Hungarian GP promoter dies, could jeopardize F1 race

Tamas Frank

Is this the end of the Hungarian F1 GP after 27 consecutive years? Tamas Frank, the promoter and main driving force behind the Hungarian GP, has passed away at the age of 65.

A cloud has moved above the future of the Hungarian grand prix.

Tamas Frank, a Hungarian businessman and the driving force behind race promoter Hungaroring Sport Zrt, was found dead on Tuesday in his Budapest apartment.

Foreign language European media reports said the cause of the 65-year-old's death is not yet known.

Hungaroring Sport Zrt confirmed the death.

The reports said Tamas was the influential modern figure in the Hungarian race, and a close confidant of F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone.

Hungaroring Sport Zrt confirmed Frank shared an "excellent relationship" with Ecclestone.

A new contract for the Hungaroring race, which was regarded as one of the most established events on the F1 calendar, runs until 2016.

"Tamas' death is a great loss to Hungarian and international motor sport," said a race spokesman.

F1's first race held behind the former 'iron curtain', Hungary has hosted the grand prix in Mogyorod, near Budapest, without interruption since 1986.