– Ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, the safety of the Balaton Park Circuit is once again in focus. Already at the track’s premiere last year, several MotoGP riders had expressed criticism of the layout and the tight chicanes.
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Even before this year’s race weekend, the topic and possible improvements are occupying the riders. Honda rider Luca Marini confirms that the controversial section, where Enea Bastianini crashed in 2025 and slid back onto the racing line, was discussed in the safety commission.
However, there will be no concrete changes to the track layout. “We had a discussion about it, but we were told that it would remain as it is,” explains the Italian.
At least minor adjustments have been made to the gravel trap: “They tried to improve the gravel a bit. Let’s see. I think everyone hopes that no one crashes there.” Marini generally evaluates the track in a nuanced way.
The track is “something unique, something different,” he says. Although it is not one of the classic MotoGP racetracks, the calendar takes riders around the world. “In the end, the most important thing is that the track is safe. It doesn’t matter if it’s good or ugly,” emphasizes the Honda rider.
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Ducati factory rider Francesco Bagnaia also makes it clear that no major modifications were expected from the outset. According to his information, the current facility is only a temporary solution anyway.
“They haven’t changed anything because it’s a provisional track,” says the Italian. A move to another track is planned for the upcoming season, which is why extensive changes to the existing layout would hardly have made sense. It is understood that this will be the Hungaroring.
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Bagnaia is nevertheless surprised by the track layout: “It’s strange because there’s a lot of space here, and yet they built a very unusual track.” Ultimately, the field of riders has to accept the situation. “That’s just how it is. We’ll get through another season,” says Bagnaia.
Bastianini: “Safety is the top priority”
Bastianini of Tech3-KTM, who had already criticized the track after his crash last year, still considers the chicane “problematic for us.” “But we talked about rider safety in Mugello, and I hope something changes for the future from now on,” says the Italian.
He was also told that the track operator had applied additional gravel in that section. However, he wants to see for himself if that is sufficient.
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For Bastianini, rider safety remains the decisive issue: “Safety is our priority under all circumstances.” He also refers to the special requirements of MotoGP machines compared to other racing series.
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While one hundred percent safety is impossible in motorsport, “we must achieve the maximum possible,” warns the Tech3 rider, emphasizing the need for further discussions about future improvements.
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