KTM’s MotoGP test rider Pol Espargaro anticipates the Hungarian Grand Prix at Balaton Park to be a physically demanding event for riders. Having tested the circuit prior to the Dutch TT alongside other factory test riders including Yamaha’s Augusto Fernandez, Ducati’s Michele Pirro, and Honda’s Stefan Bradl, Espargaro shared his perspective on the track’s characteristics and safety conditions.
Varied Rider Opinions on Balaton Park’s Safety and Layout
Balaton Park has attracted riders from MotoGP and World Superbike, resulting in mixed reactions regarding its safety and design. Honda HRC teammates Xavi Vierge and Iker Lecuona openly expressed their dislike for the track, while Axel Bassani raised concerns about safety. Conversely, Danilo Petrucci conveyed a cautiously positive outlook on the venue despite reservations about some sections of the asphalt.
Espargaro aligns more with Petrucci’s view, comparing Balaton Park to the Sachsenring circuit in terms of scale, and emphasized that safety standards at Balaton are “not bad.”
Short Track Length and New Asphalt Will Test Rider Endurance
The circuit’s relatively short length of 4.1 kilometers (2.5 miles) means riders will complete numerous laps, intensifying the physical demands of the race. Espargaro noted that the main race will run 27 laps, with a Sprint event expected to cover 13 laps, which amplifies the endurance challenge.
With many corners and few lengthy straights, the layout is technically demanding. The newly laid asphalt offers high grip levels, contributing to the physical challenge by demanding consistent rider focus and control over many laps.
Sure, it’s not the longest track,
Pol Espargaro told TNT Sports during the German Grand Prix weekend.
What’s most important is that the safety conditions are not bad.
—Pol Espargaro, KTM MotoGP Test Rider
He added,
On the tyres and physically: it’s short, but it means that the riders will need to make a lot of laps on it – more than 30 laps, it looks like (the Sprint will be 13 laps and the grand prix 27 laps),
The track is very grippy because the asphalt is so new, so […] – if you make a mix of everything: temperature, grip, a lot of laps – it’s going to make a physical race.
—Pol Espargaro, KTM MotoGP Test Rider
Anticipated Impact and Preparation for Balaton Park Race
Balaton Park’s demanding nature is expected to test the fitness and concentration of riders, potentially affecting race strategies and tire management more than usual. The physical toll combined with the circuit’s design may influence team preparations as well as rider performance over the weekend. With safety conditions deemed acceptable by key riders like Espargaro, the new venue is shaping up to be a challenging but exciting addition to the MotoGP calendar.
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