F1 driving day

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Discussion

gramplehook

Original Poster:

2 posts

220 months

Sunday 29th January 2006
quotequote all
As per title, Mrs is buying me an F1 exp for my birthday( quality!!!) No idea which to go for, so has anyone done one before or have any opinions views etc. Its a lot to spend if its not all its cracked up to be.

Very grateful thanks in advance.

Here are the ones I have found so far.

www.intotheblue.co.uk/formula-one.shtml

www.driveme.net/experiences.php?experienceID=52

www.ferraridriving.com/f1.htm

Thinking the hotel one at the mo and option to buy extra laps.

Anyone done one or have any info?

Gruffy

7,212 posts

260 months

Sunday 29th January 2006
quotequote all
Well, the first two are the same thing, just sold by different agents. So that narrows the choices down a little

Gruffy

Digital

420 posts

233 months

Sunday 29th January 2006
quotequote all
No experience of any of these (sadly!) but I'd be tempted to go for the last one, purely because it's on a proper racing track. The first two apparently use a 1500m track (less than 1 mile), whereas Mallory Park might give you more chance to enjoy the cars.

Whichever you choose, enjoy!

mmm-five

11,246 posts

285 months

Sunday 29th January 2006
quotequote all
The 'Wigan' track is Three Sisters, and while it is technically a 'professional racing circuit', it is only suitable for karting IMHO.

You'd be lucky to get out of 2nd gear (maybe 3rd on the straight) - and they usually reserve the right to refuse you access to the 'F1' car if they feel your driving is not up to standard (which is quite reasonable of course).

I've got a Spanish friend who went to the Barcelona GP circuit for his F1 experience and it was about £1500 (three years ago though).

www.lifestylebarcelona.com/driving-f1-barcelona-the-real-deal.html

greenv8s

30,210 posts

285 months

Sunday 29th January 2006
quotequote all
IMO you're unlikely to be competent (and trusted) enough to exploit the full performance of a true F1 car so at best you'll be sitting in the cockpit and being scared witless by the straight line acceleration.

IMO a far better bet would be to get yourself behind the wheel of a fast twin seat race car. You wont get the prestige associated with the F1 branding, but you will get far more track time for far less money, and with an instructor beside you on the intercom and with dual brakes etc you will be much safer and be able to go faster as a result. I don't know if they're still doing it, but if you get the chance go for a day with the Topcats Tuscan race team. It's run by experienced racers who seem to enjoy seeing the car driven properly and not just pootled around the track, I'm fairly brave behind the wheel but I was still being encouraged to push harder, I'm still in awe of the grip and power these cars have. When I grow up I want to have a car like that, and to be able to drive it properly.

agent006

12,040 posts

265 months

Sunday 29th January 2006
quotequote all
£1200 for a day. Jesus. Not meaning to post a really unhelpful reply, but you could do what i did, and buy a track car with said £1200. Then unlimited fun on as many trackdays as you like (or just spend a fortnight driving Donnington in your current car)

gramplehook

Original Poster:

2 posts

220 months

Sunday 29th January 2006
quotequote all
agent006 said:
£1200 for a day. Jesus. Not meaning to post a really unhelpful reply, but you could do what i did, and buy a track car with said £1200. Then unlimited fun on as many trackdays as you like (or just spend a fortnight driving Donnington in your current car)


Already have a sorted S1 elise for that, have driven lots of quick cars and feel that F1 is the pinnacle.

No-one done one on here then?

BrianJ

256 posts

243 months

Sunday 29th January 2006
quotequote all
Done the Mallory one and yes, the diagnosis above is about right - not enough time to do other than experience a blast up the straight. Mind you, the other single seater drives on the same day were more fun because more manageable.

Better by far in view is Palmersport day at Bedford at not much more than half the cost - lots more driving and with really encouraging instructors.

Phil. S.

180 posts

231 months

Monday 30th January 2006
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If you do Mallory, it would be a good idea to book into a track day before hand. At least then you will be familiar with the track, and won't have to learn it at the same time you're getting to grips with a different car. Anyway, I'm very jealous.

Jim Spencer

151 posts

223 months

Monday 30th January 2006
quotequote all
Hi

Have to say would agree with BrianJ, done Palmersports a couple of times, ace day, the JP1 Jaguar and the Formula Palmer Audi are especially good.

I've run a Formula Ford and do Sprints at 3 Sisters and 4th on the FF was redundant there, so can't see the point of a F1 car to be honest do Mallory if you go for it.