MotoGP is back on Hungarian soil for the first time in over three decades, and this weekend marks an exciting first: a debut at Balaton Park Circuit. The last time the premier class visited Hungary was in 1992 at the Hungaroring, so this new chapter promises an unknown challenge for both riders and teams. It’s the second leg of the post-summer back-to-back races, and the paddock arrives reset, reloaded, and ready to go.
Key Talking Points from Thursday
Bagnaia tones it down: After sparking headlines in Austria with pointed comments about team dynamics, reigning Champion Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia (#63) was quick to clarify his stance in Hungary. He reassured the press that “there’s no problem with the team,” rowing back on remarks that had hinted at tension inside the Ducati Lenovo garage. The message was clear: focus forward, not backward.
Martin relishes a clean slate: Current title-holder Jorge Martin was all smiles when discussing the challenge of a completely new circuit. With no historical data, no old setups, and no rider references, he said the weekend was about “just riding” and adapting session by session — something he clearly relishes as a chance to showcase raw pace and instinct.
Miller and the Yamaha rumours: The rider market remains the biggest off-track storyline. Jack Miller, whose future has been linked to Yamaha, kept the speculation alive by issuing what many described as an ultimatum regarding the team’s direction and competitiveness. With contracts still in flux across the grid, his words only fuelled the already fast-spinning rumour mill.
Aleix Espargaró sidelined: Veteran Aleix Espargaró will sit out the Hungarian round following a cycling accident earlier in the week. Already nursing injuries, his withdrawal means there will be no late stand-in for Somkiat Chantra, leaving the field one man short.
Pol Espargaró steps in: In brighter news for the Espargaró family, Pol will return to the premier class this weekend, stepping in to cover for the injured Maverick Viñales. His comeback adds another intriguing subplot as fans wait to see how quickly he can adapt back to MotoGP pace.
Press Conference Highlights
Thursday’s official pre-event press conference welcomed three riders who each arrive in Hungary with momentum:
- Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing): the Italian carries the unique tag of being the last rider to win at a completely new venue, and with consistent form this year, he arrives as one to watch.
- Fermín Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP): fresh from a superb second place in Austria, the young Spaniard continues to prove he belongs at the sharp end of the grid.
- Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol): after delivering his best finish since India 2023 last time out, the 2020 World Champion comes to Balaton buoyed by a long-awaited upswing in performance.
The trio discussed expectations, new-track challenges, and fielded questions from the media, giving fans a taste of what to look out for as the weekend unfolds.
Images Official MotoGP
