proper travel insurance. 

(For example, the EHIC does not cover treatment in a private hospital, medical repatriation, ongoing treatment, non-urgent treatment or many other travel mishaps, such as lost or stolen luggage, etc.)