Hungary to Stage MotoGP and WSBK Races at Balaton Park in 2025
The new Balaton Park, which was meant to stage a WSBK race in 2024, will make its debut in both championships next year
Newly-built in 2023, the Balaton Park circuit in Hungary was expected to stage round 11 of the 2024 World Superbike championship, but was replaced by Estoril as work carried out at the venue was not completed by the cut-off date.
Instead, the Balaton Park will now hold both MotoGP and World Superbike racing in 2025, marking Hungary’s return to Grand Prix racing for the first time since 1992. Upgrades to the track and infrastructure are still ongoing but the 4.081km (2.5 mile) circuit is close to completion.
The Balaton Park circuit will first appear on the Superbike calendar on 25-27 July, before staging a MotoGP in late August.
The following modifications are still to be carried out by the circuit organisers: “At turn 7, a couple of tighter radius turns are introduced on the inside, maintaining the high-speed through the corners while expanding the run-off area for increased safety.
“A new chicane at turn 11 moderates speed at the end of the back straight while simultaneously enhancing overtaking opportunities.
“Just below the track's new hotel, a series of technical corners has been added, improving the braking phase safety and presenting an intriguing challenge to the riders.”
The 2025 MotoGP calendar is set to be the biggest in the series’ history, with the new Hungarian circuit joining the returning Brno for 2025. The cancelled Kazakhstan and India rounds in 2024 will also make a return next season.
"We’re very happy to announce that Balaton Park will be on the 2025 calendar for MotoGP and WorldSBK,” said Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta.
“The circuit is in a spectacular location and will be a fantastic destination for fans to come and see the world’s most exciting sport in action.
“Work is underway to get the venue ready for its historic debut on the calendar, adding another chapter to Hungary’s history in motorcycle Grand Prix racing, and we’re very much looking forward to returning to a key market in central Europe.”
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After graduating with a sports journalism degree, Robert joined Crash.net to lead the WorldSBK coverage in 2021, while also providing MotoGP coverage. Fulfilling that role for over three years, Robert was able to put his knowledge about all things racing to the test.
