Is there radio broadcast at Belgium F1 GP?

[ferrari spider]

If any one who knows the lemans, will know that there is a radio commentary, from within the track its self.
So is there the same at the F1 GPs? I am going to Spa for the first time and would like to know. Will the BBC be broadcasting a radio 5 live commentary, live within Spa. So that a mobile phone/radio or radio can pick it up?
I know about the Kangaroo TV thing. I just dont want to wase cash renting one if a radio can be used to pick up the signal.
Anyone know for sure?

[ferrari spider]

bump

[Miss Pitstop]

I've always used a kangaroo tv, they are well worth the money, especially if you are on general admission.
Don't quote me, but I think you may get a local radio frequency but your Flemish better be good! I think the only way you'll get good quality commentary is via kangeroo

[ferrari spider]

Out of all the F1 experts on here only you answer? Thanks for taking the time to answer that It seems Kangaroo it is

[Eric Mc]

On what type of device do you intend to listen?

A normal radio or some thing with internet connectability?

[Gillet]

I've been to Spa and used both a Kangaroo TV and a normal Radio, the radio was broadcast in multiple languages, with English commentary coming in every 15mins or so, for about 5 mins at a time - so there is a braodcast but its more of a "this is whats happened in the last 15 mins" than proper commentary.

Kangaroo TV is pretty dam good, but getting expensive these days.

[johnaachen]

Gillet said:

I've been to Spa and used both a Kangaroo TV and a normal Radio, the radio was broadcast in multiple languages, with English commentary coming in every 15mins or so, for about 5 mins at a time - so there is a braodcast but its more of a "this is whats happened in the last 15 mins" than proper commentary.

Kangaroo TV is pretty dam good, but getting expensive these days.

What he said....the commentary is split between French/Belgian and English...

[Eric Mc]

If using an internet connection woukld it be possible to listen to BBC Radio 5 Live?

[ferrari spider]

Thanks for the discussion. I have decided to use the kangaroo set up. I am not to bothered about seeing in car cameras ect, because i will have the action on the tracks big screens. I just want a running commentary. With the kangaroo you can also get radio 5 live as well as the in car pictures. So being that radio 5 live can be picked up on the Kangaroo system. i naturally thought that the signal was beamed from within the circuit for anyone with a radio (i bet they could, but the kangaroo is a nice little earner )
I was expecting some thing like the Le mans circuit radio. Were you just tune in your radio....any radio to the race station and your away. Goodwood FOS was the same, but they gave the radios at the ticket entrances.
Clearly at the F1 GPs this is not the same.

[Miss Pitstop]

ferrari spider said:

Clearly where Bernie can make a few extra quid this is not the same.

EFA A top tip is to take an extra pair of headphones and a splitter and you can share the cost of the kangeroo with a mate (although you'll have to stand next to him at all times!)

[ferrari spider]

Miss Pitstop said:

ferrari spider said:

Clearly where Bernie can make a few extra quid this is not the same.

EFA A top tip is to take an extra pair of headphones and a splitter and you can share the cost of the kangeroo with a mate (although you'll have to stand next to him at all times!)

LOL! And yes a sterling idea regarding the ear phones & splitter. I will do that and share with my son Thanks again.

[Gillet]

Agree with the above, we did the same, took a 2 way headphone splitter and me and my mate split the costs of the Kangaroo TV.

One thing to mention, at Spa the Kangaroo TV shop is MILES away from the exit, so be aware after the race you will have to battle your way past everyone making their way back to their cars, but by the time you've dropped it off the circuit invasion will have begun, so just walk up Eau Rouge and round the circuit to the exit, takes a while but a great added experience.

Enjoy it mate, Spa is by far the best GP in Europe to be a spectator at.

[ferrari spider]

Thanks Gillet heres another two questions for you if you would care to comment on.
Why does the Kangaroo tv set have to go back to the stall at the end of qualifying day. If you are back for the race in the morning?
Also whats to stop anyone leaving the circuit with a set?
How does the rental thing work?

[Miss Pitstop]

ferrari spider said:

Thanks Gillet heres another two questions for you if you would care to comment on.
Why does the Kangaroo tv set have to go back to the stall at the end of qualifying day. If you are back for the race in the morning?
Also whats to stop anyone leaving the circuit with a set?
How does the rental thing work?

The Kangaroo is yours for the weekend, it doesn't go back each night, just after the race. If you are camping with no access to electric they will exchange the batteries for you free of charge.

They take your credit card details so if you don't return it by the Sunday night, your card gets charged. It needs to be set up by them for each race so there is no reason why you would benefit from walking out with one.

You can either pay in advance or on the day. There is no special collection queue if you do pre-order which is rather annoying, and often if you buy a programme there is a 10-15 euro discount voucher in it. It might be worth a quick google for a discount code if you want to book in advance, last year one of the tour operators kindly published their special deal!

Make sure if you do pre-order you take the information and the credit card you booked it with to the circuit.

On a seperate note, depending on which way you come into the circuit, there is a lovely pattiserie in Francorchamps village who sell bagettes, pastries etc and we used to stock up there. The food & drink at the circuit is expensive and pretty rubish. Chips with mayo, waffles, and some sort of sausage/burger mutation is all you get. If you don't go via Francorchamps, stock up at the nearest supermarket/shop with beer, water and essentials. Take tissues (for when the loo roll runs out) and gel hand sanitiser - the portaloos get pretty spicy by the end of the day! Some toilets charge (from memory 50 cents, but it may have been 70 last year) so keep some change handy.

Finally, prepare your son for lots of walking. I consider myself reasonably healthy but I got shin splints last year from walking around the top of the circuit! It's much steeper than you think.

I'm very jealous as I can't go this year, but I am driving the circuit in October so it's not all bad! Have fun!

[ferrari spider]

Miss Pitstop said:

I'm very jealous as I can't go this year,

Thats a dam shame because you have been so bloody useful/helpful on this thread i was going to ask you to come with me After the race i am also driving down through the mountains to maranello the the Ferrari for 4 days Oh well
But on a serious note, thanks very much indeed for you input Oh i am in fact staying in a Hotel, i only camp at le mans

[Miss Pitstop]

Damn! Sounds like my perfect road trip!! Make sure you take in Stelvio if you haven't done it already, up the twisty side, down the swooping side, perfect.
Even more jealous now! Glad I have been of some assistance, the theory is that if I type enough, sometimes someone finds it useful!