Belgian GP 2007
Discussion
Muzzer said:
I stayed here in 2005
http://www.campingspador.be/ardens/english/welcome...
And very pleasant it was too. Good beer, 5 mins from the circuit, job done.
According to their website it's 5km from the circuit? Is that right?http://www.campingspador.be/ardens/english/welcome...
And very pleasant it was too. Good beer, 5 mins from the circuit, job done.
Edited by jvbates on Wednesday 12th September 17:04
jvbates said:
Muzzer said:
I stayed here in 2005
http://www.campingspador.be/ardens/english/welcome...
And very pleasant it was too. Good beer, 5 mins from the circuit, job done.
According to their website it's 5km from the circuit? Is that right?http://www.campingspador.be/ardens/english/welcome...
And very pleasant it was too. Good beer, 5 mins from the circuit, job done.
It's just over the motorway that exits off into Francorchamp. Supermarket 10mins drive away.
I didn't camp there - we rented a static caravan but there were plenty of people pitching the canvas.
Only drawback was the Germans in the 'van next to us singing the German version of 'Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes' at top volume until the small hours
But then we were so knackered after the early start and drive that sleep wasn't too much of a problem.We were going to camp at the circuit itself but were put off by just about everyone saying that Belsen had better facilities.
Muzzer said:
Only drawback was the Germans in the 'van next to us singing the German version of 'Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes' at top volume until the small hours
That's sound a whole lot better that last time we went!Firstly, we arrived so late that the only place we could find to erect just one of our two 2 man tents (there was 4 of us!) was in amonst lots of 'ze germans'. On one side was a full on dance arena that played German hardcore techno till at least 5.30 in the morning. Whilst on the other side was were more od our german friends all wearing McLaren clogs and roasting a whole pig on a spit - it did smell good though!!
The sight of finally opening my tent after 2 hours of sleep to see said germans all sitting in deckchairs in only their y-fronts drinking larger at 8am is etched in my brain!! ;-(
We're off in a 5 car convoy Fri morning - 10am ferry Dover to Dunkerque - TVR Chim, Lotus Elise, Alfa Spider, TT and Z4M - afraid we were too late to find Belgian accommodation so staying in Aachen, and need find somewhere to watch the rugby tomorrow night! First visit to Spa and really looking forward to it 
Just praying the McLaren boys are still racing this weekend
Just praying the McLaren boys are still racing this weekend
Not sure how the rest of you got on with Spa, but I have to say, this being the fifth F1 GP I've been to (Silverstone, Barcelona, Shanghai, Nurburgring), it was by far the most disappointing in terms of facilities and organisation - real shame for what is clearly a spectacular track 
The good points:
- weather was good
- the circuit is spectacular, in an amazing location, with great changes in elevation, and the uphill blast from Eau Rouge truly has to be seen
The bad points:
- access was reminiscent of the Silverstone horror stories. Both on Sat and Sunday there was very little clear guidance, either by marshalls or by signs, as to where you should park. Sat we ended up parked in the middle of nowhere, a fair bus trip from the circuit, and a long walk where the bus dropped us. Huge queues on the Sunday, both to get in and to leave, and bad traffic for a long time after leaving. Barca, Nurb and Shanghai by contrast were all incredibly quick and easy.
- v poor value for money. We had 130 euro bronze tickets, not grandstand seating, but the next price down, and not cheap. What did we get for this? A choice of trying to stand up in the overcrowded woods before the pit area, or round the other side, trying to sit on a steep slippery bank that was ram packed full, or standing up behind the bank. Compare Barca where, about 4 years ago, paid about 50 euros, and had a much better choice of places to sit. Nurb also looked to have a good selection of non-grandstand seating.
- v little in the way of entertainment between races, or other activities going on - no jet flyovers, and v little in terms of non-F1 stands to entertain. They also relayed very little through the loudspeakers - eg we could see the drivers being interviewed at length on the drivers parade lap, but couldn't hear a word of it! Other circuits had loads of other stuff in comparison, and Barca ticket even included entry to the international Motorshow!
- catering was pretty much ltd to frites with mayo, waffles, sausages and some nasty looking burgers.
- no victory parade lap! First F1 race I've been to where they didn't even bother to give the fans the chance to cheer the winner!!
My overall impression was that the organisers, while they may have spent some money improving facilities for the teams and the VIPs to keep Bernie happy, really did not give a sh#t about the average paying punter, they just wanted to cram in as many paying customers as possible - and the place was very full - but give very little in return.
Sadly, I certainly wouldn't go back to Spa for F1.
The good points:
- weather was good
- the circuit is spectacular, in an amazing location, with great changes in elevation, and the uphill blast from Eau Rouge truly has to be seen
The bad points:
- access was reminiscent of the Silverstone horror stories. Both on Sat and Sunday there was very little clear guidance, either by marshalls or by signs, as to where you should park. Sat we ended up parked in the middle of nowhere, a fair bus trip from the circuit, and a long walk where the bus dropped us. Huge queues on the Sunday, both to get in and to leave, and bad traffic for a long time after leaving. Barca, Nurb and Shanghai by contrast were all incredibly quick and easy.
- v poor value for money. We had 130 euro bronze tickets, not grandstand seating, but the next price down, and not cheap. What did we get for this? A choice of trying to stand up in the overcrowded woods before the pit area, or round the other side, trying to sit on a steep slippery bank that was ram packed full, or standing up behind the bank. Compare Barca where, about 4 years ago, paid about 50 euros, and had a much better choice of places to sit. Nurb also looked to have a good selection of non-grandstand seating.
- v little in the way of entertainment between races, or other activities going on - no jet flyovers, and v little in terms of non-F1 stands to entertain. They also relayed very little through the loudspeakers - eg we could see the drivers being interviewed at length on the drivers parade lap, but couldn't hear a word of it! Other circuits had loads of other stuff in comparison, and Barca ticket even included entry to the international Motorshow!
- catering was pretty much ltd to frites with mayo, waffles, sausages and some nasty looking burgers.
- no victory parade lap! First F1 race I've been to where they didn't even bother to give the fans the chance to cheer the winner!!
My overall impression was that the organisers, while they may have spent some money improving facilities for the teams and the VIPs to keep Bernie happy, really did not give a sh#t about the average paying punter, they just wanted to cram in as many paying customers as possible - and the place was very full - but give very little in return.
Sadly, I certainly wouldn't go back to Spa for F1.
I think you'll find that's what a number of us have been saying for some time to the "Silverstone is crap" critics!
Although interestingly, lots of the things you view as downsides to Spa are the things I love most about the place, granted though I don't pay 150 euros to get in or go for a GP.
Did you walk around the circuit?
Although interestingly, lots of the things you view as downsides to Spa are the things I love most about the place, granted though I don't pay 150 euros to get in or go for a GP.
Did you walk around the circuit?
AlexRWD said:
Not sure how the rest of you got on with Spa, but I have to say, this being the fifth F1 GP I've been to (Silverstone, Barcelona, Shanghai, Nurburgring), it was by far the most disappointing in terms of facilities and organisation - real shame for what is clearly a spectacular track
The good points:
- weather was good
- the circuit is spectacular, in an amazing location, with great changes in elevation, and the uphill blast from Eau Rouge truly has to be seen
The bad points:
- access was reminiscent of the Silverstone horror stories. Both on Sat and Sunday there was very little clear guidance, either by marshalls or by signs, as to where you should park. Sat we ended up parked in the middle of nowhere, a fair bus trip from the circuit, and a long walk where the bus dropped us. Huge queues on the Sunday, both to get in and to leave, and bad traffic for a long time after leaving. Barca, Nurb and Shanghai by contrast were all incredibly quick and easy.
- v poor value for money. We had 130 euro bronze tickets, not grandstand seating, but the next price down, and not cheap. What did we get for this? A choice of trying to stand up in the overcrowded woods before the pit area, or round the other side, trying to sit on a steep slippery bank that was ram packed full, or standing up behind the bank. Compare Barca where, about 4 years ago, paid about 50 euros, and had a much better choice of places to sit. Nurb also looked to have a good selection of non-grandstand seating.
- v little in the way of entertainment between races, or other activities going on - no jet flyovers, and v little in terms of non-F1 stands to entertain. They also relayed very little through the loudspeakers - eg we could see the drivers being interviewed at length on the drivers parade lap, but couldn't hear a word of it! Other circuits had loads of other stuff in comparison, and Barca ticket even included entry to the international Motorshow!
- catering was pretty much ltd to frites with mayo, waffles, sausages and some nasty looking burgers.
- no victory parade lap! First F1 race I've been to where they didn't even bother to give the fans the chance to cheer the winner!!
My overall impression was that the organisers, while they may have spent some money improving facilities for the teams and the VIPs to keep Bernie happy, really did not give a sh#t about the average paying punter, they just wanted to cram in as many paying customers as possible - and the place was very full - but give very little in return.
Sadly, I certainly wouldn't go back to Spa for F1.
we had the compleat opposite weekend. we camped 150 meters away from le source on a campsite with good showers etc. we were able to walk round the full track with our bronze tickets. we also had a really good view from the bus stop for the race and sore some good over taking not just in f1 but in the surport races. we are booking next week for 2008. The good points:
- weather was good
- the circuit is spectacular, in an amazing location, with great changes in elevation, and the uphill blast from Eau Rouge truly has to be seen
The bad points:
- access was reminiscent of the Silverstone horror stories. Both on Sat and Sunday there was very little clear guidance, either by marshalls or by signs, as to where you should park. Sat we ended up parked in the middle of nowhere, a fair bus trip from the circuit, and a long walk where the bus dropped us. Huge queues on the Sunday, both to get in and to leave, and bad traffic for a long time after leaving. Barca, Nurb and Shanghai by contrast were all incredibly quick and easy.
- v poor value for money. We had 130 euro bronze tickets, not grandstand seating, but the next price down, and not cheap. What did we get for this? A choice of trying to stand up in the overcrowded woods before the pit area, or round the other side, trying to sit on a steep slippery bank that was ram packed full, or standing up behind the bank. Compare Barca where, about 4 years ago, paid about 50 euros, and had a much better choice of places to sit. Nurb also looked to have a good selection of non-grandstand seating.
- v little in the way of entertainment between races, or other activities going on - no jet flyovers, and v little in terms of non-F1 stands to entertain. They also relayed very little through the loudspeakers - eg we could see the drivers being interviewed at length on the drivers parade lap, but couldn't hear a word of it! Other circuits had loads of other stuff in comparison, and Barca ticket even included entry to the international Motorshow!
- catering was pretty much ltd to frites with mayo, waffles, sausages and some nasty looking burgers.
- no victory parade lap! First F1 race I've been to where they didn't even bother to give the fans the chance to cheer the winner!!
My overall impression was that the organisers, while they may have spent some money improving facilities for the teams and the VIPs to keep Bernie happy, really did not give a sh#t about the average paying punter, they just wanted to cram in as many paying customers as possible - and the place was very full - but give very little in return.
Sadly, I certainly wouldn't go back to Spa for F1.
AlexRWD said:
Not sure how the rest of you got on with Spa, but I have to say, this being the fifth F1 GP I've been to (Silverstone, Barcelona, Shanghai, Nurburgring), it was by far the most disappointing in terms of facilities and organisation - real shame for what is clearly a spectacular track
The good points:
- weather was good
- the circuit is spectacular, in an amazing location, with great changes in elevation, and the uphill blast from Eau Rouge truly has to be seen
The bad points:
- access was reminiscent of the Silverstone horror stories. Both on Sat and Sunday there was very little clear guidance, either by marshalls or by signs, as to where you should park. Sat we ended up parked in the middle of nowhere, a fair bus trip from the circuit, and a long walk where the bus dropped us. Huge queues on the Sunday, both to get in and to leave, and bad traffic for a long time after leaving. Barca, Nurb and Shanghai by contrast were all incredibly quick and easy.
- v poor value for money. We had 130 euro bronze tickets, not grandstand seating, but the next price down, and not cheap. What did we get for this? A choice of trying to stand up in the overcrowded woods before the pit area, or round the other side, trying to sit on a steep slippery bank that was ram packed full, or standing up behind the bank. Compare Barca where, about 4 years ago, paid about 50 euros, and had a much better choice of places to sit. Nurb also looked to have a good selection of non-grandstand seating.
- v little in the way of entertainment between races, or other activities going on - no jet flyovers, and v little in terms of non-F1 stands to entertain. They also relayed very little through the loudspeakers - eg we could see the drivers being interviewed at length on the drivers parade lap, but couldn't hear a word of it! Other circuits had loads of other stuff in comparison, and Barca ticket even included entry to the international Motorshow!
- catering was pretty much ltd to frites with mayo, waffles, sausages and some nasty looking burgers.
- no victory parade lap! First F1 race I've been to where they didn't even bother to give the fans the chance to cheer the winner!!
My overall impression was that the organisers, while they may have spent some money improving facilities for the teams and the VIPs to keep Bernie happy, really did not give a sh#t about the average paying punter, they just wanted to cram in as many paying customers as possible - and the place was very full - but give very little in return.
Sadly, I certainly wouldn't go back to Spa for F1.
Did you park in the field (Stavelot IIRC - for 15 Euros) and get the shuttle bus up to the gate? I parked there Saturday and Sunday and had little difficulty getting away after the race on Sunday (headed west towards the E25). It was my first GP visit and was much as I expected. I'd have rathered a more organised police presence sorting out the traffic queues but didn't really expect much. The good points:
- weather was good
- the circuit is spectacular, in an amazing location, with great changes in elevation, and the uphill blast from Eau Rouge truly has to be seen
The bad points:
- access was reminiscent of the Silverstone horror stories. Both on Sat and Sunday there was very little clear guidance, either by marshalls or by signs, as to where you should park. Sat we ended up parked in the middle of nowhere, a fair bus trip from the circuit, and a long walk where the bus dropped us. Huge queues on the Sunday, both to get in and to leave, and bad traffic for a long time after leaving. Barca, Nurb and Shanghai by contrast were all incredibly quick and easy.
- v poor value for money. We had 130 euro bronze tickets, not grandstand seating, but the next price down, and not cheap. What did we get for this? A choice of trying to stand up in the overcrowded woods before the pit area, or round the other side, trying to sit on a steep slippery bank that was ram packed full, or standing up behind the bank. Compare Barca where, about 4 years ago, paid about 50 euros, and had a much better choice of places to sit. Nurb also looked to have a good selection of non-grandstand seating.
- v little in the way of entertainment between races, or other activities going on - no jet flyovers, and v little in terms of non-F1 stands to entertain. They also relayed very little through the loudspeakers - eg we could see the drivers being interviewed at length on the drivers parade lap, but couldn't hear a word of it! Other circuits had loads of other stuff in comparison, and Barca ticket even included entry to the international Motorshow!
- catering was pretty much ltd to frites with mayo, waffles, sausages and some nasty looking burgers.
- no victory parade lap! First F1 race I've been to where they didn't even bother to give the fans the chance to cheer the winner!!
My overall impression was that the organisers, while they may have spent some money improving facilities for the teams and the VIPs to keep Bernie happy, really did not give a sh#t about the average paying punter, they just wanted to cram in as many paying customers as possible - and the place was very full - but give very little in return.
Sadly, I certainly wouldn't go back to Spa for F1.
As Spa is a very popular GP, I was not at all surprised by the bronze crowds. We sat in the mass of people at the Bus Stop, opposite the screen and could hear the pre-race interviews OK. I was disappointed they didn't do a victory lap but guess that was because of the lap length and fears of people running out of fuel.
Catering - not bothered, bought breakfast and sandwiches on the way.
Entertainment - the other races were ok and I took a book for the dull bits. Plus there were a few pretty girls (one lovely Spanish lass sitting a places from me, with her bloke sadly) to try to avoid getting caught staring at
Edit: If going back, I'd camp within a walk/cycle from the circuit the circuit rather than a hotel a drive away. That would enable an early arrival avoiding traffic to grab a good place to sit.
Edited by ewenm on Tuesday 18th September 15:04
We walked around most of the circiut, and that's why I was very impressed with the circuit itself.
We ended up between Pouhon and Rivage, where we did have a good view of a screen.
What I'm saying is it was a poor experience compared to other GP's, and with so many others to choose from, I'll be visiting different circuits in the upcoming years rather than going back to Spa.
ewenm said:
Did you park in the field (Stavelot IIRC - for 15 Euros) and get the shuttle bus up to the gate? I parked there Saturday and Sunday and had little difficulty getting away after the race on Sunday (headed west towards the E25). It was my first GP visit and was much as I expected. I'd have rathered a more organised police presence sorting out the traffic queues but didn't really expect much.
As Spa is a very popular GP, I was not at all surprised by the bronze crowds. We sat in the mass of people at the Bus Stop, opposite the screen and could hear the pre-race interviews OK. I was disappointed they didn't do a victory lap but guess that was because of the lap length and fears of people running out of fuel.
Not too sure where we parked on Sat, but we were put off trying the Bus Stop after seeing how crowded it was on Sat.As Spa is a very popular GP, I was not at all surprised by the bronze crowds. We sat in the mass of people at the Bus Stop, opposite the screen and could hear the pre-race interviews OK. I was disappointed they didn't do a victory lap but guess that was because of the lap length and fears of people running out of fuel.
We ended up between Pouhon and Rivage, where we did have a good view of a screen.
What I'm saying is it was a poor experience compared to other GP's, and with so many others to choose from, I'll be visiting different circuits in the upcoming years rather than going back to Spa.
i enjoyed the weekend, the track is awesome (they let me on when i got there on tuesday, and also on the monday after the race, so i did teh old circuit, off at the top after eau rouge instead of going right into the les combes chicane, and then pop out through the barriers onto the public roads for a bit, round burneville, masta kink, and then a really nice right after the holowell straight, and join up the track again at blanchimont, only they didn't let me back on track there so i had to go round the outside and join at eau rouge again), but then i'm not sure i'd have enjoyed it so much if i had to pay every day for chips and mayonaise, camp with techno-belgians, and spend 150 euros on the tickets...
skinny said:
i enjoyed the weekend, the track is awesome ... masta kink, and then a really nice right after the holowell straight
The trouble with that right is that (outside of a GP weekend) there isn't usually anyone on the main road but you've got a give way sign and not quite enough visability to take the corner "at speed" without the risk of wiping someone else out 
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