Silverstone F1 - First Timer
Discussion
Slight thread hijack-
Has anyone ever riden to silverstone for a race weekend? I am camping over and I live quite close so am thinking of putting all essentials in a rack bag and meeting a friend at the camp site. I am taking a D lock and will have it locked outside the tent at night and will probably lock it to some sort of gate when I go to the stands in the day.
Is this sensible or will it be too risky leaving my bike around there for the weekend?
Has anyone ever riden to silverstone for a race weekend? I am camping over and I live quite close so am thinking of putting all essentials in a rack bag and meeting a friend at the camp site. I am taking a D lock and will have it locked outside the tent at night and will probably lock it to some sort of gate when I go to the stands in the day.
Is this sensible or will it be too risky leaving my bike around there for the weekend?
burns863 said:
I've noticed people talking on forums about where abouts in Whittlebury park they have a pitch. As far as I know my ticket doesn't give any details other than the campsite name. Is it just first come first served with the pitch locations then? Hoping that getting there on Thursday evening isn't going to leave me with no choice!
Burns,Click here. This will explain what they mean by whereabouts.
I'm at Lakeside and plan to be pitched and having a scoop for around 4 5ish on the Thursday. I believe the car display ticket will have your location on. If not give them a ring to confirm - you don't want to be sorting this out on arrival, believe me.
I've found the facilities excellent at Whittlebury for the World Series by Renault and other events so have no doubt that F1 will be much better - site lists beer tent and live bands, the Paddock suite, Pavilion and the Atrium for food and drinks. I have found that late night showers are better/quicker than early morning showers - well my aching head thought so anyway
I was told to expect a surprise visit from Red Bull this year - It was purported to be a driver and some chief or two - has anyone else heard this and can expand on it?
Thanks and ENJOY!!
Scott
thiscocks said:
Slight thread hijack-
Has anyone ever riden to silverstone for a race weekend? I am camping over and I live quite close so am thinking of putting all essentials in a rack bag and meeting a friend at the camp site. I am taking a D lock and will have it locked outside the tent at night and will probably lock it to some sort of gate when I go to the stands in the day.
Is this sensible or will it be too risky leaving my bike around there for the weekend?
First thing would be can they not swing by and pick you up?Has anyone ever riden to silverstone for a race weekend? I am camping over and I live quite close so am thinking of putting all essentials in a rack bag and meeting a friend at the camp site. I am taking a D lock and will have it locked outside the tent at night and will probably lock it to some sort of gate when I go to the stands in the day.
Is this sensible or will it be too risky leaving my bike around there for the weekend?
Do you have anything else that would enable you to lock it round, say one of your friend's Alloys or the tent, if possible? You'll probably be fine during the day (strapping it to a gate, like you say) but a D-Lock won't stop it from being carried away in the middle of the night.
Alternatively, if the tents big enough, will it fit inside?
Just my £0.02
Scott
Thanks Scott, awesome info
Bought myself a pair of ear defenders. Anyone know rough F1 GP sound levels? I was told by the company I bought them from that they were rated high enough for use when working with Aircraft (up to 120dB) but when I've got them home they are the next level of protection down and cover up to about 113dB at high frequency (Lc-La??? That's what the axis is labelled as on the graph).
These will do the job right? Or do I need to be getting the next level up?
Bought myself a pair of ear defenders. Anyone know rough F1 GP sound levels? I was told by the company I bought them from that they were rated high enough for use when working with Aircraft (up to 120dB) but when I've got them home they are the next level of protection down and cover up to about 113dB at high frequency (Lc-La??? That's what the axis is labelled as on the graph).
These will do the job right? Or do I need to be getting the next level up?
ollie854 said:
Is anybody staying at the woodlands campsite? What are the facilities like? I've been to the gp twice before but never camped so I dont really know what to expect on the the campsite.
Cheers
That's the official Silverstone campsite, isn't it? If so Click HereCheers
Cheers,
Scott
I had a look on my camping ticket for Whittlebury, but no area was listed. I rang the campsite to enquire and was told that as I booked through Silverstone (and not direct with the campsite) that I would be told where to pitch on the day. But all bookings made through silverstone will be in the same area. Apparently they are considering an area at the top of the golf course by the road.
Thought I'd post the info incase anyone else was wondering about it
Thought I'd post the info incase anyone else was wondering about it
I love Club. The place is full of F1 nerds. The information you get from them is superb. Most love talking to someone, it is probably the first time they have for some months. Someone listening to them is what they dream of.
If during practice or the race you are a bit lost then turn to them and they will explain everything.
I used to think I was a bit strange for being keen on F1 but after Club I realise I am virtually normal.
I take two stop watches and a clipboard with a few sheets of A4. You can see who is eating up the distance between them and the chap in front. Lap times tell you so much and you easily forget what lap a driver went in for tyres if you don't make a note. List all the drivers on one sheet of lined paper and put notes against their name. Also you can 'talk' to the person beside you without having to remove ear defenders, in ear headphones etc. Also write down the standings on the WDC and WCC. Someone always argues about it. It can get very wearing.
If you go to one of the stalls selling team liveried gear is can save a lot of time if you open your wallet and say to the person behind the counter "Help yourself."
The burger stalls are only for the very brave or those with a seat near a toilet.
The air show is tremendous. Make sure you have a decent view.
Don't applaud or cheer if a driver you dislike has an accident. Even Schumacher nowadays.
Mix a bit. Don't just stand with people who support the same driver/team as you. despite being a keen fan of various teams in my time I have never been abused or made to feel unwelcome by supporters of other teams. You might get a bit of ribbing but you can have a go back and everyone enjoys it. (Don't suggest that Alonso was beaten by Hamilton when they were both in the same team. There are some things that are not spoken of.)
Take plenty of toilet paper. Take some that you can sell with an extortionate profit to others, especially Ferrari fans.
No matter how well briefed you are be prepared to sit next to someone who literally knows ten times as much as you. They might have pimples and blush a lot but they know all about the sport. It is remarkable.
Go with the intention of enjoying the day. Filming the race, or photographing it, as mentioned, is pointless as you miss so much and you would have recorded the race anyway. Be prepared to see an entirely different race when you see the recording. That is the one perpetual truth. Accept that those who weren't there will tell you you did not see what you saw.
Talk to strangers. Motor racing crowds are nice people.
Stay to the bitter end. It will make driving away easier and you will have time to chat about the race to others. There will be BBQs that you can go to for a little bit of cash.
I got there one race day nice and early, 4.30. There was a heavy dew and I was soaked to the skin. It was the first year of Bridge and I got a spot right up against the railing. I fell asleep on my chair with my feet on the coolbox. When I woke up I thought there was a fog. It was the water evaporating from my trousers and socks.
Take a hat that goes over your ears. Burnt tops to your ears can be really painful and people think it is funny. Take a towel. Something on you will get wet at some time and if all else fails you can put it over your head. People will laugh at you right up until the tops of their ears catch fire.
Take plenty of toilet paper. Lots and lots of it.
It will be too hot, too dry, too wet, too cold, probably all four, or five, there's probably a weather condition that I've fogotten. Take enough to share with those around you, such as an extra sarnie or two. Then, when you visit the toilet because you ate a burger you will still have your place to come back to.
Don't share your toilet roll.
If during practice or the race you are a bit lost then turn to them and they will explain everything.
I used to think I was a bit strange for being keen on F1 but after Club I realise I am virtually normal.
I take two stop watches and a clipboard with a few sheets of A4. You can see who is eating up the distance between them and the chap in front. Lap times tell you so much and you easily forget what lap a driver went in for tyres if you don't make a note. List all the drivers on one sheet of lined paper and put notes against their name. Also you can 'talk' to the person beside you without having to remove ear defenders, in ear headphones etc. Also write down the standings on the WDC and WCC. Someone always argues about it. It can get very wearing.
If you go to one of the stalls selling team liveried gear is can save a lot of time if you open your wallet and say to the person behind the counter "Help yourself."
The burger stalls are only for the very brave or those with a seat near a toilet.
The air show is tremendous. Make sure you have a decent view.
Don't applaud or cheer if a driver you dislike has an accident. Even Schumacher nowadays.
Mix a bit. Don't just stand with people who support the same driver/team as you. despite being a keen fan of various teams in my time I have never been abused or made to feel unwelcome by supporters of other teams. You might get a bit of ribbing but you can have a go back and everyone enjoys it. (Don't suggest that Alonso was beaten by Hamilton when they were both in the same team. There are some things that are not spoken of.)
Take plenty of toilet paper. Take some that you can sell with an extortionate profit to others, especially Ferrari fans.
No matter how well briefed you are be prepared to sit next to someone who literally knows ten times as much as you. They might have pimples and blush a lot but they know all about the sport. It is remarkable.
Go with the intention of enjoying the day. Filming the race, or photographing it, as mentioned, is pointless as you miss so much and you would have recorded the race anyway. Be prepared to see an entirely different race when you see the recording. That is the one perpetual truth. Accept that those who weren't there will tell you you did not see what you saw.
Talk to strangers. Motor racing crowds are nice people.
Stay to the bitter end. It will make driving away easier and you will have time to chat about the race to others. There will be BBQs that you can go to for a little bit of cash.
I got there one race day nice and early, 4.30. There was a heavy dew and I was soaked to the skin. It was the first year of Bridge and I got a spot right up against the railing. I fell asleep on my chair with my feet on the coolbox. When I woke up I thought there was a fog. It was the water evaporating from my trousers and socks.
Take a hat that goes over your ears. Burnt tops to your ears can be really painful and people think it is funny. Take a towel. Something on you will get wet at some time and if all else fails you can put it over your head. People will laugh at you right up until the tops of their ears catch fire.
Take plenty of toilet paper. Lots and lots of it.
It will be too hot, too dry, too wet, too cold, probably all four, or five, there's probably a weather condition that I've fogotten. Take enough to share with those around you, such as an extra sarnie or two. Then, when you visit the toilet because you ate a burger you will still have your place to come back to.
Don't share your toilet roll.
burns863 said:
I'm going to the British F1 Grand Prix for the first time and wondered if anyone can give me any advice/tips to get the most out of the weekend?
Wow, a first timer! Wish I was a virgin again.Well, my first year (2002) I stayed a Whittlebury too. It was the worst experience of my life. Luckily, I had friends staying over at Litchlake so realised I had dropped a clanger but was happy to go again the year after, and of course every year since.
Try this site for guides, information, what is where and all that, www.gpsurvival.com. Works on my iPhone too, so I won't have to buy a programme for the timetable.
Derek Smith said:
I love Club. The place is full of F1 nerds. The information you get from them is superb. Most love talking to someone, it is probably the first time they have for some months. Someone listening to them is what they dream of.
If during practice or the race you are a bit lost then turn to them and they will explain everything.
I used to think I was a bit strange for being keen on F1 but after Club I realise I am virtually normal.
I take two stop watches and a clipboard with a few sheets of A4. You can see who is eating up the distance between them and the chap in front. Lap times tell you so much and you easily forget what lap a driver went in for tyres if you don't make a note. List all the drivers on one sheet of lined paper and put notes against their name. Also you can 'talk' to the person beside you without having to remove ear defenders, in ear headphones etc. Also write down the standings on the WDC and WCC. Someone always argues about it. It can get very wearing.
If you go to one of the stalls selling team liveried gear is can save a lot of time if you open your wallet and say to the person behind the counter "Help yourself."
The burger stalls are only for the very brave or those with a seat near a toilet.
The air show is tremendous. Make sure you have a decent view.
Don't applaud or cheer if a driver you dislike has an accident. Even Schumacher nowadays.
Mix a bit. Don't just stand with people who support the same driver/team as you. despite being a keen fan of various teams in my time I have never been abused or made to feel unwelcome by supporters of other teams. You might get a bit of ribbing but you can have a go back and everyone enjoys it. (Don't suggest that Alonso was beaten by Hamilton when they were both in the same team. There are some things that are not spoken of.)
Take plenty of toilet paper. Take some that you can sell with an extortionate profit to others, especially Ferrari fans.
No matter how well briefed you are be prepared to sit next to someone who literally knows ten times as much as you. They might have pimples and blush a lot but they know all about the sport. It is remarkable.
Go with the intention of enjoying the day. Filming the race, or photographing it, as mentioned, is pointless as you miss so much and you would have recorded the race anyway. Be prepared to see an entirely different race when you see the recording. That is the one perpetual truth. Accept that those who weren't there will tell you you did not see what you saw.
Talk to strangers. Motor racing crowds are nice people.
Stay to the bitter end. It will make driving away easier and you will have time to chat about the race to others. There will be BBQs that you can go to for a little bit of cash.
I got there one race day nice and early, 4.30. There was a heavy dew and I was soaked to the skin. It was the first year of Bridge and I got a spot right up against the railing. I fell asleep on my chair with my feet on the coolbox. When I woke up I thought there was a fog. It was the water evaporating from my trousers and socks.
Take a hat that goes over your ears. Burnt tops to your ears can be really painful and people think it is funny. Take a towel. Something on you will get wet at some time and if all else fails you can put it over your head. People will laugh at you right up until the tops of their ears catch fire.
Take plenty of toilet paper. Lots and lots of it.
It will be too hot, too dry, too wet, too cold, probably all four, or five, there's probably a weather condition that I've fogotten. Take enough to share with those around you, such as an extra sarnie or two. Then, when you visit the toilet because you ate a burger you will still have your place to come back to.
Don't share your toilet roll.
Wow, lot to take in! Massively helpful though If during practice or the race you are a bit lost then turn to them and they will explain everything.
I used to think I was a bit strange for being keen on F1 but after Club I realise I am virtually normal.
I take two stop watches and a clipboard with a few sheets of A4. You can see who is eating up the distance between them and the chap in front. Lap times tell you so much and you easily forget what lap a driver went in for tyres if you don't make a note. List all the drivers on one sheet of lined paper and put notes against their name. Also you can 'talk' to the person beside you without having to remove ear defenders, in ear headphones etc. Also write down the standings on the WDC and WCC. Someone always argues about it. It can get very wearing.
If you go to one of the stalls selling team liveried gear is can save a lot of time if you open your wallet and say to the person behind the counter "Help yourself."
The burger stalls are only for the very brave or those with a seat near a toilet.
The air show is tremendous. Make sure you have a decent view.
Don't applaud or cheer if a driver you dislike has an accident. Even Schumacher nowadays.
Mix a bit. Don't just stand with people who support the same driver/team as you. despite being a keen fan of various teams in my time I have never been abused or made to feel unwelcome by supporters of other teams. You might get a bit of ribbing but you can have a go back and everyone enjoys it. (Don't suggest that Alonso was beaten by Hamilton when they were both in the same team. There are some things that are not spoken of.)
Take plenty of toilet paper. Take some that you can sell with an extortionate profit to others, especially Ferrari fans.
No matter how well briefed you are be prepared to sit next to someone who literally knows ten times as much as you. They might have pimples and blush a lot but they know all about the sport. It is remarkable.
Go with the intention of enjoying the day. Filming the race, or photographing it, as mentioned, is pointless as you miss so much and you would have recorded the race anyway. Be prepared to see an entirely different race when you see the recording. That is the one perpetual truth. Accept that those who weren't there will tell you you did not see what you saw.
Talk to strangers. Motor racing crowds are nice people.
Stay to the bitter end. It will make driving away easier and you will have time to chat about the race to others. There will be BBQs that you can go to for a little bit of cash.
I got there one race day nice and early, 4.30. There was a heavy dew and I was soaked to the skin. It was the first year of Bridge and I got a spot right up against the railing. I fell asleep on my chair with my feet on the coolbox. When I woke up I thought there was a fog. It was the water evaporating from my trousers and socks.
Take a hat that goes over your ears. Burnt tops to your ears can be really painful and people think it is funny. Take a towel. Something on you will get wet at some time and if all else fails you can put it over your head. People will laugh at you right up until the tops of their ears catch fire.
Take plenty of toilet paper. Lots and lots of it.
It will be too hot, too dry, too wet, too cold, probably all four, or five, there's probably a weather condition that I've fogotten. Take enough to share with those around you, such as an extra sarnie or two. Then, when you visit the toilet because you ate a burger you will still have your place to come back to.
Don't share your toilet roll.
Not sure I will go as far as writing things down. I saw people doing this when I went to the GT's, although it made sense then as there was no big screen despite the fact that I was sat in the grandstand across from the new pits! The guy I am going with has decided to purchase the new Fanvision, so I'll likely use that for stats!You're the second person to mention toilet roll. This is going down as a must now!
Sam.F said:
Wuss.
Hahaha. Maybe I am? I dunno. General advice seems to be that I should get some though!plavix said:
Wow, a first timer! Wish I was a virgin again.
Well, my first year (2002) I stayed a Whittlebury too. It was the worst experience of my life. Luckily, I had friends staying over at Litchlake so realised I had dropped a clanger but was happy to go again the year after, and of course every year since.
Try this site for guides, information, what is where and all that, www.gpsurvival.com. Works on my iPhone too, so I won't have to buy a programme for the timetable.
Thanks Plavix, I'll check out that link Well, my first year (2002) I stayed a Whittlebury too. It was the worst experience of my life. Luckily, I had friends staying over at Litchlake so realised I had dropped a clanger but was happy to go again the year after, and of course every year since.
Try this site for guides, information, what is where and all that, www.gpsurvival.com. Works on my iPhone too, so I won't have to buy a programme for the timetable.
Someone mentioned lack of signal? When I was there in June I had a full 3G signal with O2. There was a mast in the car park!Killer2005 said:
My biggest tip, for the love of god stay and watch the classics/historic races (assuming there are some this year). So many people leave early and miss them but they are one of the highlights of the event 
Are these after the GP on Sunday? I'll likely stay for these!DeadMeat_UK said:
1. Take earplugs
2. Get a Kangaroo.TV to understand the race
3. Don't worry too much about taking pictures of the cars going round. Get a few for flavour, and make sure you get some shots of the off track stuff, but don't spend the entire race watching it through a view-finder.
4. Take earplugs.
The first time you hear them fire up and come round with some throttle on, you WILL grin from ear to ear.
Also for Fri/Sat try and find somewhere where they do a big high speed change of direction. Maggots/Beckets ideal. You will be astonished at how they do it.
Edited to add, I put contradictory ideas in your head.
Take good in-ear headphones for your kanga (and a splitter if you want to share). They will act as good earplugs when watching the race.
my moment was on the sunday, when i was stood on the track at chapel, the drivers had been past and my and my fellow marshals were stood watching the red arrows perform overhead...2. Get a Kangaroo.TV to understand the race
3. Don't worry too much about taking pictures of the cars going round. Get a few for flavour, and make sure you get some shots of the off track stuff, but don't spend the entire race watching it through a view-finder.
4. Take earplugs.
The first time you hear them fire up and come round with some throttle on, you WILL grin from ear to ear.
Also for Fri/Sat try and find somewhere where they do a big high speed change of direction. Maggots/Beckets ideal. You will be astonished at how they do it.
Edited to add, I put contradictory ideas in your head.
Take good in-ear headphones for your kanga (and a splitter if you want to share). They will act as good earplugs when watching the race.
... ooo the shiver that went up my spine that i had waited 5 years to be able to flag at the GP, and it was just about to start.
The missus had a kanga, and said it was useful for being able to listen to the commentry, have the live timings on, and occasionally look at the video footage, especially at the start so you can see that happen, and in the early stages when the cars are all grouped together, so theres a minute or so between the pack passing you.
the commentary on the Kanga is the 5Live guys of Antony Davidson and crofty.
Also in the evening of saturday the qualifying is rebroadcast, so i could watch the session when i got off post (at least i could pick up the signal in the marshals campsite, which isnt much closer than whittleby.
have camped at the hall for the world series. it was fine, toilet facilites are portaloos so pick your times when you go, think festival loos.
burns863 said:
Thanks Scott, awesome info
Bought myself a pair of ear defenders. Anyone know rough F1 GP sound levels? I was told by the company I bought them from that they were rated high enough for use when working with Aircraft (up to 120dB) but when I've got them home they are the next level of protection down and cover up to about 113dB at high frequency (Lc-La??? That's what the axis is labelled as on the graph).
These will do the job right? Or do I need to be getting the next level up?
F1 cars can be around 132-138 dB range. If you get right up close to the fence at certain parts of the circuit (Vale, Hanger Straight) it will hurt, but for the most part it's not a massive issue IMO. Obviously that depends a lot on the person in question. I had no plugs etc. and it was only a problem for me standing near the fence, where I was about 5m away from the cars passing.Bought myself a pair of ear defenders. Anyone know rough F1 GP sound levels? I was told by the company I bought them from that they were rated high enough for use when working with Aircraft (up to 120dB) but when I've got them home they are the next level of protection down and cover up to about 113dB at high frequency (Lc-La??? That's what the axis is labelled as on the graph).
These will do the job right? Or do I need to be getting the next level up?
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