Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix, Mogyoród

Although probably many expected this decision, there are even more who will miss one of the most popular drivers of all time. But in every end there is also a new beginning, and 2007 hasn't just started anyhow. There are new drivers, new teams, and the start of sensational new careers can be witnessed, such as that of Lewis Hamilton, who's already feted as a national hero in Britain.

Clearly, his successes show that those who thought Fernando Alonso would have a clear advantage this season were wrong as the young McLaren-Mercedes driver has led his team-mate in the points race for a good while now. But there's no need to worry about monotony as there hasn't been such a balanced struggle between the big teams and the drivers for ages, even though Bridgestone's exclusivity has made the picture greyer from the point-of-view of tyres. The more equal conditions produced by the new situation have also brought welcome changes.

So it'll be worth a trip to the Mogyoród track some 20 kilometres from Budapest on the weekend of 3-5 August for the 11th race of the season. Although the 4.381 km long Hungaroring has the lowest average speed on the circuit, it is nevertheless liked by drivers and fans alike. Due to the superb lie of the land, 80% of the track can be seen from any seat in the stands.

For the competitors the attraction lies in the atmosphere and technical features. The race that lasts almost two hours is a test of physical and mental endurance in the heat of high summer and for most drivers the 70-lap Hungarian GP is seen as a challenge. It's certainly a trial of strength as poor grip and the narrow width of the often dusty tarmac make driving conditions difficult, demanding heightened concentration from the field.

As the corners come one after another - just as in Monaco - you're unlikely to see spectacular overtaking manoeuvres at Hungaroring. Nevertheless, it is precisely this characteristic of the track that makes even practice times exciting as how the drivers line up on the grid has a great bearing on the outcome of the race.

The Hungarian Grand Prix is always exciting for spectators and has been the scene of major victories such as Schumacher clinching his second championship title with Ferrari in 2001. He also set the lap record of 1′ 16.207″ in 2002, which is still unbeaten.

This year the championship will not be decided here, but there may be surprises and the contest is bound to be tough: neither Räikkönen, Massa, Hamilton nor Alonso will give in easily. So it'd be a shame not to be there before the three-week summer break!"

Source: hungarystartshere.com