Hungary to host GP

The Balatonring, which has not yet been constructed, will host the country's first MotoGP race.

The site is near Savoly, 180 kilometres from Budapest near the Lake Balaton holiday area, and will be built by Spanish investment group Sedesa at a cost of 80 million euros (£63m) and will create work for 800 people.

With a capacity of 110,000 to 140,000 people, the 4650m long Balatonring will begin construction in September.

National Development and Economy Minister Gordon Bajnai said the government would help finance the project but refused to disclose the exact amount of money it would contribute.

Shanghai has been struck from the calendar following criticisms of the race's poor attendance and claims that the circuit - built for Formula One - is not well-suited to MotoGP bikes.

2009 provisional calendar:

April 12 - Qatar / Losail (Evening race)

April 26 – Japan / Motegi

May 3 – Spain / Jerez de la Frontera

May 17 - France / Le Mans

May 31 – Italy / Mugello

June 14 - Catalunya / Catalunya

June 27 – Netherlands / Assen (Saturday)

July 5 - United States / Laguna Seca (Only MotoGP class)

July 19 – Germany / Sachsenring

July 26 - Great Britain / Donington Park

August 16 - Czech Rep. / Brno

August 30 - Indianapolis / Indianapolis

September 13 - San Marino / Misano

September 20 – Hungary / Lake Balaton

October 4 - Portugal / Estoril

October 18 – Australia / Phillip Island

October 25 – Malaysia / Sepang

November 8 - Valencia / Valencia