Axel Bassani, a rider for Bimota in WorldSBK, has raised concerns about the safety of the Balaton Park Circuit in Hungary, which is set to host World Superbike races this month. The event marks Hungary’s return to the World Superbike calendar for the first time since 1990, with races scheduled for August 22-24 following testing in late June.
While some riders like HRC MotoGP test rider Stefan Bradl criticized the track layout, KTM MotoGP test rider Pol Espargaro gave it a more favorable review. Bassani, who was among the WorldSBK riders testing the circuit in June, described the Balaton track as very small and lacking straight sections. He noted extreme heat conditions during testing, with air temperatures reaching 42°C and the asphalt hitting 65°C, which caused the asphalt to spread due to its newness and heat.
Bassani also expressed dissatisfaction with the track’s design, highlighting the abundance of slow corners where first gear is used throughout, making it tough for 24 riders to compete closely and overtake. He suggested that the race weekend would give a clearer perspective on the track’s suitability.
Regarding safety, Bassani echoed concerns similar to those Espargaro mentioned, pointing out that many walls are dangerously close to the track, especially near the challenging first corner. Bassani acknowledged that the first lap could be tricky but emphasized the importance of racing on the circuit before making a final judgment.
Fan Take: This update is crucial for racing fans because the return of Hungary to the World Superbike calendar introduces a fresh but controversial venue that could reshape race dynamics and rider safety considerations. How the riders adapt to Balaton Park Circuit’s tight layout and heat challenges could influence future decisions about expanding or modifying the global racing calendar.
