Get Your Grand Prix Trip On Track (Grand Prix Spectating)

Member Name: BizzyB

Product:	Grand Prix Spectating
Date:	02/08/01 (338 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Intense atmosphere, Meeting people

Disadvantages: Expensive, Can be an ordeal!

There is nothing to compare with the thrill of attending a Formula One race live. Television rarely does the circuits, cars, speed and spectacular noise justice.

I have been fortunate enough to attend a number of races at circuits ranging from the pitiful to the palatial. In that time I have found out, often the hard way, that there's a certain amount of dedicated planning needed to make your day or weekend at the races as successful as possible. I hope by sharing some of these hints and tips with you it will help you to attend races in some level of organization!

Organization is the key to attending Grand Prixs, or indeed any motor race. You will see some people who approach the track as if taking part in a military operation. This approach may be a little extreme but do remember you are going to be at the track for a long time and the car fumes can only make you oblivious to so much!

In the beginning...
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Whether attending a race home or abroad the first thing to get sorted are tickets. On no account assume you can turn up to any race on the day without tickets. The majority of races sell out well in advance of the actual race day, many races being sold out months in advance.

You have a number of options on buying tickets.

Firstly, direct from the circuit. A full list of circuit website links and contact numbers can be found at a number of locations including the official FIA website at www.fia.com, many of the Formula One related websites such as www.planet-f1.com and www.atlas.com . Many circuits will offer a secure internet purchasing system as well as by phone and mail. Do be aware that circuits will often send out tickets very close to the actual date of the race. I have received tickets less than a week before the raceday. This can be extremely troublesome if you are planning to travel to an event a few days beforehand. I strongly suggest you go for the e
xtra option of having tickets sent by registered post as a safeguard. You may also want to confirm a latest date of arrival with the booking office. If you think you will be unable to get your post it is worth investigating whether you can pick up tickets at the circuit booking office or other area. Tickets are sent out so close to the date of the race to try and stop forgeries circulating. And I will say straight off - be very cautious of ticket touts and buy from them at your peril - not to be recommended.

Another way to purchase tickets are through specialist ticket agencies which often sell a wide range of sporting and entertainment event tickets. A list of ticket agencies can be found in many of the motor racing magazines and publications as well as the national press. You will find these ticket agencies have a booking fee which can be highly variable from agency to agency. Make sure you confirm the full cost of the transaction before deciding. As with buying from the circuit direct confirm the class of postage that the tickets will be sent by and try to confirm a latest date you can expect your tickets to arrive by. When buying from a ticket agency do check their credentials and any membership of official bodies. Many spectators are happier buying race tickets for a foreign race from a British based ticket agency. I have used a ticket agency before and was very satisfied with the service I received though since those days I have connected to the internet and may be tempted to book tickets direct in future with the circuit.

Travel companies. There are a number of travel companies that specialise in tours to Grand Prixs both home and abroad. There are also a number of regional British companies who offer tours to the British Grand Prix, offering coach travel from pick up points around the country. Two popular motor racing tour companies include Page and Moy, and Airtrack - two companies which I have used in the past. These tra
vel companies often sell whole packages to races including travel, accommodation and tickets. Personally I was disappointed with this service for my own needs but feel it is more helpful if I present you with the pros and cons of such tours:

Pros:
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The great advantage of such companies is they will arrange the whole show for you. This is particularly worth considering if you are travelling to a foreign race you have not attended before.

Travel to and from your accommodation to the race track is provided but do check there isn't any extra cost for travel to qualifying days.

Travel companies will often arrange additional excursions to local motor racing interests such as museums.

You are with a group of like minded people, especially good if you are travelling alone. Many tours often run a sweepstake which helps add to the atmosphere.

Cons:
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You are restricted to the tour companies itinerary. This is especially worth noting if you wish to stay at the track to watch supporting races and the bus back leaves on the first lap!

You may be on a bus full of other race fans but be aware if you support a team or driver against the consensus of the group you may not be popular.

I have found the accommodation is often far away from the track meaning very early starts and late returns. Do ask for the travel time to the track as I have found these companies rarely print them in their brochures. I was once faced with an 1hr 20mins bus ride to the track everyday in Belgium.

The tours are often much more expensive than if you organized a trip by yourself. I found I could arrange a two week holiday taking in the Portuguese GP once for the same price a travel company charged for a four day trip.


I know where I'll buy my tickets from but which ones do I get?
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This takes careful consideration. Nearly al
l circuits have a range of tickets which give you anything from General admission to Paddock Club luxury.

Many of us have to choose tickets on the basis of money. Grand Prix races are not cheap, especially not the British Grand Prix. The majority of race tracks have the following band of tickets.

General admission: these tickets get you through the door and then it is a scramble to find a viewing spot often on grass banks. These are the cheapest tickets. You will need to get to the track in good time to ensure you bag a good spot.

Enclosure tickets: Some circuits have enclosures on popular spectator areas, the quality of which can vary greatly. The enclosure may literally be a closed off area of bank or may be landscaped into 'earth/concrete stepped grandstands'. Note you don't get a numbered seat in these areas.

Colour coded tickets: A mix of the above two, these are often found at foreign tracks. Different colour codes of tickets get you to different parts of the track as either a general admission or into coded enclosures. You may also find some tracks sell color coded grand stand tickets which give you access to different grandstands around the track.

Grandstands: Be aware when buying grandstand tickets for foreign races you may not necessarily get an allocated seat. Even if you have an allocated seat don't be surprised to find someone else sat in it, refusing to move! Before purchasing your Grandstand tickets check whether the grandstand is covered or not. Not a lot of point buying a grandstand in the hope it'll keep off the sun/rain only to find there's no roof! Grandstand tickets are the most expensive tickets bar hospitality.

Three or two day tickets: If you are going for the weekend be sure to check all the weekend ticket offers.

Centre transfers: a number of tracks offer tickets which take you into the centre of the track which may or may not give you a g
ood view of the back of the paddock. Before buying these tickets remember to consider if you'll actually use them - sounds obvious I know but you would be amazed how many people buy them for a Sunday but never go into the centre as once they get their spot they cannot leave it.

Hospitality/Paddock Club: Now we're talking parting with £1000 onwards. Particularly popular at Monaco, hospitality tickets don't so much ensure the best views but do ensure luxury meals and certain privileges such as pit lane walkabouts, dedicated enclosures.

So there's your choice and consider the following factors. It's going to be a long day and who knows what the weather will be like. If you have a long journey home could you face that after the bustle of General admission. Would it be wiser to be in a covered grandstand to try and offset some of the fatigue, possible sunstroke/soaking or could you go General admission and maybe stay over night before setting home.


Tickets at the ready, how do I get there?
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Try to plan this as much in advance as possible. A good road map that shows all the little winding roads that inevitably lead up to race tracks is a good investment. Read the guff that comes with your tickets and check the circuits websites - do they put special routes in place? There's no point planning to drive up the main street if it's closed off. Check in advance if there will be a car parking fee or a park and ride scheme in operation. Make a note of which car park you are in and whereabouts you are parked - many an hour has been wasted playing hunt the car!

If you are using public transport contact the companies to ask for a timetable and definite pick up/drop off times and locations. Will you have a trek to the circuit from the bus stop/railway station - are there shuttle buses laid on and are they free or not.

This is particularly
important if you are attending a foreign race for the first time. If you hire a car it is imperative you have a good map and idea of where you are heading. If you are using public transport it is worth contacting the tourist office for details. You cannot beat personal recommendation and experience - check out dooyoo, have any of us been before and found the pitfalls for you? Check out the message boards on the F1 related sites - you'll often find someone who knows the score there.

A word of warning about taxis. They are great for getting to circuits though often overpriced - agree a fixed price in advance but remember getting back again isn't that easy! Traffic jams often mean taxis can't return to the circuit for more than one pick up. If you use taxis find out in advance where the ranks will be at the end of the race. You may arrange with a taxi firm to collect you but in the melee of a GP crowd leaving do not be surprised if they can't get through, you can't find them or they take the first person who offers them above the going rate instead.

Do get to the circuit as early as possible - traffic jams form in no time at all and there's nothing more annoying than being half a mile from the track, able to hear the cars, stuck in a jam (and usually bursting for a wee by this point).

I'm at the circuit, what now?
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Go armed with a circuit map. The official programme will have a circuit map and information in it but they are often ridiculously expensive. My hint? Print a circuit map off the internet before you go - even better print a few off so you can all have one. If you get split up arrange a place to meet up and mark it on your map. Have a good look at the map beforehand to get your bearings and know where the important things are such as the information kiosks, food, toilets and first aid station.


I want to look gorgeous, what shall I wear?

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Leave the glamour look to the pitlane babes! Motor racing isn't Ascot though a sun/rain hat isn't a bad idea so treat yourself to your team's baseball cap as you are going to be exposed to the elements for a good while.

Sensible shoes - I should like a mother I know. Many trips to a Grand Prix can be confused with a mountain trek and don't expect nice smooth pathways. I would not be surprised to find a spectator from 1975 still wandering the forest paths of Spa in Belgium, looking for the toilets. Many circuit paths are nothing more than dirt, stones and grit.

'Ah, I'll wear my best trainers' you say. Well remember if it's wet and muddy they will be ruined. Comfort but not precious is the name of the game.

Check the weather forecast beforehand - but never believe it all. Lightweight layers are your best bet - you don't want to be lumbering round a huge coat or going to buy one if you only turn up in a crop top. If the weathers looking iffy some waterproofs are a good idea especially waterproof trousers if you are going general admission. Okay so you won't look like a sex god(dess) but at least you'll be dry!

I can 'weather' anything though.
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I don't care how much of an adventurer you reckon you are - sunscreen and lipsalve are a must! Even on the cloudiest of race days you'd be surprised how many people come back looking like a lobster from either the sun or wind. A lipsalve and small moisturiser are well worth the bag space if you want to return in comfort.


Do I need a suitcase for all this stuff?
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Well not quite, I'm not advocating taking the kitchen sink but I will say 'go prepared'. Take a bag or rucksack that's comfortable to carry - remember there'll be no running
back and forwards to the car. Make sure your essentials such as money and tickets are safe. I know a lot of people have bumbags or inside pockets for their money, credit cards etc. Be especially aware if you are taking a camera. It's a sad fact that some people there will be more intent on getting their hands on your valuables (stop sniggering I didn't mean that!) but be aware and you will be okay. Here's my top essentials for your bag:

-Tickets - well duh!

-Money - I'll discuss that in a bit more detail later.

-Sunscreen/moisturiser/lipsalve - as I described above.

-Toilet paper/tissues - you expect there to still be toilet paper in the afternoon - as if!

-Hairbrush - if you have hair of course. If not see the part about sunscreen and hats!

-Elastoplasts - even with your most comfy shoes - expect blisters.

-Medications - don't forget any medications you might need such as inhalers and antihistamines.

-Bottle of water - remember to drink. Sounds obvious but I find you can get so carried away with the day you forget the simplest of things!

-Boiled sweets

-Wet ones/hand wipes

-Pen/Paper

-Ear plugs.

-Glasses/Sunglasses/Contacts - remember your sunglasses, F1 isn't as good if you have to squint. Spare glasses or contacts are also worth taking - you don't want to spend all that money only to see a blur not due to speed but due to losing a contact!

Some other things to consider in your bag:

-Mobile phone/list of numbers - no-one has ever arranged to meet someone at a track and it gone to plan I swear! Mobile phones are great, especially if you get split up or need to call home. Yes they can be annoying if they are going off every five minutes and there's nothing worse than standing next to someone screaming down the phone to everyone he's every met "I'm at Silverstone. SILVERSTONE.
SIL-VER-STONE". Use wisely :o)

-Pen and paper/Autograph book - you'd be surprised who you bump into at races. Drivers past, present and future, actors, singers. You may also meet some news friends, maybe even the love of your life - get their number!

-Camera/Film - Don't forget your camera. Unless you have a great zoom lens and high shutter speed don't waste your film trying to get photos of the car. Make sure you take spare film - it's often overpriced at circuits if you can find it all.

-Radio/mini-tv - At foreign races you cannot guarantee an English speaking broadcast but if your language skills are good you may get by.

-Batteries - for the phone, camera, radio etc.

-Fold away chair - you can get some superb lightweight fold away chairs now which are worth taking if you are going general admission.

-Groundsheet - something to sit on if the grounds damp. When I read your 'My Experience of Attending a Grand Prix' opinion I don't want to hear about how it gave you piles!

-Breakdown card - if you belong to one of the breakdown services make sure you have all your details, many a car has a hissy fit after being in the queues to get in and out of the circuit.

-Flags - show your support but remember putting up a flag the size of a bedsheet won't endear you to your spectating neighbours.

-More toilet paper - well you can never be too sure?.


What about food and drink?
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Good question. I definitely recommend you have a bottle of water or drink with you. It's all too easy to get dehydrated at these events.

Be aware the price and quality of food varies greatly from track to track. Check the circuit map beforehand and see if it lists the food outlets - at places such as Spa and Hockenheim you can be a long way from the stalls. At many races I have found the choice to be nothing short of dir
e - to this day I do not know what it was they were selling at Hungaoring but it wasn't going near my stomach!

If you decide to take food with you it will probably be impractical to take a cool box - remember you have to carry it around all day but if you are taking food with you make sure its safe. No point taking pate in your overheating bag not unless the thought of food poisoning attracts you. Crisps and biscuits are the staple diet. Silverstone has a good range of food outlets catering from everything from sandwiches to baked potatoes. Tempting to have a few beers but remember about dehydrating, it's easy to forget just how much you are drinking at the races and are you driving home afterwards?

It's worth remembering that what track catering there is will often be subject to ridiculously long queues and if you are general admission and have found your spot you want to leave it as little as possible. It may be worth taking some space saving provisions.


I've got money, I want to spend, spend, spend.
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Hello, my names BizzyB and I'm an F1 merchanise-oholic.

Go with caution - listen to one who has been there, bought that.

It is wise to leave the credit cards at home unless you have an iron will. Take a set amount of money and stick to it! Make sure your money is safe and always have a back up fund just in case.

You will find that the merchandise stalls are located in one area of the track - out with the circuit map again. These areas can get very crowded and with people milling about with their wallets be extra away of your belongings for the light-fingered brigade will be patrolling this area with glee. The range of merchandise stalls depends on the race you are attending. When I attended Belgium and Hungary there were very few stalls and they were placed behind the grandstands well away from general admission areas. At Sil
verstone the main merchandise area is to the north of the circuit - a bit of a trek if you are sat down at Stowe. In Germany the merchandise stalls behind the stadium complex went on?and on?.and on.

The choice can be staggering and very tempting. But think twice before buying big things. Check to see if they do mail order, it may cost a little more but you can have time to think about it. Otherwise you may find yourself coming away a few hundred pounds poorer thinking 'do I really want a lime green puffa jacket, red tank top and porcelain figurine'.

If you are there just on race day you may not get to the stalls for the crowds and marking your territory which can be a blessing in disguise. Remember - what you buy, you have to carry around all day.


What about taking the children, they'll love it.
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Taking children to a race sounds great on paper, doesn't it? They sit and watch it on tv and love it. Well sometimes in reality it's not so hot and depends greatly on the temperament and ages of your wee ones.

Some circuits have creches. There may be a maximum time you can palm the little ones off here and a fee. Always check the credentials of the place - are they securely kept in, is there enough staff, will you worry like hell whilst they're there? A few circuits have a children's play areas but remember someone has to monitor them. You won't be to pleased if you miss the cars trying to prise little sweety off the swings.

It can be a long and tiring day for children of any age, but especially the very young. You will be at the circuit early, run the risk of traffic jams and are at the mercy of the weather. With this in mind it may be worth spending the extra on allocated seats in a covered grandstand. This way you are sheltered from the weather and free to take them out without fear of losing your viewing spot.

If you
take children with you be doubly sure to take the essentials I mentioned above, especially sunscreen, hats and ear protectors. For child ear protection I suggest the protected ear muff style defenders not ear plugs.


Wow the race was great, I'm off home now.
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Leaving the race can be a right royal battle. A few tens of thousands of people all aiming for the same exits -eek! Make sure you have all your belongings. It's worth packing everything together as the warm-up lap starts before your mind is taken over with the excitement of the race.

If you have a long journey back it may be worth starting to make your way back to the car about 8 laps from the end. 'Hang on' I hear you cry, 'I haven't spent all that money to miss the end'. Believe me at the majority of circuits (I'm taking Silverstone as my norm here) you'll just make the outskirts of the car park as they cross the finishing line and still be within tannoy distance. If you have a long journey home it is a wise decision to make this choice to try and get to the car park exits as soon as possible. As an example I told my friend to do this but oh no he wouldn't. I left the circuit just short of the end and was back home by 8.30pm ready for the highlights and the few hundred mile journey a fading memory. My friend at 8.30pm was still in the brown car park?..

If getting on the road isn't your main priority or you cannot bear to miss the bitter end be prepared for some congestion. Back to sounding like mother but make sure you go to the loo before setting back, make sure you've got some food and drink in the car and get yourself comfortable as possible - ditch the sodden clothes/slap on the moisturiser.

If you're not returning under your own steam the same rules apply - be prepared for long queues for public transport.

If you are staying/camping overni
ght and you are prepared to sit back and let the throng go, why not!

I hope that about covers all eventualities. Attending races live is a thrilling event I would recommend to anyone. There is a buzz, an atmosphere which has to be experienced to believed. I hope my tips and hints help you to get the most out of your Grand Prix visit.

If there's anything you think I've missed or want to ask me about please leave a comment and I will try my best.

Happy racing :o)

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