AT&T Williams F1

2009 Formula One ING Magyar NagyDij

About Hungary

Similar to Monaco, the Hungaroring is a tight and twisty race track at which the drivers have to manage 14 slow speed corners over just one 4.3km lap. Combined with some of the shortest straights on the calendar, a maximum downforce package and a well balanced car are essential to achieve a competitive lap time. Engines will enjoy some comparative respite this weekend as the cars will rev at full throttle for a maximum of 58% of the lap while average speeds will range between just 90km/h and 295km/h. Torque will be a critical requirement of the engine to power the cars out of the slow speed corners, as will good mechanical grip and good traction.

Another effect of the corner sequencing will see the tyres experience intense thermal loads in Hungary as repetitive braking, cornering and acceleration events over the 70 lap race will leave little opportunity for cooling. Together with the high ambient temperatures common to Hungary which will push track temperatures in excess of 50°C, tyre wear will be at its peak this weekend.

Dust can also cause problems at the Hungarian Grand Prix, as the dirty track at the start of the race weekend distorts the data ahead of qualifying. Although the circuit evolves throughout the weekend, the track offers little grip off the racing line so the opportunities for overtaking during the race are few and always risky. Qualifying position and pit-stop strategy could therefore define the race result.