Programme guide: MotoGP returns to Hungary this weekend after 33 years

A long-held dream for motorsport fans comes true: after 33 years of waiting, Hungary hosts its first MotoGP race on the shores of Lake Balaton.

MotoGP is back in Hungary

The 2025 MotoGP World Championship, officially kicking off today and scheduled for August 22–24, will take place at the MotoGP-sanctioned Balaton Park Circuit. For the first time, the engines of the MotoGP, Moto2, Moto3, and MotoE categories will roar through Balatonfőkajár, delivering a full-throttle motorsport experience for local fans.

Hungary hosted its first and only Grand Prix in 1992, but more than three decades have passed since. Numerous circuit plans and event proposals were floated over the years, but none came to fruition due to technical and financial hurdles. That long absence is now being filled by the newly built Balaton Park Circuit, constructed in Balatonfőkajár to the most modern specifications.

The Hungarian Grand Prix venue and riders

Balaton Park officially opened in May 2023 and has since hosted a number of international races, including Superbike World Championship events. The venue features VIP amenities, 48 pit garages, a refurbished racetrack, a media center, and a 145-room hotel with trackside views. These facilities made it possible for Balaton Park Circuit to host both the MotoGP and the Superbike World Championship in 2025, marking a new chapter in Hungarian motorsport history.

The 2025 MotoGP field is particularly strong. Marc Márquez, the six-time world champion from Spain, enters as the series leader after six straight wins, making him one of the top contenders. Other standout riders include his brother Álex Márquez and veteran Italian Francesco Bagnaia, both vying for a place on the podium.

Adding to the excitement for Hungarian fans, Varga Tibor will compete in the MotoE category, starting from 11th in the overall standings.

In early free practice sessions, Marc Márquez led the MotoGP pack, clocking in 0.277 seconds ahead of Pol Espargaró and Pedro Acosta. Diogo Moreira topped the Moto2 timesheets, while Maximo Quiles set the pace in Moto3.

However, the event was disrupted by an unexpected incident: both Raúl Fernández’s and Jorge Martín’s Aprilia bikes suffered breakdowns: the former emitted smoke, while the latter caught fire on the track. Thanks to the quick response from firefighters, the flames were extinguished swiftly, but the race was delayed for 15 minutes. After the interruption, the action resumed, and 32-year-old Márquez set a new lap record at the Balaton Park Circuit with a time of 1:37.956.

Weekend program guide at Balaton Park

Beyond the races, organizers have planned a full slate of side events to create an immersive motorsport experience for attendees. One highlight comes before Sunday’s main race, when 2007 125cc World Champion Gábor Talmácsi will take a ceremonial lap on the very bike that won him the title 18 years ago.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity, especially since I don’t know if I’ll ever ride in front of such a large crowd again,” he told MTI. “So I’ll try to enjoy every moment.”

Starting Friday, fans can follow practice sessions and qualifying rounds leading into the main events over the weekend. Here’s the full weekend schedule:

Friday – A day of free practice: Riders from the MotoE, Moto3, Moto2, and MotoGP categories will be testing the track from the morning. The day wraps up with MotoGP practice and MotoE qualifying.

Saturday – Battle for grid positions: All categories will hold their second practice sessions and qualifying rounds. Highlights include the MotoGP sprint race and the second MotoE race.

Sunday – Race day: The day begins with the MotoGP warm-up, followed by the Moto3 and Moto2 races, and the main event—the MotoGP Hungarian Grand Prix—starting at 2:00 PM.

All key moments will be broadcast live on Arena4, Match4, and NET4+ streaming platform.

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