The Hungaroring hosts round 11 of the Formula 1 World Championship this coming weekend, with the weather again expected to have an influence on the race. The Hungarian Grand Prix is traditionally very hot and South East Europe is currently in the middle of a summer heatwave so there is a possibility that we may have a repeat of the 2006 event as the above average temperatures are leading to widespread and unpredictable thunderstorms across the continent.

The Budapest track had never experienced a wet race until last year, when Pedro de la Rosa took his first podium at the wheel of a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-21 and after taking the Nurburgring by storm in the wet conditions a week ago, reigning world champion Fernando Alonso is looking for a repeat and to claim the lead of the championship battle from his rookie teammate.

"It was great to take the win in Germany and I hope to achieve the same result in Hungary,” Fernando said. “I have some good memories from this track, as I took my first Formula 1 victory in Hungary; however last year was not so good! It was a challenging race, with the time penalty that meant I started in 15th, making it up to take the lead and then dropping out. Despite this the track will always be special to me. I usually enjoy the race so am looking forward to racing there this year with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes.”

“It is a very slow track but also tough physically because of the conditions, which are usually very hot. Also, because of all the corners, it is constant fighting with the steering wheel and you have to have great traction for the exit phase of the corners, which is where we can find the speed. A stable front end is also very important so the car feels completely under control in the slow, long corners and you can really push the car despite the slower speeds. The MP4-22 has performed well at this type of track so far this season, so I am feeling positive for the race."