2015 Pre-season testing

[samvia]

Thinking about a trip to Barcelona for a couple of days of testing in Feb - has anyone heard any more about confirmed dates yet?

From what I gather, the dates are still TBC, the only site I can see that hints at the Barcelona dates is this one for a tour package: http://www.jdcpromotions.co.uk/formula-1/f1-testin...

That would mean both Barcelona tests will run from a Thursday to a Sunday, does that sound about right? It would work out well, with flights from Prestwick - Girona available Friday night out and Monday night return just now for £46 return...

For anyone who has been before, how much do you usually pay for circuit entry?

Thanks

[johnoz]

I've been for the last couple years, you need to wait until the dates are confirmed, tickets are around 10 euro a day.

[samvia]

Thanks. Is it worth the trip usually?

[johnoz]

IMO it depends what you want to see and do!
Its not racing! there are sometimes times where there is nothing to see!
You can get some great pictures it your into that sort of thing....

[red_slr]

Just be aware the weather can be changeable and last year there was snow on the surrounding hills (like 5km from track)!
There is nothing at the track other than a few stalls selling F1 stuff but only about 10% of what is there on a race weekend.

Saturday tends to be the best for viewing IMHO.
I generally fly in on Friday and go to the track on Saturday and Sunday. Fly home Sunday night or Monday AM.

If you have never been to BCN before its worth noting that the airport is a bit confusing on departure so leave plenty of time.
Security can be very busy too - can take well over an hour to get through at the best of times.

Also most of the car hire companies in the car park outside the main gate run scams - esp AVIS!!
They will charge you after the event for sat nav or extra insurances. Ask me how I know!

[red_slr]

Pic showing the grand stands last year, it was rather chilly!

[red_slr]

I think that was Saturday - that's about as busy as it got!
I guess with Alonso going to McLaren it might get a bit more busy.

[red_slr]

Sorry it was the year before thinking about it!

[suffolk009]

JEREZ – 1st to 4th February 2015 (TBC)

BARCELONA – 19th to 22nd February & 26th February to 1st March 2015 (TBC)

A friend and I had been thinking about Jerez. There are some cheap deals (flight and accommodation) to Seville, and then just rent a car to get to the track.

Does anyone know if the teams sell hospitality packages for these test dates? I've no idea what that might cost, or even if it's available.

[red_slr]

Some do hospitality yes but I think most stopped in the last couple of years. Paddock is very quiet in recent years.

[samvia]

red_slr said:

Just be aware the weather can be changeable and last year there was snow on the surrounding hills (like 5km from track)!

I'm Scottish, I'll be there in shorts and t-shirt regardless

Thanks gents. Sounds ideal, just a chance to see the cars in action really without all the fuss and crowd of a race weekend.

Is there much to be seen away from what's on track? E.g. I'm not expecting paddock access, but do you get a chance to see anything behind the scenes?

We'd be flying in to Girona, based on those provisional test dates it's the only combination of flights I could find that would let us fly from Glasgow/Prestwick/Edinburgh with minimal days off work.

[ean21]

I quite like the idea of seeing the testing at Barcelona. Is there anywhere to stay near the circuit, or is it best to stay in the city and drive out?

[red_slr]

I stay in Badalona. The B5002 gets you over the hill and into the roads around the track within about 20 min.

[MrCarPark]

Does anybody know when the testing dates will be confirmed? Need to start booking flights for Jerez