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The Balaton Park circuit in Hungary is to be added to the MotoGP and WorldSBK calendars for their 2025 seasons. The circuit, located at the eastern end of Lake Balaton and some 90km southwest of the Hungarian capital Budapest will be scheduled to host the WorldSBK series from 25th-27th of July 2025, and MotoGP from 22nd to 24th August.

It is not the first attempt to stage a world championship motorcycle race in Hungary, however. The Balatonring Circuit at the western end of Lake Balaton was scheduled to join the calendar in 2009, but the global financial crisis of 2008 saw its main investor go bankrupt as a result of the collapse of the Spanish real estate industry. That circuit was never completed, and the Motorland Aragon circuit took its place.

The Balaton Park circuit is already finished and has hosted events, and was even scheduled to be on the WorldSBK calendar this year. But that had to be scrapped, when a safety inspection noted that additional measures were needed to make it safe to race. 

The press releases from both the MotoGP and WorldSBK wings of Dorna note that the rounds will only go ahead if certain work to improve track safety and facilities at the track are carried out. Recent experience with both Hungary and Kazakhstan show that it is far from certain that such works will actually be carried out in time for the races to happen.

That, perhaps, is why the press release speaks only of the Balaton Park circuit being added to the calendar. 2024 is an object lesson in tracks being added to the calendar, only to be removed again for a variety of reasons. Sources with knowledge of the circuit and the situation in Hungary are skeptical that a race will happen next year.

There are persistent rumors that the ultimate aim is for MotoGP and WorldSBK to return to the Hungaroring outside Budapest. That circuit is currently undergoing upgrades to accommodate F1. Whether it can also be made safe for world championship motorcycle racing remains to be seen.

There will be more clarity on the calendar soon. The calendar is due to be released on Monday September 23rd, after the  Emilia-Romagna MotoGP round.

The press releases from Dorna on MotoGP and WorldSBK at the Balaton Park circuit appear below:

Balaton Park in Hungary to be included on 2025 MotoGP™ calendar

The world’s most exciting sport is set to return to the central European country next season

Thursday, 19 September 2024

Balaton Park in Hungary is set to be included on the 2025 MotoGP™ calendar. The venue, near Lake Balaton in western Hungary, will undergo upgrades to the circuit and facility in order to welcome the world’s most exciting sport next season.

MotoGP™ first raced in Hungary in 1990 before returning for a second Hungarian GP in 1992. Since, the nation has also celebrated the successes of home hero Gábor Talmácsi as he became the first Hungarian to become a Grand Prix World Champion by taking the 2007 125cc crown.

Now, 2025 will see the pinnacle of motorcycle racing return to compete in the country, adding another chapter to its history thanks to the debut of Balaton Park on the MotoGP™ calendar. Provisional dates for the event are the 22nd to the 24th of August 2025.

Upgrades will be made to the circuit itself to prepare for the debut of MotoGP™, and work will be undertaken on infrastructure and fan services in advance of the crowds that accompany the world’s most exciting sport wherever we race. Lake Balaton, the largest in central Europe, will provide a stunning backdrop for MotoGP™ – giving fans chance to enjoy top class sports entertainment in a spectacular tourist destination.

Fans of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship can also look forward to racing at Balaton Park next season, with the venue to be included for both MotoGP™ and WorldSBK.

Balázs Weingartner, Chairman of the Board of Directors of HUMDA Zrt.: "I would like to thank Carmelo Ezpeleta for the trust he has placed in us over the years and of course the support of the Hungarian Government. The hard work of many years is finally coming to fruition, thanks to which we have been included in the calendar of the most watched sports in the world. It is a testament to the strength of our country that, despite the difficulties, we are here today and can embark on this new path of shared success. Motorsport is about emotion and passion, but there is even more to it than that. We believe that these sports will promote the engineering knowledge and expertise of our country, the excellence of our riders, the touristic complexity of our country and, of course, the fantastic hospitality and support. And speaking of cheering, the Hungarian heart is beating stronger for a Hungarian success, so we will make sure that our talents can show their skills on the home races next year and we will cheer them on together."

Henrik Hermann, President of the Hungarian Motorsport Association: "When you are on your way to the finish line, every milestone on the way is an important confirmation of the right direction. Back in 2004, as President of the Hungarian Motorsport Association, I had the opportunity to meet Dorna and dream of the return of motorcycle Grand Prix racing in Hungary, which has since become known as MotoGP, the most exciting motorsport event in the world. This goal has been on the horizon several times, unfortunately there have been more and more turns on the horizon, but one thing is for sure, we have never been so close and under such clear skies. Our eyes are smiling under our helmets at the last turn before the finish line and we are concentrating all our energy on waving the chequered in front of the roaring crowd so we Hungarians can enjoy that feeling in our home country as well."

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports: "We’re very happy to announce that Balaton Park will be on the 2025 calendar for MotoGP™ and WorldSBK. 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."

Balaton Park in Hungary to be included on the 2025 WorldSBK calendar

The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship will be adding another prestigious venue to its calendar for the 2025 season as Balaton Park in Hungary will host the series on July 25-27th. Located near the picturesque Lake Balaton, in western Hungary, the circuit will undergo upgrades to meet the high standards of WorldSBK competition and offer fans an exhilarating race weekend experience.

Hungary has a rich history in motorsport, and 2025 will see the return of world-class motorcycle racing to the country, marking Balaton Park’s debut on the WorldSBK calendar. With its proximity to Lake Balaton, the largest lake in central Europe, the venue offers not only an exciting sporting event but also an opportunity for fans to enjoy one of the region’s most beautiful tourist destinations.

Improvements to the circuit and surrounding infrastructure will enhance the fan experience, ensuring that visitors can fully enjoy both the thrilling on-track action and the scenic surroundings. The Hungarian Round will undoubtedly become a highlight on the WorldSBK calendar, attracting fans from across Europe and beyond.

MotoGP™ will also make its debut at Balaton Park in 2025, making the venue a premier destination for fans of both motorcycle Championships.

Balázs Weingartner, Chairman of the Board of Directors of HUMDA Zrt.:

"I would like to thank Carmelo Ezpeleta for the trust he has placed in us over the years and of course the support of the Hungarian Government. The hard work of many years is finally coming to fruition, thanks to which we have been included in the calendar of the most watched sports in the world. It is a testament to the strength of our country that, despite the difficulties, we are here today and can embark on this new path of shared success. Motorsport is about emotion and passion, but there is even more to it than that. We believe that these sports will promote the engineering knowledge and expertise of our country, the excellence of our riders, the touristic complexity of our country and, of course, the fantastic hospitality and support. And speaking of cheering, the Hungarian heart is beating stronger for a Hungarian success, so we will make sure that our talents can show their skills on the home races next year and we will cheer them on together.”

Henrik Hermann, President of the Hungarian Motorsport Association:

“When you are on your way to the finish line, every milestone on the way is an important confirmation of the right direction. Back in 2004, as President of the Hungarian Motorsport Association, I had the opportunity to meet Dorna and dream of the return of motorcycle Grand Prix racing in Hungary. This goal has been on the horizon several times, unfortunately there have been more and more turns on the horizon, but one thing is for sure, we have never been so close and under such clear skies. Our eyes are smiling under our helmets at the last turn before the finish line and we are concentrating all our energy on waving the chequered in front of the roaring crowd so we Hungarians can enjoy that feeling in our home country as well.”

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports:

“We’re very happy to announce that Balaton Park will be on the 2025 calendar for MotoGP™ and WorldSBK. 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.”