Mark’s Hungarian GP Preview

The Hungaroring holds happy memories for Mark. He won in a Mercedes sportscar on his first visit to the track in 1998 and he took the spoils in Formula One back in 2010. He’s hoping for another top result this weekend in what will be his last F1 race at the circuit.

“I have good memories of racing in Hungary,” says Mark. “ I’ve had some decent results and scored a lot of points. It’s quite a tight and twisty track, but it’s very rewarding to drive in an F1 car, particularly though the middle sector. There’s a left-right after the top chicane that’s very challenging, but it’s a tough little track all over. I like it.”

Mark didn’t drive at last week’s Silverstone test, so Friday’s practice sessions will be his first taste of the new tyres that Pirelli are bringing to this race – 2012 construction combined with the 2013 compounds.

“I’ve heard what our guys said about the tyres last week and in terms of performance they don’t appear to be much different to what we had before. But I need to try them for myself before making any real comment. As ever, it’s going to be important to have a smooth weekend from the moment we first turn a wheel on Friday morning, right through to the chequered flag on Sunday night.”

With a heat wave sweeping central Europe this weekend, ambient temperatures are likely to nudge 40 degrees during the race. That will make life very tough for the cars and drivers – not that Mark’s worried.

“We train for it,” says Mark, “so we’ll be okay whatever the conditions. But this place is worse than most tracks for the drivers because we’re constantly sawing away behind the wheel and there’s only one straight along which we get to rest. We’ll probably sweat a bit, that’s for sure!”

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