Go to one (and only one) F1 race.
Discussion
I have a Sharesave scheme that's going to mature early next year and I was considering using it for a new PC (sadly it won't be enough for anything fun like a new car) but then I figured I'm unlikely to get this amount of cash in one go anytime soon and therefore am unlikely to be able to afford to go to an F1 race at any other time so why not.
Only thing is, which one? I'm thinking Monza or Spa? Monza because, well, it's Monza and Spa is Spa of course but does the fewer number of laps at Spa diminish the weekend or the spectacle? If you could go to only one GP, which would it be? Silverstone I don't really fancy TBH, I guess it's the prices. For some reason if I'm spending nearly £500 I think I'd rather go abroad. Any thoughts? How much are tickets to COTA and flights for example? This would likely be a race in either 2016 or maybe even 2017!
Only thing is, which one? I'm thinking Monza or Spa? Monza because, well, it's Monza and Spa is Spa of course but does the fewer number of laps at Spa diminish the weekend or the spectacle? If you could go to only one GP, which would it be? Silverstone I don't really fancy TBH, I guess it's the prices. For some reason if I'm spending nearly £500 I think I'd rather go abroad. Any thoughts? How much are tickets to COTA and flights for example? This would likely be a race in either 2016 or maybe even 2017!
Spa is an amazing place but the weather can be dreadful and you really don't see that much from a Grandstand. Monza is very historic, near Milan and the Lakes, so offers loads of things to explore. It has atmosphere too. I would not rule out Austria and the Red Bull Ring, not a great track but a beautiful location and Red Bull do a great job. Finally hold out and see if the Nurburgring gets a GP in 2016/17. One can drive and also explore the area and visit Spa on the journey back.
I've only been to one F1 race - Spa. We stayed in Aachen and drove in each day. It was a great weekend and having general admission tickets meant we could wander around and try a few different viewing spots rather than feeling tied to a grandstand. The hilly terrain means there are plenty of hillsides and banks to sit on overlooking the track. Pick the right spot and there are giant screens to watch to keep track of whats going on too. Seeing the race live is an amazing visual and aural experience but it is hard to keep track of what's happening in the race.
I'm considering Monaco next year for the experience but not sure. I think I'd rather spend the cash on going to the mountains and watch the F1 on TV.
I'm considering Monaco next year for the experience but not sure. I think I'd rather spend the cash on going to the mountains and watch the F1 on TV.
I would recommend Abu Dhabi ive been twice and its by far the best Ive been been to it well catered for with the F1 village and access to the place is virtually unhindered with 1000's of TAXIs every where you get brilliant view of the track from the north stand you also have Ferrari world next door a water park has recently opened there and the after race party is good with some top bands playing
This is a question for those who have been lucky enough to visit lots of circuits.
I'd say Brazil, the atmosphere there was like nothing else, usually an unpredictable race, you get a good view of lots of the circuit, and its a crazy city to visit (I have only been to Spa, Silverstone and Monaco though).
I'd say Brazil, the atmosphere there was like nothing else, usually an unpredictable race, you get a good view of lots of the circuit, and its a crazy city to visit (I have only been to Spa, Silverstone and Monaco though).
Edited by rallycross on Thursday 28th May 09:29
LaurasOtherHalf said:
How much do you want to spend?
At the moment it looks like the maturation is about £1500 and I would rather not spend all of that if possible or if I'm going to then I may as well do Canada or COTA or something! If the share price does rise any further then it could end up being as much as £2k.Monza or Spa in Europe, both excellent. British is over rated in my view.
Hungary would be an average race, but it would be inexpensive and it's supposed to be a blast, and Budapest is a great city for a few extra days.
COTA is supposed to be pretty good, I'm going this year. Austin is a really fun city, very un-Texas in a good way and worth spending extra time there.
If you plan ahead, try to go to one where Joe Saward does a talk before hand - well worth it and adds an extra dimension to the race.
Hungary would be an average race, but it would be inexpensive and it's supposed to be a blast, and Budapest is a great city for a few extra days.
COTA is supposed to be pretty good, I'm going this year. Austin is a really fun city, very un-Texas in a good way and worth spending extra time there.
If you plan ahead, try to go to one where Joe Saward does a talk before hand - well worth it and adds an extra dimension to the race.
I did Barcelona/Circuit de Catalunya this year, but it's the only one I've ever been to so I don't have any basis for comparison.
Upsides were that it's pretty easy to get to from circuit from the city (30 mins or so on the train, cost us about €5/6), the weather was awesome and you can get a great view if you're in the right spot (I was in the stand right next to turns 1 and 2). Barcelona is a pretty cool city too, if a bit touristy for my liking.
Downside was that no alcohol was allowed at the circuit (apparently this year was the first time it's been like that) and it's generally not the most exciting race. Still had an amazing time though!
Upsides were that it's pretty easy to get to from circuit from the city (30 mins or so on the train, cost us about €5/6), the weather was awesome and you can get a great view if you're in the right spot (I was in the stand right next to turns 1 and 2). Barcelona is a pretty cool city too, if a bit touristy for my liking.
Downside was that no alcohol was allowed at the circuit (apparently this year was the first time it's been like that) and it's generally not the most exciting race. Still had an amazing time though!
MissChief said:
LaurasOtherHalf said:
How much do you want to spend?
At the moment it looks like the maturation is about £1500 and I would rather not spend all of that if possible or if I'm going to then I may as well do Canada or COTA or something! If the share price does rise any further then it could end up being as much as £2k.You can do it much cheaper of course, but it depends on whether travelling by train, camping and general admission tickets are your idea of a weekend of fun! (We did the German GP the other year and general admission tickets were £85 for the full weekend!)
ellroy said:
I've only been to one. It was Monza.
The only other one I really want to go to is Spa.
I went with friends and had a holiday around the race in the Italian lakes. I'm not sure I'd want a holiday in Belgium.
SpaThe only other one I really want to go to is Spa.
I went with friends and had a holiday around the race in the Italian lakes. I'm not sure I'd want a holiday in Belgium.
We had a better time traveling quite far around Belgium than our time in Milan. Some lovely old towns to discover and great laid back cafe culture, quality foods in the restaurants. Loads of quality beers to try our mate had a beer guide, couldn't wait for the following evenings, met more people from different Nationalities at Spa who seemed more serious about F1, rather than out-right fanatical. Belgium has some smart hotels too.
We ended up in Genk one year and tried 2-stroke Karting which was night and day compared to the usual hire Karts. That's were Jenson Button goes to keep fit and sharp for F1 during off season. Mate has an Airsoft and Quadbiking brochures for next time but I'm voting the Karts again.
The best memory of the Italian was driving back through and our time in Switzerland, what a contrast, I love Italy but Switzerland is absolute quality, but no motorsport there sadly.
I've been to Melbourne twice, great weather and party atmosphere, always felt like something was missing though, a lot of Aussies there just for the V8s, the year Ferrari won we may have well been in Monza.
I've always said Monaco and perhaps that's still the case. I think everyone should go because it is unique.
But I've just come back from my 10th time and every year it gets less of an event (maybe I've been spoilt) but 15 years ago access was much easier - it was also a lot cheaper !!
Monza is another and Spa as well.
But I've just come back from my 10th time and every year it gets less of an event (maybe I've been spoilt) but 15 years ago access was much easier - it was also a lot cheaper !!
Monza is another and Spa as well.
Edited by woof on Friday 29th May 10:27
oilspill said:
The best memory of the Italian was driving back through and our time in Switzerland, what a contrast, I love Italy but Switzerland is absolute quality, but no motorsport there sadly.
Yes there is.Motor racing (track/circuit) is banned, but there are plenty of hillclimbs and rally (e.g. Rallye International du Valais)
And yes, Switzerland is lovely, just don't speed either...
MissChief said:
I don't mind roughing it, slept in a tent three nights for the Assen TT in 2004 and enjoyed myself. I'm not 's drinker so a multitude of beers don't interest me really. Do they allow you to drive the track in the few days before or after the GP? Never been on track anywhere!
No (in my experience), for reasons of oil dropping, etc.You can walk the track at Monza straight after the race, which is a lot of fun, great atmosphere.
Vaud said:
MissChief said:
I don't mind roughing it, slept in a tent three nights for the Assen TT in 2004 and enjoyed myself. I'm not 's drinker so a multitude of beers don't interest me really. Do they allow you to drive the track in the few days before or after the GP? Never been on track anywhere!
No (in my experience), for reasons of oil dropping, etc.You can walk the track at Monza straight after the race, which is a lot of fun, great atmosphere.
Shame Imola is no longer on the calendar or that would be my pick.
Either Monza or Spa would be great trips, I've been to both several times and never had a bad experience, very hard to choose between them. The views at Spa are second to none, of the races I've been to IMO. But then you can't help but be seduced by the history and atmosphere at Monza. You can't go wrong with either.
Both Brussels and Milan are fun, certainly on race weekends.
Barcelona is also good but the race can be quite dull and pickpockets are a real menace.
Monaco has the wow factor but is not a cheap weekend and I haven't been since the new engines, so I'm not sure if it would be quite the same without the sound bouncing off the buildings. You don't really get to see much of the race from grandstands though.
I'd also consider Singapore if it is a possibility. Absolutely amazing race and atmosphere all weekend. Probably the best race I've been to. You also get a lot of extra concerts thrown in, if that is of interest.
I do Silverstone every year and think it is much maligned unfairly, it is expensive unless you camp and make a weekend out of it, great atmosphere, especially with Lewis tearing it up.
Either Monza or Spa would be great trips, I've been to both several times and never had a bad experience, very hard to choose between them. The views at Spa are second to none, of the races I've been to IMO. But then you can't help but be seduced by the history and atmosphere at Monza. You can't go wrong with either.
Both Brussels and Milan are fun, certainly on race weekends.
Barcelona is also good but the race can be quite dull and pickpockets are a real menace.
Monaco has the wow factor but is not a cheap weekend and I haven't been since the new engines, so I'm not sure if it would be quite the same without the sound bouncing off the buildings. You don't really get to see much of the race from grandstands though.
I'd also consider Singapore if it is a possibility. Absolutely amazing race and atmosphere all weekend. Probably the best race I've been to. You also get a lot of extra concerts thrown in, if that is of interest.
I do Silverstone every year and think it is much maligned unfairly, it is expensive unless you camp and make a weekend out of it, great atmosphere, especially with Lewis tearing it up.
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