The Hungarian round of the World Superbike Championship is in serious jeopardy, and an alternative is already being considered: Estoril, in Portugal. The Hungarian round is scheduled for August, following Portimão, at the new Balaton Park circuit.
The agreement with the organizing entity is for ten years, but the investment required to adapt the track for motorcycle races (as it is more geared towards cars) is casting doubt on everything. According to the website GPOne.com, the alternative in Hungary is the Pannonia-Ring, which was inspected two weeks ago by Dorna and FIM. However, some interventions are needed and the paddock (including the existing boxes) is too small for the WSBK. Additionally, grandstands for the public and a press room would need to be built.
Considering the doubts about Balaton Park and the herculean task that would be involved in Pannonia-Ring hosting the championship, another solution could be Estoril. The circuit on the outskirts of Lisbon has already hosted WSBK until 2022 and could now return to the calendar. The Hungarian round is scheduled for August 23-25, just two weeks after Portimão. Therefore, Estoril emerges as an interesting option from a cost-efficiency perspective if it is not possible to hold the Hungarian event.
