Intro: When I used to post Raw Challenge images for PhotoGP readers to process, one of the most meaningful benefits of that series was meeting (sometimes only via email but occasionally in person as well) other photographers who chose motorcycle racing as their preferred subject. Among the friendly and creative photographers who participated in Raw Challenges was a fellow from Hungary named Balázs Gémesi. I recall several enjoyable exchanges with Balázs and counted him as yet another example of how sharing interests in motorcycle racing and photography led to yet another friendly, interesting person whom I would not have had the opportunity to meet otherwise. I recently heard from Balázs again as he prepared to photograph his home race, the Hungarian Grand Prix at Balaton Park. It has been some time since I added any new content here on the PhotoGP website, but I have always tried to help and promote other photographers who deserve whatever modest help I can provide. So I’m pleased to present some of Balázs’ work from the 2026 Balaton Park MotoGP race weekend, along with some comments he has written to accompany his photos. –Scott

In 2025, after 33 years there was a MotoGP race in Hungary… It’s hard to believe how fast a year has passed, and once again I found myself at the Balaton Park Circuit for MotoGP with my friend and colleague, István Lehotzky.

This year, I tried to take it easy over the weekend and not to rush around like I did last year. Instead, I focused on enjoying the photography experience and creating images that I could be proud of.

It was a privilege for me to be part of this environment, getting close to these incredible motorbikes and observing the work of fellow photographers. For me, photographing MotoGP represents the pinnacle of motorsports photography.

Compared to last year, I spent much more time trackside and made an effort to take photos from locations and angles that I hadn’t tried before—not during last year’s MotoGP event and not even during the World Superbike races.

I had a rough plan for which corners and sectors I wanted to photograph during each session, but as always, the realities of racing and life completely rewrote that plan.

I used the following body and lenses: Sony Alpha 7 V / Sony Alpha 9 III / Canon EOS R / Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM / Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L / Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS / Sony FE 400-800mm F/6.3-8 G OSS.

Overall, it was an amazing weekend. Balaton Park has become one of my favorite race tracks.

I had the chance to reconnect with many old friends in the fan zone, and I truly believe this event is important for the Hungarian motorcycling community. It brings people together and creates a special sense of community. I hope it remains on the calendar for many years onwards, and that we’ll meet again at this fantastic circuit many times in the future.

Thank you for reading about my weekend. And finally… please take a look at our photos and please follow us on our social media sites, Instagram and Facebook.

Photographs: ©2026 by Balázs Gémesi – All Rights Reserved.