Budapest has changed a great deal since Formula One first visited back in 1986, when it provided an exotic taste of life behind the Iron Curtain. Ferrari has won the event five times in those twenty two years and two of those victories stand out: in 1989, Nigel Mansell won from twelfth on the grid, which defied the odds on a track known for the difficulty of passing another car and in 1998, Michael Schumacher won with an unusual three stop strategy.

The German was the last man to win at the Hungaroring in the Prancing Horse colours, back in 2004. Driving for another team, Kimi Raikkonen won the following year.

As for the characteristics of the Hungaroring, they are well known: it requires, along with Monaco, the highest downforce configuration and Bridgestone will bring the same tyres as they did to the Principality, namely the "Soft" and "Super-Soft." The F2008 was very competitive in this trim, so there is no reason to think that should not be the case this weekend.

As usual, a strong qualifying performance is a vital step on the road to victory, with overtaking very difficult at this circuit, but again, looking back to Monaco, the Ferraris were very competitive there on the Super-Soft tyre used for the one lap discipline.

Usually, the race is based on a two stop strategy, although last year, some drivers did three, and starting the race on the clean side of the track can be a significant advantage on a track that always stays dirty off the racing line. It takes time to rubber in, which can cause tyre graining on the first day of practice, diminishing as the weekend goes on. As far as engines are concerned, Kimi will have a new one for this race, while Felipe's will be having its second outing.

For the first time on a race weekend, the F2008 will be fitted with, amongst other new components, the "anvil" engine cover, after Felipe Massa felt in Jerez that it brought some benefits. The team will travel to Hungary with its usual determination to aim for the win, with the added incentive that it's always good to go into the "summer break" on the back of a great result.