Twelve Races, Two Hungarian Drivers – The International GT Open Returns to the Hungaroring!
Power, wheel-to-wheel battles, spectacular overtaking, and breathtaking race cars – that’s what the International GT Open is all about. Returning once again to the Hungaroring, this year’s event will feature two Hungarian drivers on the grid: Csaba Walter in the GT Open and Martin Molnár in the GB3 Championship. Across two full race days on 4–5 July, fans can enjoy no fewer than twelve races.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the Hungaroring will once again host one of Europe's most prestigious GT championships. While the GT Open remains the headline attraction, the support categories promise plenty of excitement as well, with five races on Saturday and seven on Sunday. Combined with a packed programme of fan activities, the weekend offers everything motorsport enthusiasts could ask for.
Hungarian fans will have plenty to cheer for. Csaba Walter will compete in the GT Open alongside Antal Zsigó, driving a GT3-spec BMW M4 for a Slovak team. Although Walter has previously competed in the GT Cup category, this will mark his debut in the championship's premier GT Open class. The format features 70-minute endurance races on both Saturday and Sunday, with two drivers sharing the car and completing one mandatory driver change.
"We want to have a strong race together with Anti Zsigó, proudly represent the Hungarian colours, and achieve the best possible result, not only in our class but also in the overall classification," said Walter. "Anti already has experience in the championship and knows the car well. I've raced a similar type of car before, but I've never driven this BMW, so Friday's practice sessions will be about getting familiar with it. One thing that definitely works in my favour is that I love the Hungaroring. I've spent decades racing here and know every corner like the back of my hand. Racing in front of the home crowd is always an extra source of motivation."
Fans of single-seater racing also have plenty to look forward to. The Euroformula Open returns to the Hungaroring alongside the revamped Formula Regional European Championship and the GB3 Championship. All three series showcase some of motorsport's brightest young talents, but the GB3 Championship will be particularly special for Hungarian fans, as Martin Molnár makes his home debut after graduating from two seasons in Formula 4.
Molnár will race for Rodin Motorsport, the reigning powerhouse that has produced the last three GB3 champions and also captured the teams' championship title.
"I'm really looking forward to the weekend because it will be my first race at home," said Molnár. "Preparation is the same as for every other event, I'm here in England, working with the team on the simulator. It feels a little unusual that the Hungaroring is considered my home circuit even though I've only tested there for a couple of hours, while I know Silverstone like the back of my hand. Even so, this is my home race, and I've set my goals accordingly. We've had consistently strong weekends so far, always getting the maximum out of every opportunity, and that's exactly what I want to continue doing. If that's enough for a podium, fantastic, but of course, my dream is to claim my first GB3 victory at the Hungaroring."
The experience extends well beyond the racing itself. Tickets are available online and at the circuit, while a limited number of paddock passes remain on sale for fans wishing to experience the action behind the scenes. Spectators in the grandstands will enjoy excellent views of the pit stops, driver changes, and team operations, while autograph sessions will take place during the lunch break on both race days.
Behind the Main Grandstand, the popular Hungaroring Classic returns with its celebrated classic car concours and exhibition. Visitors can admire beautifully restored vintage cars and motorcycles, attend club gatherings, enjoy a classic car beauty contest, experience 1970s and 1980s fashion shows, rockabilly performances, street musicians, children's activities, a ladies' vintage hairstyle competition, a gentlemen's hat contest, and many more attractions throughout the weekend.
Tickets and details: gpticketshop.hu
See you in July!
