Spa 2016 GP Road trip

[longblackcoat]

Hitby said:

Thanks, we're camping in the green area on the opposite side of the track to the collection office so unless there's a route round the outside of the circuit (miles?) looks like driving might be the only option.

I'd still think about walking - the green site is less than 1km from the circuit. Trying to drive to the ticket office (if it's the one I'm thinking of) on Saturday will be extremely difficult, if not impossible due to road closures and tens of thousands of fans descending on the circuit. Worst case, you'll have maybe an hour of walking; so long as it's not chucking down (not predicted for the weekend, but never say never in the Ardennes) that's not really a hardship. It's a lovely area, so relax and soak up the atmosphere.

Whatever happens, you'll have a brilliant time, particularly as Hamilton will be starting from the back and on maximum attack, Verstappen's desperate to put on a show for his countrymen, Ricciardo's trying to regain top dog status ..... loads to see and all of it at an amazing circuit. And that's before I mention the crazy Dutch and their camp-fire antics - last year we were near some guys having a soundoff with an opposing tent village. Once you've heard The Final Countdown at about 115dB followed by Crazy Little Thing Called Love at maybe 2 in the morning you start to wonder whether you've entered a parallel universe. More beer helps.

(Forgot to mention. Take hand sanitiser and lots of loo roll - the portaloos on the campsites are pretty unpleasant and there's never any paper. There are decent loos on the circuit if you're prepared to pay €1 for the privilege - they're worth it compared to the alternative)

[allegerita]

Hey, you'll see me on the green camp site. Every time I go to England I forget to order PH car stickers so I am in disguise. Look for a red Alfa 159 SW with Dutch registration and I'll offer you a proper Dutch beer if any left when you show up.

[e12mat]

Heading over Thursday midday and camping in the yellow section, 73 with a company called pillow.

Absolutely cannot wait, currently playing Tetris with the 911.

Surprisingly spacious in an inconvenient cuppey hole kind of way.

[DanSkoda]

We arrived in Ypres this afternoon, it's seriously hot here! Also did and will have to redo the Tetris saga with the Mini, we're in the green camping area too, hoping to get at least some shut eye during the weekend but I somehow doubt it.

[FrankAbagnale]

Decided to go down yeszterday afternoon and booked a sat morning train and sunday night return.

Not got accommodation or tickets yet, but I figure these things sort themselves out once you get there.

[Hitby]

longblackcoat said:

I'd still think about walking - the green site is less than 1km from the circuit. Trying to drive to the ticket office (if it's the one I'm thinking of) on Saturday will be extremely difficult, if not impossible due to road closures and tens of thousands of fans descending on the circuit. Worst case, you'll have maybe an hour of walking; so long as it's not chucking down (not predicted for the weekend, but never say never in the Ardennes) that's not really a hardship. It's a lovely area, so relax and soak up the atmosphere.

Whatever happens, you'll have a brilliant time, particularly as Hamilton will be starting from the back and on maximum attack, Verstappen's desperate to put on a show for his countrymen, Ricciardo's trying to regain top dog status ..... loads to see and all of it at an amazing circuit. And that's before I mention the crazy Dutch and their camp-fire antics - last year we were near some guys having a soundoff with an opposing tent village. Once you've heard The Final Countdown at about 115dB followed by Crazy Little Thing Called Love at maybe 2 in the morning you start to wonder whether you've entered a parallel universe. More beer helps.

(Forgot to mention. Take hand sanitiser and lots of loo roll - the portaloos on the campsites are pretty unpleasant and there's never any paper. There are decent loos on the circuit if you're prepared to pay €1 for the privilege - they're worth it compared to the alternative)

Good tips thanks, yep, think we'll just walk it, I've got my hiking boots!

allegerita said:

Hey, you'll see me on the green camp site. Every time I go to England I forget to order PH car stickers so I am in disguise. Look for a red Alfa 159 SW with Dutch registration and I'll offer you a proper Dutch beer if any left when you show up.

I'll keep an eye out for you, I'm not one to turn down the offer of a decent beer . Myself and the better half are in a silver RX400h with UK plates (obviously).

[gtidriver]

Just came through the border earlier and the tailback from the anti terrorists coned off area in france is back to adinkirk,i went through the top border through depanne into brays,the army customs and police are there, no delays though

[gtidriver]

Maybe via Lille is the better option.

[Thurbs]

All set up now at camping F1. In a big grey Geist MH near the gate if anyone wants to say hi!

[Norfolkit]

onemorelap said:

ellroy said:

Rob192 said:

First time driving in Belgium

Be very, very wary. They are possibly the worst drivers in Western Europe.

Where has that reputation come from?

We were in Belgium for a week last year including the GP and I didn't see or witness driving any worse than in other parts of Europe or the UK.

Having got back from Spa on Monday, I'd say Ellroy's comment is spot on, frankly some of the worst drivers I've ever seen (and I live in Norfolk). Tailgating is the worst I've ever seen, late (and I mean very late) lane changes with no indication and generally aggressive.

We were skirting around Brussels on the way back to the Tunnel around 9-9.30 on Monday morning, very heavy traffic and the weather was dreadful, really, really bad visibility, nobody slowed down, half of them weren't using lights and the tailgating was as bad as ever, it was downright bloody dangerous, one misjudgment and there would have been an almighty pile up.

[Hitby]

We drove over to Spa on Friday and came back on Sunday, the weather was good but I have to say I was incredibly impressed with the lane discipline. Traffic was free flowing and people were moving out to overtake and then straight back in. It was my first time driving in Europe (other than a week in Spain (which was awful)) and I'd happily do it again... despite the atrocious traffic management at Spa which stranded us on the campsite for nearly 4 hours which meant a 16 hour journey home to Middlesbrough.