Right, I've just made the most important decision in my life so far - to save up for next year's British GP! I never gone to any motorsport race before, so it's time to dip a toe in the water! What advice can my fellow F1 enthusiasts recommend for what I have tentatively called "Operation Go-and-watch-the-racing-at-Silverstone"? - Having never been before, can those who are more experienced tell me whether to go for a grandstand seat or a wandering one? - Out of the grandstands, which is the best to go for? - How much is this all likely to cost me? - Is anyone else going? - Will someone please look after me?
Vale and Becketts are brilliant. The grandstands in the arena section (Village and Farm) are probably pretty good too. If you buy a grandstand seat it's roving on Friday and Saturday so you can check out other parts of the track. Also, if anyone else has never been I'd strongly recommend getting down either next year or the one after, even if it's only during practice, just so you can experience the sound of the V8s.
I've never been to the f1, but i've been to the wrc numerous times. Some advice, always take a brolley, even if it says it's going to be dry. You can't trust this british weather at all.
The main problem I had in Germany was the grandstands. All there were was stone steps which a fat guy probably wouldnt have fitted on his seat without being squished. If I went again, I would probably go for a gold seat (seats not stone steps) or go to the grass and bring some chairs. You will have to get up very early on the day. On the Saturday we had to walk quite literally 3 miles just to get to our seats from the car park we got forced to park at. So on Sunday we got up at 5 in the morning and slept in the car as we got to the car park near our stand. For Germany, with fuel and ship costs too, it cost us about a grand. So without the fuel and ship it would probably be about £400. (~200 for ticket, and another 200 for accomodation/fuel) You can go to any stand on the Friday/Saturday but on the Sunday all the gates are locked and you will have to be at your seat. I dont know anybody going in 2012 But I plan to go with my group (peepz on Skype) in 2014.
-I usually get a general access pass, but its all down to personal preference -...Pass -Well food and drink is expensive(ish) there and you'll end up buying some merchandise so about £50 more than the ticket cost (+getting there) -I am due to go but nothings guaranteed. -The stewards there are brilliant and you'll be looked after by the fabulous atmosphere
Turns out i may be going next year too. It appears Natwest want me to attend an interview, which means a potential job, and some dosh, so i'll take some time off next year, and go to silverstone. I think i might try belgium as well. Now i'm in a very good mood.
Only 1 that i know of is going, and it's in my town (caerphilly) try the rbs jobs website to see if theres anything local for you.
I went this year, got a 3 day gold ticket for Village A, with camping, cost me around £315, then we only went through around £100 over the 3 days as they keep beer and food at reasonable prices. My advice is travel up early on Friday ( we set off from J3 on the M3 around 05:30 and were pitched and entering the stands at 0730!. Then stay over Sunday night and travel back Monday morning. We didn't queue once except for the occasional toilet visit. Village is a good corner complex and there is a big screen bang opposite and plenty of facilities just behind you, plus you can get out of the stands quick and have your pick of where to stand or sit for the after race party.
General admittance seems good on paper, but people were queuing on race day from the early hours and from what we saw of the GA areas only the people at the very front would get a good view, plus you may not get a TV screen and since they cut the 3G signal so any live timing apps don't work, you need to pay at least £75 to get the official mini TV thing. I'd buy a seat, but thats just personal preference.
I went this year and are going again next year! cant wait! Camping is great, sat in stowe b this year great seats and sitting at vale next year! You wont be disappointed! the atmosphere is electric. Of all the gps ive been too, its by far the best in all aspects. my only grumble is that one of the toilet blocks in the campsite had no hand soap for the hole weekend which was pretty groose and poor really but other than that loved it! : )
Having never been to Silverstone (or anywhere near it for that matter) it's hard for me to say but nevertheless, I think a good place to see a lot of the action would be at Stowe, facing down the Hangar Straight, because from there you could see Stowe, Vale and Club and also down the Hangar Straight and (if you have good eyesight) the Maggots/Becketts complex. But again, I've never been there so I could be wrong. Anyway have fun!
Are there any hotels near silverstone? After the debacle last time i went camping, and woke up with the word cock on my head, i don't fancy staying in a tent.
Good luck seeing CLub from Stowe, there is a fair bit in the way now. Luffield saw a lot of action this year and you get to see the cars approach head on down the new wellington straight and have a pretty rapid direction change, great i the wet too. The new pitstraight is over priced, you only see half the pit lane, and won't see the garages of the top 3 or 4 teams as they are below ground level by that point if they choose the end nearest the exit again.
Great decision Westy. I sincerely hope you have a fantastic weekend, although I find it impossible not to want to apologise for the pricing, which I still believe is disproportionate for our home Grand Prix. But I mustn't apologise. Just have a thoroughly great time. You'll get plenty of time to have a thorough look around but the new grandstands give a great view of a lot of the circuit as well as having a very clear display which ensures you'll not miss any hidden action. Check out the many YouTube videos which should give a good idea of views from various locations, but remember that very few people who hold a camera can give an idea of your overall view - and ability to turn your head to see action elsewhere! P.S. I agree with Bob's comment above too. Good advice.
Thanks for all the info and advice guys. I think I'm probably going to go for a covered stand at Vale or CLub. Got to check out hotels though as I'm really not the camping sort! Hope there's a Travelodge nearby or something! [EDIT] - Turns out there's loads of Travelodges, but might have to go further afield than Towcester as that's already been booked up!
I should be going next year. Need to start saving up now. I hope to see some Not606 F1 flags flying high
Before seeing your edit Westy, I was about to reassure you about Travelodges (etc.). But in it, you have also touched on the reason so many people resort to camping. Good luck with your hunt.
