F1: Hungarian GP Promoter Frank Dies Age 65

Formula 1

F1: Hungarian GP Promoter Frank Dies Age 65

The Hungarian GP is planned for the end of July...

Adam Cooper | http://www.speedtv.com | Posted June 05, 2012 Balen (BEL)

Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Red Bull Racing drives in for a pitstop during qualifying for the Hungarian Formula One Grand Prix at the Hungaroring on July 30, 2011 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo: Getty Images)

Tamas Frank, the promoter and the main driving force behind the Hungarian GP for many years, has passed away at the age of 65.

Frank was reportedly found dead at his apartment in Budapest this morning.

A close associate of Bernie Ecclestone, he was a familiar face in paddocks around the world. He was Vice President of both the Hungaroring and of the MNASZ, the country’s motor sporting authority.
He also pushed the career of sometime F1 driver Zsolt Baumgartner and was involved in Hungary’s F1 TV coverage.

His role in keeping the Hungarian GP going over the years via his personal connections with Ecclestone cannot be underestimated. His death is thus a big loss for the country’s motor sport community, and it’s no exaggeration to suggest that the race might struggle longer term without him.

Adam Cooper notched up his 27th season as a racing journalist in 2011. He has written about F1 for SPEED.com since 2005. Follow him on Twitter.