I must begin with a embarrassing confession: although I've been an avid F1 fan for over 30 years, I have never been to a Grand Prix. It is high time I remedied this shameful situation. My question is this: which Grands Prix are most accessible to a fan with limited funds? For example: Silverstone is pricey but is cheap and easy to get to; Spa is close too and I think less expensive; Turkey is further away but I think may have cheaper tickets next year to lure the crowds which have so far eluded it; Monaco - well, I can dream... Does anyone have any advice on where one can go on a budget? I don't mind distance, camping, general slumming it etc. And where would be a good vantage point at any given track? Any help will be greatly appreciated and thank you in advance.
I'd have said Silverstone, but I've never really looked into anywhere else. I'd recommend Abbey, Maggots/Becketts/Chapel or Vale as best spectator point.
Ive only ever been to silverstone and would love to go to an abroad race. So Im listening out here too =) I must say seeing a race beside the track is so exhilarating. You couldnt imagine the sounds, sights and smell of the cars. you will **** bricks the first time they roll out.
I've never seen a Grand Prix, I've seen 3 football matches live (2 losses 1 win ), and I have only seen one concert, which was Roger Waters: The Wall on Saturday in Manchester. It absolutely blew my mind, and if anyone was thinking about going to see it, I would highly recommend it!
The only GP I have been to has been Silverstone, I have always thought about going to Spa though because it is reasonably close and should be easy to get tickets for. I would love to sit at the bottom of Eau Rouge. please log in to view this image
Thanks to all. Yes, Bando, I was thinking that this could be of general service. Silverstone, Spa and Turkey seem like the most obvious options to me but I hope others will know more wheres and whys.
I try to imagine! My only point of reference is going to Cadwell Park with my dad as a kid. Even that was thrilling, more than I expected so I try to imagine it amplified at least 10-fold.
Silverstone, Stowe, for me. -----------Spa, Au Rouge,----------- Monaco, behind Rascasse up in the trees under the palace, not that expensive, camp at Nice or Cannes, go in and out by train, easy.-------------- Personally would not do Turkey. -------------My favorite was Brands, Clearways, now Clark Curve. If you do go, then you will be hooked, the whole experience is mindblowing.
I can't really give you much advice, but I know a friend who's been to Valencia. From his experience: - Seats were **** - Prices were expensive - Very hot That's not to say it's a bad place to go, this is just an individual opinion. Overall though it might be easier to just go to Silverstone, I might be going this year, if I can.
I've not been to a race as a fan for so long I cannot remember the last time! So my answer may be way out. But here goes anyway… To some extent, I would think it depends on how much time you have available. For instance, if you include your Grand Prix in a week's holiday, the over all experience will be what matters. Wherever you go, get there early so that you can see every session. Everyone's budget is different of course but if we restrict this to Europe, nothing betters the glitz of Monaco. When it is their weekend, this is simply the best place to be on the whole of planet Earth. And Ernie's offered some useful advice! Monaco really justifies a week (at least) but it does not need to. If that's off the agenda, Silverstone is fantastic now and the facilities are way better than Spa, which would be the next logical choice. Then again, nobody does it like Melbourne's Aussies (except perhaps the Canadians in Montreal). The drive to Barcelona is a great experience in a reasonably powerful car but bear in mind that the circuit is well away from what is one of my favourite cities. Nearer to home is Hockenheim of course: a place packed to the brim with very enthusiastic, good humoured (but often drunk) Germans! Turkey would be my last choice for 'atmosphere' (like China but without the romance) but I understand both are very cheap.
I'm going to Nurburgring this year. Wasnt too expensive for the tickets but everything included it could be upto ã700. If Silverstone is too expensive maybe Turkey could be good, Hungary i have heard is cheap too but its normally a bad race.
spa spa spa spa spa spa spa.........you'll never regret it. The high bank at Pouhon was a great spot, no fences infront of you and only ã90ish...
A big thank you to everyone who responded: plenty of ideas here! Ernie and Cosi, cheers for the tips on Monaco; it's definitely one I'd love to see and being able to make a bit of holiday of it is definitely a bonus. So, not so expensive after all! And they let you in without a yacht: who'd have thought it!! Spain is always appealing. Used to live in BCN so the chance to revisit old haunts is very attractive; Valencia, I don't know so that would be a new experience. As for "Spa, Spa, Spa, Spa... I'll never regret it", well Monaco and Spa are the two races I'd most like to see. I think the only negative is that as a destination, it's the race and not much else there but that's a presumption. I'm tending to think that the smart (lack of) money may be on this one. So, Ernie, I'm going to be hooked? Hmm, just what I need, another expensive habit! Once again, thanks for all the advice; plenty of food for thought.
Careful Maxie, hooked sounds more painful than spanking, dependant upon where one has been hooked of course, and being hooked in Monaco could prove expensive, not that I would know of course ! But Monaco does not need to be expensive, take a picnic and climb the steep hill through the trees under the Palace pick your spot, Bingo, you can see almost 1/3 of the circuit, best seat in the house. GET THERE EARLY.
On a BUDGET then find mates and drive there.. Barcelona is a long way - but I like it - I flew mind you. Spa and German circuits are within easy reach. I don't think the 3 day passes vary that much, and you have to fuel the car - and eat ! Are you able to tent it? Anywhere you get bargain flights might have a downside on accomodation costs.
Le Mans - totally agree. I've never done it - but a long distance old mate does it almost every year.
Despite my name, I'm wincing just at the thought of being hooked! makes me think of that film Ichi the Killer. Mmm, Spa, Monaco, Barcelona... Well, it wouldn't be my decision alone - any of them would be fantastic.
