Magyar Posta celebrates the 25th Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix

Magyar Posta celebrates the 25^th Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix by issuing a special stamp.

During the 1980’s Bernie Ecclestone decided that he would hold a Formula 1 Grand prix in one of the socialist countries. In 1983 he visited Budapest, where he found sponsors. In the same year negotiations were started, then in London on 10 September 1985 the agreement on holding the Hungarian Grand Prix for five years was signed.

On 15 October 1985 the earthworks for the construction of the Hungaroring were started on 73 hectares between Kerepestarcsa and Mogyoród, the large majority of which were completed by the end of that year. Due to the weather conditions the construction work was only restarted in March, when the asphalt track was laid. The pits, the four-storey tower building, the stands and the radio cabins were all completed at great speed. The construction project was completed by the deadline in eight months at the end of May.

Every year since 1986 the Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix has been held on the Hungaroring racetrack located just outside of Mogyoród near to Budapest. After minor alterations the track received its current 4.381 length and shape in 2003. The race consists of 70 laps, in other words the drivers have to drive 306.67 km, which distance they cover in about 110 minutes. At the race in 2008 it was announced that the Grand prix contract had been extended until 2016. (Source: hu.wikipedia.org)

Racecars appear as the main motif of the graphic composition on the stamp issued on the occasion of the 25^th Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix. The stamp also includes the logo welcoming the quarter century anniversary, the silhouette of the Hungaroring track and the official logo of Formula 1. An interesting feature of the issue is that Hungarian and English texts certifying copyright compliance may be read on the edges of the printed sheets. The first day cover is decorated with a graphic composition related to the anniversary. The special cancellation stamp includes a stylised drawing of the anniversary logo.

The commemorative sheet shows a graphic composition formed of motifs connected to the 25^th Formula 1 Grand Prix, the main elements of which are: a portrait of Bernie Ecclestone; a drawing of a race car with the 25^th anniversary number, the year and national colour ribbon. The official logo of Formula 1 is located in the upper right part of the commemorative sheet. Two 25^th Formula 1 Hungarian Grand prix special stamps have been fixed to the commemorative sheet, which have been cancelled with the special cancellation stamp related to the issue.