In the lead-up to the Hungarian Grand Prix, Marc Marquez has expressed strong support for the newly introduced Balaton Park circuit, highlighting its thrilling nature and variety compared to other tracks. The 4-kilometer layout, featuring 18 tight corners, has become a hot topic among MotoGP riders, igniting what has been called the MotoGP Balaton Park Circuit Debate over its suitability for premier-class bikes.
Marquez, during a recent test session that included several Ducati riders, conveyed enthusiasm about the track‘s unique design.
“We went in Balaton Park testing with the Panigale V4. It was a nice day because all the Ducati riders were there, so we know the track,”
he remarked.
“It’s not a very difficult track to know, because it’s a small track, but I like it. In a championship, you need to have a different kind of tracks. You need to have tracks like Assen, for example, flowing and fast corners, and these kinds of circuits which are more stop and go.”
Contrasting Views Highlight Track’s Challenges for MotoGP Bikes
While Marquez appreciates the variety Balaton Park offers, reigning world champion Francesco Bagnaia has voiced serious concerns, describing the circuit as excessively slow and not optimal for MotoGP machines. He suggested that participating teams would have to significantly adjust their bike setups to handle the unique demands of the track.
“Balaton is a different kind of track compared to all the rest. Very slow, and we need to change a lot the setup of the bikes I think because MotoGP bikes are not suited to tracks like this,”
Bagnaia explained.
Bagnaia further indicated the track’s slow sections might fundamentally alter racing dynamics, speculating that riders may not need to use their sixth gear during competition.
“I think we will use from 1st to 5th gear because you don’t have time to put 6th,”
he noted, emphasizing the circuit’s stop-and-go nature.
Additional Rider Perspectives Highlight Mixed Reactions
Supporting the dialogue around Balaton Park’s characteristics, VR46 rider Fabio di Giannantonio described the experience as engaging but challenging due to some narrow sections.
“The track is fun, but it is quite tight in a few sections, and it will be interesting to see how the MotoGP will fit because some places are pretty tight,”
he said. Meanwhile, his teammate Franco Morbidelli offered a more positive appraisal, calling it
“a great track… narrow and technical,”
while underlining the importance of Michelin tires in determining race performance and outcomes.
Upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix Sets the Stage for Intense Competition
As the first Hungarian motorcycle Grand Prix since 1992 approaches, the MotoGP community remains divided over Balaton Park’s practicality and excitement level. Riders and teams must adapt to the circuit’s distinct pace and layout, ensuring that preparations focus on handling the track’s stop-and-go design effectively. This tension promises to amplify the competitive spirit and strategic battles during the race weekend, positioning Balaton Park as a crucial test of rider skill and machine setup in the 2024 season.
