DSC’s Daily Notebook (17/05/2023)

Balaton National Park opens its doors

The Balaton National Park circuit in Hungary has been officially launched following a four-year build. The brand new track, which became the highest FIA standard track to be constructed in Central Europe for over 15 years, is now ready to host international events.

To mark the occasion, media, local dignitaries and VIPs gathered earlier this week at the circuit, which is located in the Balaton Lake region, 87 km from Budapest.

The 4.1 km, 16-corner, anti-clockwise track houses 48 garages and three paddocks, in addition to brand-new facilities for media, VIPs and fans. Currently, the circuit houses permanent grandstand seating for 10,000 spectators, though up to 120,000 fans can be accommodated with additional temporary stands.

While the circuit has been built to FIA Grade 1 standards, initially a Grade 2 licence has been applied for, ensuring it can host international events straight away.

Former F1 driver Giancarlo Fisichella, who has driven the circuit, was full of praise for its layout:

“Driving Balaton Park Circuit for the first time, I was impressed by its character,” he said. “The track really has it all – a thrilling blend of high-speed corners, challenging hairpins and cool chicanes. It’s a track that flows nicely, giving you a great racing feeling. The first corner and the end of the back straight are prime spots for overtakes. All in all, Balaton Park is a treat to drive.”

The circuit’s first notable on-track event is set to be a Porsche 75th anniversary celebration. The German marque will hold a two-week driving programme, followed by a one-day “Festival of Dreams” event next month.

Looking ahead, there is more to come in regard to facilities. A luxury 4-star hotel with a full view of the track is due to be completed next season. A second phase of the project is also planned, with additional attractions and a museum set to be added.

Albert Costa gets DTM call up

Albert Costa will make his DTM debut at Zandvoort next month with Emil Frey Racing. The Spaniard will step in for Briton Jack Aitken, who has a clash with the IMSA Endurance Cup round at Watkins Glen, where he will race with Action Express in GTP.

NEWS I will debut in DTM at Zandvoort with Emil Frey Ferrari replacing @jaitkenracer , who has a clash! Thank you @emil_frey_racing for this great chance and good luck to my great friend Jack on his race! pic.twitter.com/m6ddYnPb3J

— Albert Costa Balboa (@ACostaBalboa) May 16, 2023

This drive for Costa adds to his current World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup programme with the Swiss team, which began last weekend at Brands Hatch.

Le Mans colours and drivers confirmed for GRAFF

French LMP2 team GRAFF Racing has shown off a new patriotic livery for its #39 ORECA 07 Gibson which will compete in the LMP2 Pro-Am class at the Le Mans 24 Hours next month.

It's alive! Our 2023 Le Mans 24 Hours livery is here, paying hommage to our home colours: bleu-blanc-rouge
????⚪️????@24hoursoflemans @GvanderGarde @PatrickPilet pic.twitter.com/lbdEeUppxW

— GRAFF Racing (@GraffRacing) May 16, 2023

In addition to its new colour scheme for the 07 driven by François Hériau, Patrick Pilet and Giedo van der Garde, GRAFF has also revealed the drivers for its Road to Le Mans and Ligier European Series entries that will be on track during the event.

For Road to Le Mans, its full-season Le Mans Cup drivers James Sweetnam, Lucca Allen, Fraser Ross and George Nakas, will all be present. The team has entered a third Ligier JS P320 too for Sébastien Page and Haowen Luo.

Meanwhile, for the Ligier European Series track action Jacopo D’Amato, an Ultimate Cup driver for the team, will drive a Ligier JS P4.

Finally, GRAFF has named Alexandre Cougnaud as its reserve driver for the 24 Hours.

“I am delighted to be back with team GRAFF as a reserve driver for this Centenary edition,” Cougnaud said. “I have been lucky enough to do three seasons with the team from 2018 to 2020 and it was important for me to stay close to this event after finishing 2nd in LMP2 last year.”

The Manta returns!

The paddock is alive at the Nürburgring ahead of the 24 Hours this weekend. The trucks have arrived, the garages are set up, and perhaps most importantly, the cars and drivers are almost ready to hit the track.

Welcome back home

Exactly one year ago, the Opel Manta burnt out shortly before the 24h-race.

As of today, they are back in the @24hNBR paddock! #HeartRace #24hNBR pic.twitter.com/xb38e6rxZH

— Nürburgring (@nuerburgring) May 16, 2023

A welcome sight is the return of the Kissling Motorsport Opel Manta (above), which was unable to take part in the race last year after a workshop fire before the event caused huge damage to the car. It ended a 24-year streak at the event for the fan-favourite car.

Thankfully, this year it’s back and has already been spotted in the paddock.

Beyond the paddock, the camping grounds appear to be filling fast too. It looks like a huge crowd will be on hand for this year’s running!

It´s THE raceweek!
And the first fans already arrived.
We´re looking forward to the upcoming days!#HeartRace pic.twitter.com/LG0zf82sN9

— Nürburgring (@nuerburgring) May 15, 2023

Isotta Monza pictures released

Isotta Fraschini has released some images from the first day of its Tipo 6 LMH Competizione test at Monza, which got underway yesterday and continues today.

Some images from the first day of testing in Monza
_____#IsottaFraschini #Tipo6Competizione #hypercar #TheFastestLuxury #IFMcars #LMH #LeMansHypercar #Monza #AutodromoDiMonza pic.twitter.com/ExMTngvccJ

— Isotta Fraschini Milano (@IFMcars) May 16, 2023

The post DSC’s Daily Notebook (17/05/2023) first appeared on dailysportscar.com.