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A milestone of international magnitude for Hungarian motorsport fans: MotoGP comes to Hungary next year
2008.07.23. wednesday 14:52

Bajnai Gordon Minister for National Development and Economy, Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, rights-holders of MotoGP, Dr. Róna Iván, General Manager of Magyar Turizmus Zrt., Vicente Cotino, President of Sedesa group of construction companies, Jorge Martínez Salvadores, Manager of the Aspar racing team and President from WCM and Talmácsi Gábor, world champion of the 125 cc category held a special international press conference on 23 July 2008 to announce plans for the construction of a Hungarian circuit to be included in the MotoGP calendar as early as next year.

After months of strenuous negotiations the parties agreed in a site for the proposed race track, notably, the town of Sávoly located in the Southwest section of the Lake Balaton area. Sávoly comprises a part of the Lake Balaton Preservation Area, more specifically it is situated in the Marcali region. The proposed site is a well-suited choice as far as infrastructure is concerned, for it is located close to the M7 motorway and the international airport at Sármellék. It is well within reach for motorsport enthusiasts from the neighbouring countries and from the Mediterranean.

Magyar Turizmus Zrt. has formed a subsidiary under 100% ownership for organising MotoGP races in the new Hungarian circuit. The race track itself will be operated by a company, named Balatonring Zrt., 30% of which is controlled by Magyar Turizmus Zrt. and the remaining 70% by Worldwide Circuit Management S.L. (WCM) of Spain. WCM has been successfully operating similar tracks the world over, including the organisation of MotoGP race events. Hun-Ring, the subsidiary of Magyar Turizmus Zrt. has been awarded the rights for holding MotoGP races for five years. The MotoGP race track will be constructed by Sedesa, and turned over to Balatonring Zrt. for managing the circuit and for organising the races.

The Government is fully committed to include Hungary in the MotoGP calendar. It is a great opportunity for Hungary to host a world series of such magnitude from the standpoint of the tourist industry and for sports fans alike, due to the massive media coverage, and hence the extraordinary commercial value it generates, in light of the 100 to 150 thousand spectators expected to arrive for each race from all over the world, and that it is broadcast live in 184 countries, and televised in a total 207 nations, all of which means that the race presents a great marketing tool for Balaton, and for Hungary. Once the motorcycle circuit is completed, it will provide jobs for more than 800 workers together with its auxiliary and support facilities.

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