This year marks the 22nd time that the cross-country rally field takes over Várpalota, between the 14th and the 16th of August. As a round of the European Cup and the M1 Flotta National Cross-Country Rally Championship, the event offers visitors not only thrilling action on track, but also numerous programmes and an unforgettable atmosphere.
The FIA competitors will cover 457 kilometers, while the national field will race over 325 kilometers in just two days. On Friday, the chase begins at 3:15 PM with the 11.2-kilometer prologue. The first car for SS1 will set off at 5:40 PM. After the prologue, at 4:15 PM, the top 10 fastest drivers will choose their starting positions for the first stage at the Start Position Selection Ceremony in Várpalota’s main square. At 8:30 PM, the full cross-country rally field will parade through the main square for the start ceremony, where – following the traditional cannon shot – the rally machines will roll across the podium. HunGarian Baja is much more than just a rally: in the evening, thanks to the Vár-Bistro, DJs and live bands will take over the main square.
On Saturday at 8:00 AM, the first car will set off on the second 132-kilometer special, followed by the third special at 12:25 PM. The final, closing stage will only be run by the FIA field, starting at 5:00 PM. The HunGarian Baja will wrap up with the Hungarian Championship award ceremony at 7:00 PM, the European Cup podium at 8:30 PM, and – just like on Friday – a music-filled party to end the night.
Thanks to the town of Várpalota and its Mayor, Márta Talabér, the HunGarian Baja has truly found a home here. The race headquarters, Parc Fermé, and both the start and finish ceremonies will be set against the fairytale backdrop of Thury Castle, while the service park will once again be located in the Tesco parking lot – giving fans a chance to see the rally cars up close.
For the 22nd edition, 50 vehicles will line up at the start, featuring experienced Dakar competitors such as Benediktas Vanagas, Denis Krotov, Tomas Ourednicek, Miroslav Zapletal, and in the national field, the Leeuw Rallysport team with two trucks, among others. Over the two-day Baja, fans will see 13 T1+, 8 CHG, 10 SSV, 10 T4Nat, 1 Stock, 1 TH, 2 TRK, and 5 UP vehicles in action.
Year after year, more female competitors take the start, as drivers or as co-drivers, and this year is no exception. Eleven female competitors will race at HunGarian Baja – three in the FIA field and eight in the national field. On this occasion, and following last year’s success, the 2nd Women’s Conference will be held, where participants can expect a small special gift.
The Race Guide not only contains all essential information, but also includes spectator points, along with animated maps to help you follow the stages. Follow the HunGarian Baja and Hungarian cross-country rally pages to stay up to date with the latest news, updates, and exclusive content!
Source: HunGarian Baja
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