Széchenyi István University will host the Drone Racing World Cup Hungary 2023 international competition from 25 – 27 August, which also serves as the final round of the Hungarian championship. Near the Győr campus, pilots from ten countries, including members of the Hungarian national team, will pilot drones in exciting races for the enjoyment of the spectators. The event is free to attend.

Organized by Széchenyi István University and Edutus University in Tatabánya, the Drone Racing World Cup Hungary 2023 will take place in collaboration with Cloud for Intelligent Airplace Zrt. and the Hungarian Drone and Multirotor Association. The University of Győr provides the official championship venue recognized by the International Air Sports Federation (FAI), marking the second international multirotor FPV drone race in Hungary.

At the World Cup, considered a top level European race, in a field of approximately forty participants, alongside the Hungarian racers, Bulgarian, Romanian, Serbian, Croatian, Macedonian, Italian, Polish, Czech, and Slovaks are testing their skills. Notable names from the international elite, including one of the fastest pilots in the world, the Polish Paweł Laszczak, will also be present. The audience will have the opportunity to see members of the Hungarian national team preparing for the October world championship in South Korea, some of whom have strong podium prospects. These include Roland Rontó in the adult category and Márton Kőkuti in the junior category. The Győr World Cup also serves as the final round of the Hungarian championship.

Participants in the press conference included: Professor Dr Ferenc Friedler, Gergely Fábián, Judit Árvai-Füleki, Péter Bársony, and Professor Dr Palkovics László. (Photo: Csaba József Májer)

“Drones hold numerous opportunities within themselves, and ecosystem building contributes to the efficient utilization of these, along with the developing drone strategy. This applies to technology advancement, drone manufacturing itself, and the widespread use of drones, ranging from agriculture to national defense,” stated Gergely Fábián, State Secretary for Industrial Policy and Technology at the Ministry of Economic Development, during the opening press conference of the competition. He added that the use of drones for sports is important for education, as in a visually engaging manner it brings technology closer to young people.

Professor Dr Ferenc Friedler, Rector and Vice-President for Scientific Affairs at Széchenyi István University, mentioned that, among other things, modern technology and competitiveness are key connections between the Győr institution and drone racing. "With one of the most advanced infrastructures in Hungary, excellent students and research outcomes, our internationally ranked University significantly contributes to technological advancement while prioritizing sustainability," he emphasized. He also expressed the University's intention to continue hosting similar events in the future, further promoting drone technology.

Professor Dr László Palkovics, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Széchenyi István University Foundation, which oversees the University, and President of the Hungarian Drone Coalition, declared that Széchenyi University is Hungary's leading higher education institution in drone technology, holding ownership in one of the country's largest drone manufacturing companies. He noted that the Hungarian Drone Coalition is currently preparing the domestic drone strategy. This document aims to create a regulatory environment that supports drone-related activities, ensures safe operation conditions, fosters technological development, creates services and applications, and raises societal awareness about the opportunities and risks associated with these systems.

 Judit Árvai-Füleki, CEO of Edutus University, referred to the strong partnership with Széchenyi István University, which has already successfully organized several competitions together, in addition to drones, including in the domain of Lego robotics. "Through our collaboration, our goal is to integrate the world of drones into the subject of educational competitions. In October, we are planning an experimental drone competition with the participation of schools from Győr-Moson-Sopron County," she highlighted.

Péter Bársony, President of the Hungarian Drone and Multirotor Association, explained that competition drones can accelerate to speeds of 100 kilometres per hour within a second, and even reach 160-180 kilometres per hour. For the Győr World Cup, a track has been designed to keep speeds around 140 kilometres per hour. "Exceptional hand-eye coordination is required for professional drone control," he noted.

Exciting competitions will take place near the University in Győr. (Photo: Csaba József Májer)

The competition will be held in a safe venue, one of Győr’s most picturesque outdoor areas, the banks of the Dead Danube in the Bishop’s Forest, adjacent to the Széchenyi University campus. Pilots will need to complete three laps in the shortest time possible. On Saturday, during the speed rounds, spectators can watch the drones in succession, while on Sunday starting at 11 am, head-to-head battles will take place. The track, which includes tight turns, will have four participants competing against each other in each race, promising visually stunning clashes. The event is open to the public, and the organizers welcome all interested attendees.

For a detailed programme, visit the website: droneracehungary.hu/faiwc/en/the-competition/schedule