A Hungaroring track day with Stratos: the whole circuit hired for up to 15 drivers, a GT car supplied and a coach in the car with you.
In short: The Hungaroring is a 4.381 km Formula 1 circuit with 14 corners in Mogyoród, just outside Budapest. Its public open days run 20-minute sessions with up to 20 cars. Stratos hires the whole circuit for two full days for up to 15 drivers, with three nights at a hand-picked hotel.
Stratos at the Hungaroring
Stratos hires the whole circuit for up to 15 drivers. See upcoming events for dates and availability.
The circuit
The Hungaroring is in Mogyoród, Pest County, off Exit 20 of the M3 motorway from Budapest. It is 4.381 km with 14 corners.
The circuit sits in a valley, so about 80 percent of it can be seen from any point. It is twisty and bumpy, with few places to rest, and is nicknamed "Monaco without the barriers".
| Length | 4.381 km |
|---|---|
| Corners | 14 |
| Location | Mogyoród, Pest County, Hungary |
| Formula 1 | Hungarian Grand Prix since 1986 |
| Built | In eight months, from October 1985 |
| Licence | FIA Grade 1 |
| Nearest airport | Budapest Ferenc Liszt (BUD) |
A short history
The Hungaroring held the first Formula 1 Grand Prix behind the Iron Curtain, in 1986. Bernie Ecclestone wanted a race in the Eastern Bloc, and the Hungarian government chose a new circuit just outside the city, next to a major highway. Construction started on 1 October 1985, and the circuit was built in eight months, faster than any other Formula 1 circuit. It has hosted the Hungarian Grand Prix every year since. Its first wet Grand Prix came only in 2006.
Learning a Hungaroring lap
The lap is one long sequence, with the main straight the only place to breathe. That makes it demanding and a fast place to learn: you brake and turn many times per lap.
- Turn 1. The clearest braking point on the circuit, at the end of the main straight. Brake hard, take a late apex and feed in the power.
- Turn 2. A long downhill left. Trail the brakes in and keep your momentum.
- Turn 3. A tight right kink. Smooth inputs keep the car settled.
- Turn 4. A fast uphill left with a blind apex. Turn in early and commit to the line your coach shows you.
- Turns 6 and 7. A tight right-left chicane. Brake at the kerb and wait for the second apex before the throttle.
- Turns 8 to 11. The middle sector, a run of linked corners where one early mistake carries into the next.
- Turn 12. Heavy braking, a delayed turn-in and a straight exit toward the last two corners. A clean exit from Turn 14 sets your speed down the straight.
Corner notes: Coach Dave Academy
The surface is often dusty, because the circuit is used less through the year and the soil is sandy. Grip improves as more cars run.
What it's like to drive
In a Porsche 911 GT3 RS or a Ferrari F8 Tributo, the Hungaroring rewards precision more than power. Speeds stay lower than at most Formula 1 circuits, and the car is almost always turning. Braking while turning is the skill that matters, and the bumps punish rough inputs. The short straights mean even 720 hp only gets a few seconds at full throttle per lap, so time comes from the middle sector.
Ways to drive the Hungaroring
The circuit runs its own open days for people who bring their own car: 20-minute sessions, cars split into two categories by power, and a 105 dB noise limit measured nonstop. With Stratos, the whole circuit is hired for up to 15 drivers, with the car, private coaching and hotel arranged.
Public track day or Stratos
| Public track day | Stratos | |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic | Participant and on-track limits depend on the organiser and format | Up to 15 drivers, and the circuit is yours |
| Track time | Scheduled sessions or open pit lane, depending on the organiser | Two track days with unlimited kilometers; sessions, breaks and car sharing apply |
| Who's there | Entry requirements and experience groups depend on the organiser | A group by invitation, founders and tech leaders under 45 |
| Cars | Your own road car, or a rental if one is allowed | Porsche GT3 and GT3 RS, Ferrari or Lamborghini, prepared and run by our team |
| Coaching | Availability varies; some organisers offer personal coaching | Private coaching from professional instructors, in your car |
| Data | Personal recording or organiser services, depending on the event | Onboard video and lap data, reviewed with your coach after each session |
| Accommodation | You find and book your own | Three nights at a hand-picked hotel near the circuit, with transfers included |
| Food | Catering arrangements depend on the event | Catered lunches at the circuit and dinners at the region's best restaurants |
How Stratos runs it
The planned format is two full days of private circuit hire, with safety crew and marshals, and three nights. Included: private coaching with professional race drivers, meals and group dinners, airport and circuit transfers, driving equipment, data and video review, and professional photography and film. Unlimited kilometers with your Stratos car.
The sample itinerary:
- Arrival. Check in and join the group for dinner and a driver briefing.
- Track day one. Learn the circuit. Start with your coach, build familiarity with the lap and develop your technique at your own pace.
- Track day two. Build on your progress. Refine your lines and bring the previous day's learning into each session.
- Departure. Breakfast, check-out and onward transfers. Photos, film and coaching notes follow.
Where you stay
Three nights at a hand-picked hotel near the circuit, with a room for each driver and dinners at the region's best restaurants. The hotel is confirmed on the event page and may change to a similar or higher-standard property.
Budapest is close enough for an extra night before or after on your own.
Getting there
- Budapest Ferenc Liszt (BUD). About 30 to 35 km from the circuit, normally 30 to 45 minutes by car outside race weekends.
- By road. M3 motorway from Budapest, Exit 20, then through Mogyoród.
Airport and circuit transfers are included in the Stratos format.
Preparing for a Hungaroring track day
- Licence. A valid driving license, plus an International Driving Permit if yours was issued outside the EU.
- Clothes. Long sleeves, long trousers and thin-soled shoes. Helmet and racing gear are provided.
FAQ
Is the Hungaroring good for beginners?
Yes. Speeds are lower than at most Formula 1 circuits and corners come one after another, so you practise more per lap.
How long is the Hungaroring?
4.381 km, with 14 corners.
How far is the Hungaroring from Budapest airport?
About 30 to 35 km, normally 30 to 45 minutes by car. Transfers are included in the Stratos format.
Where do Stratos drivers stay?
At a hand-picked hotel near the circuit, listed on the event page.
Can I drive my own car at a Hungaroring track day?
At the circuit's open days, yes, if it is a registered road car and passes the noise check. At Stratos, the car is supplied, and own or custom car requests are welcome.
What is the noise limit at the Hungaroring?
At the circuit's open days, 105 dB. Cars over the limit are not allowed on track.
Can a passenger ride with me at a Hungaroring open day?
Only if they are 18 or over, with a passenger ticket.
Can I see the whole lap from the stands?
Most of it. The circuit sits in a valley, so about 80 percent of the track can be seen from any point.
When is the next Stratos event here?
See upcoming events for dates.
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