Silverstone F1 - First Timer
Discussion
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?
I have a 3 day general admission ticket, plus camping at Whittlebury. Planning to get to the campsite on Thursday night as thats the earliest I can get there. What can I expect from the campsite? Are the facilities any good? I expect with so many people, the toilets/showers are a little dirty?
Also been wondering about security. Are cars parked within the pitch (ie next to my tent), or are they some distance away in a car park?
In terms of getting to the track, I guess I need to be heading over early to pick a spot? I was at Silverstone for the GT1 Championship a few weekends back and found that Hangar Straight and Stowe to be where all the action was. I'm guessing this will be a popular spot?
Can't wait to go! Lets hope its warm and sunny and a more exciting race than Valencia earlier today
Any advice would be hugely appreciated!
I have a 3 day general admission ticket, plus camping at Whittlebury. Planning to get to the campsite on Thursday night as thats the earliest I can get there. What can I expect from the campsite? Are the facilities any good? I expect with so many people, the toilets/showers are a little dirty?
Also been wondering about security. Are cars parked within the pitch (ie next to my tent), or are they some distance away in a car park?
In terms of getting to the track, I guess I need to be heading over early to pick a spot? I was at Silverstone for the GT1 Championship a few weekends back and found that Hangar Straight and Stowe to be where all the action was. I'm guessing this will be a popular spot?
Can't wait to go! Lets hope its warm and sunny and a more exciting race than Valencia earlier today
Any advice would be hugely appreciated!Didn't expect such a quick response! Thanks!
"Toilet rolls and baby wipes" ....these are the key tips I need!!
Really glad sun lotion was mentioned, that's something that I would likely have forgot.
Everything I've heard about the weekend sounds brilliant, I actually cannot wait. And yes, I'm massively excited to hear the noise of 24 F1 cars billowing around the circuit! Been told I should take ear plugs. Good advice? Haha
Any tips on locations then? Like I say, I'm expecting Stowe to be an awesome place watch out the race! I guess Friday will be a good day to scope out other potential good spots
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!
"Toilet rolls and baby wipes" ....these are the key tips I need!!
Really glad sun lotion was mentioned, that's something that I would likely have forgot.
Everything I've heard about the weekend sounds brilliant, I actually cannot wait. And yes, I'm massively excited to hear the noise of 24 F1 cars billowing around the circuit! Been told I should take ear plugs. Good advice? Haha
Any tips on locations then? Like I say, I'm expecting Stowe to be an awesome place watch out the race! I guess Friday will be a good day to scope out other potential good spots
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!
Got some waterproofs! Didn't fancy trusting our English weather.
I've been thinking about food. I'm planning to get a small fold away BBQ and have a camping stove to take. After I was there for the GT's earlier this month and saw the food prices, I didn't fancy buying everything!
In general, how do you find the people? Should I expect drunken chavs? Haha
I've been thinking about food. I'm planning to get a small fold away BBQ and have a camping stove to take. After I was there for the GT's earlier this month and saw the food prices, I didn't fancy buying everything!
In general, how do you find the people? Should I expect drunken chavs? Haha
rhysenna said:
We always take a small gas stove with us. Fire it up once you've got your spot and stick the sausages/kettle on. 
The prices for the food are ridiculous. Take your own and as said before, plenty of beer. Enjoy.
Gas Stove, Sausages and Beer. Got it The prices for the food are ridiculous. Take your own and as said before, plenty of beer. Enjoy.
Streps said:
I found it warm and friendly.
You will get some idiots trying to sell and buy tickets but it's common with any big event.
Once you are in the circuit it's just fantastic.
No drunken chavs in my experience.
Just some weird ferrari guys who give Hamilton the finger every lap.
Bit weird. Each to their own though! One thing I love about F1 (and motorsport in general) is how fans of different drivers/teams can generally sit together in the same grandstand or on the same corner. Not like football where fans have to be separated!You will get some idiots trying to sell and buy tickets but it's common with any big event.
Once you are in the circuit it's just fantastic.
No drunken chavs in my experience.
Just some weird ferrari guys who give Hamilton the finger every lap.
This thread has made me even more excited to go now
PSBuckshot said:
On the Saturday and Sunday wake up very early if you don't want to be sitting 6 miles back from the circuit.
On the Friday however just stroll in about half 9 10ish, a lot more relaxed then.
I seemed to miss this post!On the Friday however just stroll in about half 9 10ish, a lot more relaxed then.
Thanks for the advice
I guessed this would be the case. 7am ish?GAjon said:
My brothers coming with me and my two sons this year, he's never been to F1.
For FP1 I'm taking him to maggots, the approach to becketts and chapel for his first view, I can guarantee a 'f
kin hell'!
I imagine I'll be the same For FP1 I'm taking him to maggots, the approach to becketts and chapel for his first view, I can guarantee a 'f
kin hell'! The GT's were pretty loud but I'm told it's nothing compared to an F1 car!Thanks for all the advice. Too many posts to reply individually!
Good point about the camera. It frustrates me how at so many events people spend most of it trying to take pictures/record things. I'll get a few snaps but don't intend on going mad. I want to make the most of being able to see the race from the side of the track
I think I am gonna go for the Fanvision. I agree that you could probably follow the race by just watching but I do like to know everything thats going on. By the sounds of it, Fanvision will be brilliant for this!
Without bogging myself down with too much stuff, is it worth taking binoculars? I noticed that when I was at the GT1 championship a few weeks back, plenty of people had taken them and I couldn't help but wish I had bothered to take some. Depends where I'm watching from I guess?
Good point about the camera. It frustrates me how at so many events people spend most of it trying to take pictures/record things. I'll get a few snaps but don't intend on going mad. I want to make the most of being able to see the race from the side of the track
I think I am gonna go for the Fanvision. I agree that you could probably follow the race by just watching but I do like to know everything thats going on. By the sounds of it, Fanvision will be brilliant for this!
Without bogging myself down with too much stuff, is it worth taking binoculars? I noticed that when I was at the GT1 championship a few weeks back, plenty of people had taken them and I couldn't help but wish I had bothered to take some. Depends where I'm watching from I guess?
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?
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
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!Have you been to the track before? I can't see how there is anyway what so ever that you are going to be able to see any of the track from outside the perimiter. The track is set down from some of the general admission viewing areas, then further out from here you have grandstands that will block your view. they definitely will from Copse.
As many people have said, it's not going to happen. I'm sure the circuit have already thought of potential places where people could view without a ticket years ago and since made it not possible.
It's not my first time at Silverstone but it is my first time at an F1 GP. At a guess, I'd say that there will be ticket touts outside selling off tickets at extortionate prices. Infact, I think someone mentioned in this thread that there are usually touts around.
Hope you manage to enjoy the weekend one way or another But I'd try and get a ticket if I were you, but expect to pay a lot if you go to a tout.
As many people have said, it's not going to happen. I'm sure the circuit have already thought of potential places where people could view without a ticket years ago and since made it not possible.
It's not my first time at Silverstone but it is my first time at an F1 GP. At a guess, I'd say that there will be ticket touts outside selling off tickets at extortionate prices. Infact, I think someone mentioned in this thread that there are usually touts around.
Hope you manage to enjoy the weekend one way or another
But I'd try and get a ticket if I were you, but expect to pay a lot if you go to a tout.Failing getting one from a tout, I am sure that the Silverstone website said there are tickets still available for the Friday and Saturday? It's worth checking. surely it would be better to have a ticket for these days rather than none at all? Then, if you managed to pick up a ticket for all three days from a tout, you could try and find someone who wants to buy your Fri/Sat ticket.
Just an idea
Just an idea
MK4 Slowride said:
We're going Friday, 1st time going to an F1 event for me. Really looking forward to it, & only just booked tickets today.
Doubt my scoob would get stuck in a muddy field considering all the auto-test rallies I've done in it during the pissing rain on grass.
If you see a silver scoob with PH stickers on the spoiler give us a wave.
Likewise. If you see a silver Mini stuck in the mud, give us a tow eh? Doubt my scoob would get stuck in a muddy field considering all the auto-test rallies I've done in it during the pissing rain on grass.
If you see a silver scoob with PH stickers on the spoiler give us a wave.
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