The event holds extra significance this year as the Hungaroring celebrates its milestone 40th anniversary.

To mark four decades of racing history, the newly upgraded circuit is pairing the world-class on-track action with a vibrant lineup of colorful side events, making it a true motorsport festival for the whole family.

Technical Diversity & Grid Grandeur

For years, the Hungaroring has been an indispensable stop on the International GT Open calendar. Drivers revere the technical, twisting nature of the track, which always pushes the absolute best out of the GT3 category.

Fans can expect a breathtaking display of mechanical diversity. The grid will feature the crown jewels of automotive engineering, with factory-backed and elite privateer machinery from Audi, BMW, Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, and Porsche battling for supremacy.

Beyond watching the drama unfold from the grandstands, fans can get a true behind-the-scenes look.

Paddock passes will be available, granting exclusive access to the garages where you can admire these several-hundred-horsepower beasts up close and watch the mechanics at work.

Home Heroes to Cheer For

The weekend holds plenty of excitement for local fans and the Budapest expat community looking to cheer on Hungarian talent:

Levente Révész: Last year, the Hungarian crowd electrified the paddock as home-hero Levente Révész competed on native soil — a campaign that ultimately propelled him to the championship title. Fans are highly anticipating his return to the starting grid this July.

Martin Molnár: Single-seater fans have a major reason to watch the British GB3 Championship support race. Hungarian prodigy Martin Molnár is stepping up to the series after two impressive seasons in Formula 4. He will be racing with the formidable Rodin Motorsport—the powerhouse squad that has produced the last three driver champions and clinched the teams' title.

Non-Stop Support Race Action

The International GT Open is just the headline act. The weekend’s support bill is loaded with premier feeder series and touring car action, ensuring there is never a quiet moment on track:

Single-Seater Showdowns

Future Formula 1 hopefuls will clash across three highly competitive junior categories:

* The prestigious Euroformula Open
* The newly renewed Formula Regional European Championship
* The ultra-competitive British GB3 Championship

Touring Car Thunder

For those who prefer aggressive, bumper-to-bumper action, TCR Europe returns to the Hungaroring. Known for its notoriously tight margins and uncompromising overtakes, the touring car field is guaranteed to deliver some of the weekend's most dramatic racing.

An Unmissable Summer Spectacle

With a freshly renewed circuit, an elite international field, and unprecedented fan access via paddock entry, the 2026 International GT Open is set to be a highlight of the European summer racing calendar.

Whether you are a seasoned petrolhead or looking for an exhilarating weekend trip just outside Budapest, this 40th-anniversary race weekend is an experience not to be missed.

Dates: July 4–5, 2026

Location: Hungaroring, Mogyoród (approx. 25 minutes from central Budapest)

Tickets & Info: Check the official Hungaroring platform for grandstand and paddock pass options.

More: 
Hungaroring

Source: MTI – Hungary’s national news agency since 1881.

*********************************************************************************************

You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: 

Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoop’s groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary

You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters

Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop:

As an independent portal we’re grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here.