edinlexusV8 Posted June 6, 2010 Share Posted June 6, 2010 Hello Folks, Me and my partner are planning to go down to Silverstone for an F1 race weekend for the first time We are planning to stay over from Friday to Sunday (two nights). What is the best and cost effective way to watch the practice, qualifying and the race itself? Also where is the best place to watch the race beside the track where most of the exciting stuff happens? Corpse, Maggots, Becketts, HangerStraight/Stowe corner, Abbey, Luffield? Tickets for any grandstand seating seems to be quite expensive along with accommodation and parking. Is it any good to watch the race not from grandstand? Will there be enough place to sit or does it have to be standing for the race? Somewhere near a corner close to a big TV screen would be ideal. Accommodation seems to be quite difficult to get as most of the hotels and B&Bs are all full. How about the camping site? Dont think there will be enough spaces left there either ... what are your thoughts and ideas. Would like to know from your past experiences what is the best thing to do... Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael Posted June 6, 2010 Share Posted June 6, 2010 The only place I found a decent view was in a grandstand or any location overlooking a television screen, I had no idea what the results were by the time the race finished and was at Luffield with a TV in the distance, my eyesight is pants though. Getting out of on-site parking takes hours, it's quicker to walk a couple of miles to the venue. People get there really early for the best non-grandstand locations, lots of people seem happy to pay to go and then sit behind a grandstand away from the track and watch on a TV. Seems odd. To be honest it's an experience I wouldn't repeat but it was something I'm glad I did once, Kangaroo TV would have enhanced it but why go all that way for that money and then watch TV or listen to the radio? Makes you appreciate TV coverage but the noise of the cars really gives you goosebumps when you are there. New track layout this year might mean it makes sense to go general walkabout with your own folding chairs, because I had a reserved seat I didn't want to move around but I feel like I missed out a bit as a result. Expensive weekend though, go on holiday for 2 weeks instead and watch on TV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RCK10 Posted June 6, 2010 Share Posted June 6, 2010 My advise would be to go watch the DTM race at Brands Hatch instead. Much better value for money and better racing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobbeh Posted June 6, 2010 Share Posted June 6, 2010 Or go to Le Mans Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caseys Posted June 6, 2010 Share Posted June 6, 2010 Being a die hard F1 fan (I run the club fantasy league) I went to Silverstone in I think 2002, admittedly before they rebuilt the access roads and car park. My girlfriend at the time bought me a pair of grandstand tickets down at Stowe corner, so I could see cars coming down Chapel, all the way down to Stowe and then off around Vale. I agree with michael, the sound is awesome and being able to see a F1 car going full chat around Stowe is unbelievable but even back then the pair of tickets cost £250 and no Kangaroo TV back then either, so I would say you're actually better off with TV coverage. As for when one of our vendors offers you a trip to the GP with a breakfast at a 5* hotel in Milton Keynes, then a helicopter ride into the circuit and paddock club access for nowt... yes that's worthwhile Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merckx Posted June 6, 2010 Share Posted June 6, 2010 The cheapest tickets are general admission but they're all sold out from official sources as far as I'm aware. You can get them on ebay but they're not cheap, not much less than buying grandstand tickets from an official source. You'll be able to get on a camp site no problem, we stay at windmill farm which is adjacent to the circuit. There's always plenty of space on a Friday when we get there.They have a few fields, the field furthest north is quieter. http://www.windmillfarmcamping.co.uk/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted June 6, 2010 Share Posted June 6, 2010 best place is copse corner think theres a big screen opposite so you dont miss anything Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edinlexusV8 Posted June 6, 2010 Author Share Posted June 6, 2010 So the best advice is not to go to the race and rather stay back and watch it on a TV?? :think: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrRalphMan Posted June 6, 2010 Share Posted June 6, 2010 Makes you appreciate TV coverage but the noise of the cars really gives you goosebumps when you are there. Totally agree, was there in 2001 and although it's great being there, without Grandstand tickets or the knowledge where to sit, we were stuffed.. Was great being there, but watching on TV with a few beers is better. Would be up for DTM or BTCC at Brands though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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