Barcelona testing and photography

[HardtopManual]

Just booked some cheap flights and an apartment in Granollers for the first round of testing. I like to take the odd photo and find Catalunya to be a good circuit for photography.

Has anyone here been to a test before? Were there any restrictions on the camera equipment that could be taken into the circuit? I don't want to lug a huge lens over there only to find out I can't use it.

[rdjohn]

I have been to Jerez many times in the past and seen spectators with big lenses. The cars are hidden while in their box, so there is little chance of catching some unnoticed tech.

There are also official photographers there as well who are allowed in front of the debris fence, like any normal race weekend.

[voicey]

I was at the test in 2013 and didn't see any restrictions on taking equipment in. Hope you enjoy it - I had a great time!

[HardtopManual]

Thanks for the replies. I'll pack my 500.

Voicey - looks like you had rather better access than I'll have! I managed to get in the pits at Suzuka in 2013 thanks to a friend of a friend who works for FOM. Fantastic experience.

[red_slr]

voicey said:

I was at the test in 2013 and didn't see any restrictions on taking equipment in. Hope you enjoy it - I had a great time!

I was probably stood behind you when you took that pic

I am back there next week as it happens.

[red_slr]

Actually looks like I was stood just to your right

[voicey]

red_slr said:

Actually looks like I was stood just to your right

Pistonheads never fails to amaze me - what are the chances of me posting a photo up for someone to post one taken at almost the same exact moment?!

[red_slr]

Its a small world!

[WelshChris]

Just out of curiosity, how does one become an 'official photographer'? - I suspect it's a little more involved than rocking up and saying 'look at my big lens'

[red_slr]

Most do 20+ years learning the trade and working their way up the motorsport ladder eventually getting a job with one of the big names. They say its easier to become a driver than a photographer in F1..

[em177]

I'm at the Barcelona test for the second time this year. Who did you guys use for pitlane access?

[ISO51200]

Are you guys in the pit lane this year? If you see a bearded bloke in Red Bull gear give him a wave

[voicey]

I was a guest of Caterham when I was there. Haven't managed to blag anything this time round but if anyone wants to invite my freeloading ass I'm available!

[robmank0572]

Hi. I attended one of the tests last February. I was able to take my camera in with a 100-400mm Lens in without any issues. Most of the grandstands were available and the shops and food outlets behind the main grandstand were also open. I stayed in central Barcelona and it took about 45 to drive up to the circuit. I ended parked out in the back car parks and came into the circuit through gate 1, behind turn G. Happy to answer any questions if I can.

Here's a couple of my pictures taken from the main stand just beyond the finish line.

[HardtopManual]

Nice. Some of mine from the 2015 race, think I only had an 18-200.




Hoping to get into similar places at the test.