Work starts on new Hungary circuit

Work has commenced on the new Balatonring circuit in Hungary, which is due to stage a round of the MotoGP world champion in just 10 months time.

• 2009 MotoGP calendar

The first stone was laid yesterday (Thursday) in preparation for the new circuit, which is due to host the Hungarian GP on September 20.

Local dignitaries and home hero Gabor Talmacsi, who won the 2007 world 125cc championship, attended the ceremony.

Jorge Martinez Aspar, who has been one of the major driving forces behind the project, was also present, as was Dorna chief Carmelo Ezpeleta.

“I think that it will be exciting to race here because, if you remember Brno, there were 30 to 40,000 people there with my national flag.” I’d like to try the track as soon as possible to gain an advantage, “said Talmacsi, who has quit 125 to move to the 250GP class in 2009.

Talking about the race that will replace the China clash in Shanghai, Ezpeleta said: “ “Since we first spoke with the Hungarian government and all the representatives of the project, we have realised that this is a very important for both them and ourselves. I’m sure that if the weather is OK the track can be finished on time and we can have a Hungarian Grand Prix on September 20th.”