McLaren previews this weekend's F1 race at the Hungaroring in Hungary.

Grand Prix Preview Hungary 2015 Facts & Stats: Hungaroring The Circuit After the fast sweeps of Silverstone, Formula 1 heads to the slowest permanent circuit on the calendar next weekend. The Hungaroring is tortuously twisting and narrow, and has few fast corners. To be competitive, a car needs to have aerodynamic stability and good traction. The Hungaroring was the first circuit in the world to be built specifically for F1. It was completed in just nine months ahead of its first grand prix in August 1986 and it’s been a permanent fixture ever since. Only six tracks on this year’s schedule have staged more grands prix than this 4.381km/2.722-mile track. With an average speed of just 190km/h (118mph), the Hungaroring rewards low-speed traction. However, grip levels are poor early in the weekend because the asphalt is usually very dusty and slippery. This makes life very difficult for the drivers during Friday’s practice sessions, until some rubber has been laid down on the racing line. As you’d expect on a track where overtaking is difficult, the start of the race is crucial. It’s advantageous to line up on the clean side of the grid, and the run to the first corner is 610 metres – the fourth longest of the year – so there’s a lot of jostling for position on the approach to Turn One. The combination of old and abrasive asphalt, and high track temperatures, provides a hostile working environment for the tyres. For this reason, Pirelli are taking their Soft (Option) and Medium (Prime) tyre compounds to the race. It’s the first time this combination has been used since the Bahrain Grand Prix in April. McLaren is the most successful constructor at the Hungaroring. The team has won there 11 times, which is more than one-third of the races staged at the track. It was also in Hungary that the team’s 2015 race drivers scored their maiden F1 wins, Fernando Alonso in 2003 and Jenson Button in 2006. Vital Statistics Hungarian Grand Prix 24th - 26th July Hungaroring Race distance 70 laps (full world championship points awarded after 75% distance/53 laps) Start time 1400 (local) / 1200 (GMT) Circuit length 4.381km/2.722 miles 2014 winner Daniel Ricciardo 2014 pole Nico Rosberg 1m22.715s (190.674km/h) 2014 Fastest lap Nico Rosberg 1m25.724s (183.981km/h) First race 1986 Don't put the kettle on... The Hungaroring has a short pitlane; it takes only 16s to complete a pitstop and that opens up a lot of strategy options. For the last two years the race has been won with three pitstops, so stay tuned on laps 9-12; 30-33 and 50-55. Full throttle 55 per cent Fuel consumption 2.1kg per lap, which is high Brakewear Medium. There’s a significant braking event into Turn 1, where deceleration exceeds 5g, but only 14 percent of the lap is spent on the brakes Weather Usually, it’s very warm at this time of year – 25-30 degrees. It’s unusual to see rain, but that’s what happened last year (and in 2011 and ’06). DRS zones Two – on the approach to Turn One and, again, on the approach to Turn Two Top speed 305km/h on the approach to Turn One Safety Car likelihood Low. There were two Safety Car periods last year, but, statistically, there’s still only a 10 per cent chance of a Safety Car McLaren at the Hungarian Grand Prix Wins 11 (1988, 1991, 1992, 1999, 2000, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012) Poles 8 (1988, 1991, 1998, 1999, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2012) Fastest laps 5 (1988, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2005) Team Talk #14 Fernando Alonso Age 33 (July 29 1981) GPs 242 Wins 32 Poles 22 FLs 21 “It’s funny to think that both Jenson and I won our first grand prix in Hungary. That, of course, makes it a special place for me, and a venue that’ll always hold good memories for me. I really like this place; it’s a track that you really have to attack to get a good laptime, and, although it’s often thought of as a slow circuit, the sweeps around the back of the circuit are all really satisfying, and require a lot of commitment.  The left-hander at Turn Six, in particular, is a really great corner – approached blind over a crest, and really hard to nail perfectly. “I think the team is looking forward to this race: the track will offer us a reasonable opportunity to showcase our steady progress, and I’d like to think that, if everything runs smoothly, we could have a less difficult weekend.” #22 Jenson Button Age 35 (January 19 1980) GPs 274 Wins 15 Poles 8 FLs 8 “It’s going to be a nice feeling to return to the Hungaroring with Honda power behind me, having last won a race for Honda at this very track back in 2006. Obviously, I have a place in my heart for this place – any driver’s first grand prix victory is a special event – but, that aside, it’s a place I’ve always enjoyed. “Although my race at Silverstone was extremely disappointing, Fernando’s points finish was well deserved. There’s been absolutely no let-up on the technical side – having personally seen the effort that’s been going on at MTC, and heard about the work that’s being done at Sakura, I know we’re slowly but surely getting there. “Of course, that’s difficult to substantiate without decent results, but let’s hope we can go into the summer break feeling confident about the second half of the season.” Eric Boullier Racing director, McLaren-Honda “Last weekend’s sad news about Jules Bianchi means that the grand prix circus heads to Budapest with heavy hearts. We’ll all remember his life in our own personal way, but Formula 1 will come together on Sunday to silently and respectfully mark his passing.  “The weekend’s news has firmly put things into perspective, but we head to Hungary keen to shake off the poor luck we’ve encountered in recent races. “It’s been a source of great frustration to see new components and upgrades destroyed before they’ve had the chance to be race-proven, through a series of first-lap accidents. However, the unshakeable belief and optimism of Fernando and Jenson has set the example for the whole team: they are remarkable assets, and their commitment during these times is incredibly valuable. “Honda, too, has shown a commitment that remains admirably undiminished. Together, we are showing the fighting spirit and resilience that will see us continue to improve our performance and reliability as we move back to the front. “I hope that our performance in Hungary will scratch the surface on the performance and potential that lies within our organisation – it would be great to go into the break feeling re-energised about the races ahead.” Yasuhisa Arai Chief officer of motorsport, Honda R&D Co Ltd “The Hungaroring is a twisty track that’s mostly made up of continuous slow- to mid-speed corners and various elevation changes that makes it very difficult to overtake. Each corner is technical and tight, but there is a certain flow to it that makes it different from a stop-and-go circuit. “Due to its lack of long straights and full-throttle sectors, this track is less strenuous for the power unit compared to most circuits. However, the frequent undulation requires more precise energy management and deployment at lower gears and corner exits. Getting our energy management settings right will be crucial throughout the weekend. “Our goal is to end the first half of the season with precise energy management and full use of the ERS to enable the drivers' skills to shine through at this circuit. ”

Canadian Grand Prix review

Grand Prix Preview

Canada 2014

This weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix is Formula 1’s first foray of the year to North America. It’s a popular event with fans and drivers alike because the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve usually throws up an exciting and unpredictable race, and the vibrant city of Montreal provides a colourful backdrop to the on-track activity.

Facts & Stats: Circuit de Gilles Villeneuve

The Circuit

The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is the first high-speed track of the 2014 campaign. The cars exceed 300km/h (186mph) on four occasions around the lap, but the corners are all relatively slow, and that places an emphasis on three key areas of performance: top speed, braking and traction. From a driving point of view, the 4.361km (2.710-mile) circuit is hard to tame because the walls are close and the apex kerbs high; the smallest error can result in a crash. The final corner in particular has claimed its share of superstars, and is known colloquially as “The Wall of Champions”. The Canadian Grand Prix’s association with Formula 1 dates back to 1967, the year that Montreal’s Ile Notre Dame was built in the St Lawrence River to host Expo ’67. The early F1 races were staged at Mosport, near Toronto, before the event found its permanent home in Montreal in 1978. The circuit has been updated several times, the most recent changes taking place in 2002 when the approach to the Hairpin (Turn 10) was shortened and the pitlane exit was lengthened. As a result of those changes, the number of race laps was increased from 69 to 70.

The Race

Harsh winters and hot summers take their toll on the circuit’s asphalt. Despite being re-surfaced only a few years ago, bumps and cracks are already appearing and cars have to be set-up accordingly. However, the track surface remains surprisingly smooth, which is why Pirelli are taking their Soft (Prime) and Supersoft (Option) tyre compounds to the race – the same as at Monaco a fortnight ago.

The Team

McLaren has an impressive record in Canada, having won the race 13 times. Among those victories is Jenson Button’s magnificent victory in 2011, when he drove from last to first and took the lead on the final lap of the race. Kevin Magnussen has never previously raced at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

Vital Statistics

Canadian Grand Prix 6th - 8th MAY Circuit de Gilles Villeneuve

Race distance 70 laps (305.270km/189.700 miles) Start time 14:00 (local)/18:00 (GMT) Circuit length 4.361km/2.710 miles 2013 winner Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB9) 70 laps in 1hr32m09.143s (198.759km/h) 2013 pole Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB9) 1m25.425s (183.782km/h) Lap record Rubens Barrichello (Ferrari F2004) 1m13.622s (213.246km/h) First race 1978 What makes it special: High top speeds, lots of overtaking places and plenty to do in the evenings Wins from pole 15 Track abrasiveness Low. Pirelli are taking their two softest tyre compounds to the race Pirelli tyre choice Supersoft (Option)/Soft (Prime) 2013 winning strategy Two stops Fuel consumption High. Nearly 70 per cent of the lap is spent on full throttle, with lots of hard acceleration from slow-speed corners Brakewear High. There are seven major braking areas around the lap, with the heaviest deceleration peaking at 5.5g into the final chicane. Brake wear and temperatures have to be carefully monitored Weather Montreal’s coastal location can throw up all types of weather in June. Last year there was rain in qualifying and sunshine during the race, and the teams should be prepared for anything this weekend DRS zones Two – along the start-finish straight and on the approach to the final corner Turbo effect High, due to lots of acceleration from slow speeds Safety Car likelihood High. Ten of the last 15 Canadian Grands Prix have been interrupted by the Safety Car, with nearly half of the race in 2011 spent behind it Grid advantage The racing line is on the right-hand-side: if it’s been a rain-free weekend and rubber has built up from practice and qualifying, then it holds a slight advantage at the start Pitlane time 21s

McLaren at the Canadian Grand Prix

Wins 13 (1968, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1999, 2005, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012) Poles 11 (1972, 1974, 1976, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1998, 2007, 2008, 2010) Fastest laps 11 (1971, 1981, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1997, 2000, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2011)