Hungarian Grand Prix Preview
Ah, the Hungaroring. Home to the Hungarian Grand Prix since 1986, the track is close to the capital city of Budapest and is a permanent summer fixture on the F1 calendar. Set in a countryside of rolling hills and greenery, the Hungaroring has a reputation for tedious races due to it's sinuous layout. Despite 'improvements' by Hermann Tilke over the last few years, the circuit remains a no-pass zone (however the current aerodynamic configuration of the cars themselves contribute to this problem, it's not just the tracks they race on).
Looking at the championship standings there is still all to play for, with Hamilton in front by four points from Massa, with Raikkonen and Kubica in third and fourth respectively. Hamilton's dominant form looks set to continue as the McLaren really seems to be working well for him now, whereas the Ferrari's seem to be at sea. Massa is leading the challenge despite making some very iffy form of late (five spins at Silverstone springs to mind), while Raikkonen is giving off the impression that he isn't really bothered about defending his championship title. I wouldn't be surprised if he announced his retirement at the end of the season and opened a used car dealership!
In many ways the Hungaroring is like Monaco, if your car is reliable, plonk it on pole position and drive off into the sunset. The corners are mainly slow and there are few straights, leaving any overtaking to be done in the pits. I mean, isn't pit-stop strategy just fascinating? (Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit...) However the track has thrown up the odd good one over the years, no more so than Nigel Mansell storming through the field from tenth to take the win. Click here to see it and enjoy!
