The “Road to Formula 1” project was recently launched through an expanded partnership, with the aim of having a Hungarian driver in the premier category by 2029-2030, reports Mandarin.
Péter Zentai, founder of Hilaris Hotels, is the ambassador and main sponsor of this project, supported by HUMDA, the Hungarian Mobility Development Agency, as well as the State. Vince Szalay-Bobrovniczky, Deputy Secretary of State for Civil and Social Relations in the Prime Minister's Office, said he is paying particular attention to this project, which he considers a national issue given that the Hungarian Grand Prix has been featured for decades on the world championship calendar. “It is symbolic to announce this project on Hungarian Culture Day,” he said, adding that he “couldn't wish for anything better on this day than to see our Formula 1 dream come true.”
Currently, hopes of seeing a Hungarian driver in F1 are focused on 2022 World Karting Championship silver medalist, Ádám Hideg, and last year's British Formula 4 rookie champion, Martin Molnár. Other young Hungarian talents, such as Marcell Zsebő, Tamás Gender, Bennett Gáspár and Patrik Lipovics, have also already achieved excellent international results in their age category.
“Our work did not start recently, but three or four years ago, and we are constantly monitoring and searching for talents. Our objective is to have a national strategic base behind young people. »
However, I think this requires more support from the private and public sectors than we currently have. This is why we decided to engage in the Road to Formula 1 program. We have selected young people who have the mental, physical and other skills necessary to reach a serious level and attract the interest of top international teams . I hope not to get carried away, but we are on the right track, because teams in F3 and F4 are already showing interest in our best drivers,” said Balázs Weingartner, President of HUMDA.
Little reminder
The last time Hungary had a Formula 1 driver was in the early 2000s, with Zsolt Baumgartner, who raced for the Jordan and Minardi teams. He remains the only Hungarian driver to have participated and scored points in F1.
Baumgartner made his debut at the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2003. He competed for the entire 2004 season, and after two failed attempts, he managed to give Minardi their first point in over two years by finishing eighth. during the United States Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
-He believes it is a national issue in which social, economic and political actors can also play a role.
Moreover, the aim is not only to bring young Hungarian talents into the world of Formula 4, Formula 3, Formula 2 or Formula 1, but also to demonstrate their skills in elite motorsport championships like the Superbike or Moto GP. As is well known, these two series will visit our country this year, more precisely the Balaton Park Circuit. Norbert Michelisz, World Touring Champion, and Gábor Talmácsi, 125cc Moto GP World Champion in 2007, will help ensure success.
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Via Mandiner, Photo mise en avant via Pixabay
