Thinking of going to SPA GP 2011... advice needed!
Discussion
This is more or less something extremely short-notice. Who has been to the SPA Grandprix? I've only been to Melbourne GP (this year) which was a great experience.
The tickets that interest me are:
Gold 1 - PIT tickets (€550/Weekend)
"Grandstand Gold 1 – Pit is a covered stand. This stand offers you a great view on the pit straight and start-finish line. The giant TV screens are located at the opposite side of Gold 1 – Pit."
Gold 2 - GP2 Tickets (€480/Weekend)
"Grandstand Gold 2 – GP2 is a covered grandstand. Gold 2 will offer you a fantastic view on the very first corner of the track. For extra detailed race information you can always check the giant TV screen on the opposite side of the stand.This stand has numbered seats."
Gold 4 (uncovered) - EAU ROUGE (€425/Weekend)
"Gold 4 – Eau Rouge is an uncovered grandstand with numbered seats. This grandstand is located on a hill, which makes you able to overview a big part of the track. You will see the straight part, but also the third corner."
Are these any good? What would you recommend?
Any advice on hotels? I've never been to SPA or Belgium, so any advice would be greatly appreciated.
The tickets that interest me are:
Gold 1 - PIT tickets (€550/Weekend)
"Grandstand Gold 1 – Pit is a covered stand. This stand offers you a great view on the pit straight and start-finish line. The giant TV screens are located at the opposite side of Gold 1 – Pit."
Gold 2 - GP2 Tickets (€480/Weekend)
"Grandstand Gold 2 – GP2 is a covered grandstand. Gold 2 will offer you a fantastic view on the very first corner of the track. For extra detailed race information you can always check the giant TV screen on the opposite side of the stand.This stand has numbered seats."
Gold 4 (uncovered) - EAU ROUGE (€425/Weekend)
"Gold 4 – Eau Rouge is an uncovered grandstand with numbered seats. This grandstand is located on a hill, which makes you able to overview a big part of the track. You will see the straight part, but also the third corner."
Are these any good? What would you recommend?
Any advice on hotels? I've never been to SPA or Belgium, so any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Edited by Phil-CH on Thursday 4th August 08:02
The only time I did the Belgian GP we just got General Admission and it was perfect. You can get some awesome views and we watched the race from Pouhon on the bank with about 10,000 mental Polish and German fans. We could see a big screen and the atmosphere was spectacular. You can see plenty of the track with General Admin but take an umbrella whatever happens...
That sounds quite good too. I just checked and general admission would cost €160 for the weekend, which makes it very good value indeed. Has anyone ever attended on one of the grandstands? Those tickets are still available in limited quantaties... disregarding the price differential for a second, would you take a gold grandstand over the General Admission ticket? If yes or no, why?
On one hand, I'm thinking about the weather influence (Grandstands would be covered) and we're thinking of driving up by car with minimal luggage (no camping).
I'm also taking my younger sister (she's 20) who is a huge Mark Webber fan - and it would be her first Grandprix.
What I'm also thinking is that the GP in Monza might also be an option. It's 2 weeks later and from what I can tell a bit cheaper. SPA is pretty hard to beat on the races it has produced, but I'm thinking Monza might be a 'bigger event'? It's also a lot closer for us than SPA (3 hours drive compared to a 5.5 hours).
Decisions, decisions, decisions....
On one hand, I'm thinking about the weather influence (Grandstands would be covered) and we're thinking of driving up by car with minimal luggage (no camping).
I'm also taking my younger sister (she's 20) who is a huge Mark Webber fan - and it would be her first Grandprix.
What I'm also thinking is that the GP in Monza might also be an option. It's 2 weeks later and from what I can tell a bit cheaper. SPA is pretty hard to beat on the races it has produced, but I'm thinking Monza might be a 'bigger event'? It's also a lot closer for us than SPA (3 hours drive compared to a 5.5 hours).
Decisions, decisions, decisions....
I hae not been to either GP before, But i have already been to Silverstone, and also the German GP this year.
From what people say the Belgian GP is one of the best atmosphere wise. But i would imagine the Italian GP with the Tifossi would be immense as well.
If you are travelling up with limited luggage then maybe a covered grandstand would be better. but depends on what you want to do.
I want to wonder around and find a decent spot for race day. Anything around Eau Rougue would have limited overtaking on race day. but the run upto Lescombe would have more overtaking. depends what you want to see.
From what people say the Belgian GP is one of the best atmosphere wise. But i would imagine the Italian GP with the Tifossi would be immense as well.
If you are travelling up with limited luggage then maybe a covered grandstand would be better. but depends on what you want to do.
I want to wonder around and find a decent spot for race day. Anything around Eau Rougue would have limited overtaking on race day. but the run upto Lescombe would have more overtaking. depends what you want to see.
We Sat at the eau rouge grandstand and we couldn't see a screen so had no idea what was going on after the pit stops started, and after the initial buzz of watching an F1 car fly through Eau rouge it soon got boring due to not much happens there and no screen and no commentary in English from the pa
Phil-CH said:
That sounds quite good too. I just checked and general admission would cost €160 for the weekend, which makes it very good value indeed. Has anyone ever attended on one of the grandstands? Those tickets are still available in limited quantaties... disregarding the price differential for a second, would you take a gold grandstand over the General Admission ticket? If yes or no, why?
On one hand, I'm thinking about the weather influence (Grandstands would be covered) and we're thinking of driving up by car with minimal luggage (no camping).
I'm also taking my younger sister (she's 20) who is a huge Mark Webber fan - and it would be her first Grandprix.
What I'm also thinking is that the GP in Monza might also be an option. It's 2 weeks later and from what I can tell a bit cheaper. SPA is pretty hard to beat on the races it has produced, but I'm thinking Monza might be a 'bigger event'? It's also a lot closer for us than SPA (3 hours drive compared to a 5.5 hours).
Decisions, decisions, decisions....
My advice would be General Admin is fine for Spa. I did Canada this year and that definitely necessitated a grandstand but Spa is a vast circuit with a huge amount of banking to spectate upon. Think of it like a giant Oulton Park from that point of view. You can walk the entire circuit without problem and decide where you think is best. Les Combes for overtaking, Blanchimont for speed, Bus Stop for incident...whatever. Definitely pack with rain in mind and be aware that food is limited as well. Waffles, frites and hot dogs are about your lot. On one hand, I'm thinking about the weather influence (Grandstands would be covered) and we're thinking of driving up by car with minimal luggage (no camping).
I'm also taking my younger sister (she's 20) who is a huge Mark Webber fan - and it would be her first Grandprix.
What I'm also thinking is that the GP in Monza might also be an option. It's 2 weeks later and from what I can tell a bit cheaper. SPA is pretty hard to beat on the races it has produced, but I'm thinking Monza might be a 'bigger event'? It's also a lot closer for us than SPA (3 hours drive compared to a 5.5 hours).
Decisions, decisions, decisions....
Graebob said:
I'm going I'm going!
Can't really help, I'm just over excited.
We're going with CampingF1, who set up the tent/bed/light for you, so less to take and cheaper to stay, with transfers to/from the circuit. Don't know if that changes your mind on camping
Thats worth knowing. First time im going in the MX5, how im going to fit all the stuff in ive no idea, we will be travelling light. Can't really help, I'm just over excited.
We're going with CampingF1, who set up the tent/bed/light for you, so less to take and cheaper to stay, with transfers to/from the circuit. Don't know if that changes your mind on camping
We are General Admin too its a must for Belgium.
Have been fortunate enough to have attended every race there since '98. A good portion of those have been on Eau Rouge - the tickets you want are the top, Gold Radillon. You have a great view all the way down through Radillon/Eau Rouge all the way up the hill to La Source. You can also have an excellent view of a screen from there.
The removal of the gravel traps have slightly hurt the spectacle, as has the the increased grip and reduced power of the cars, however it's still one of the best views I've seen in the sport.
Seen some of the greatest races of the past decade there, it gives me goosepimples just thinking about it.
Whereever you sit I'm sure you will have a fantastic time, there's a really sense of occassion about the whole place, it's not the easiest of races to do, but it's bloody worth it.
The removal of the gravel traps have slightly hurt the spectacle, as has the the increased grip and reduced power of the cars, however it's still one of the best views I've seen in the sport.
Seen some of the greatest races of the past decade there, it gives me goosepimples just thinking about it.
Whereever you sit I'm sure you will have a fantastic time, there's a really sense of occassion about the whole place, it's not the easiest of races to do, but it's bloody worth it.
ringerz said:
Have been fortunate enough to have attended every race there since '98. A good portion of those have been on Eau Rouge - the tickets you want are the top, Gold Radillon. You have a great view all the way down through Radillon/Eau Rouge all the way up the hill to La Source. You can also have an excellent view of a screen from there.
The removal of the gravel traps have slightly hurt the spectacle, as has the the increased grip and reduced power of the cars, however it's still one of the best views I've seen in the sport.
Seen some of the greatest races of the past decade there, it gives me goosepimples just thinking about it.
Whereever you sit I'm sure you will have a fantastic time, there's a really sense of occassion about the whole place, it's not the easiest of races to do, but it's bloody worth it.
That does sound fantastic.The removal of the gravel traps have slightly hurt the spectacle, as has the the increased grip and reduced power of the cars, however it's still one of the best views I've seen in the sport.
Seen some of the greatest races of the past decade there, it gives me goosepimples just thinking about it.
Whereever you sit I'm sure you will have a fantastic time, there's a really sense of occassion about the whole place, it's not the easiest of races to do, but it's bloody worth it.
I assume, the tickets I want (the top, Gold Radillon) are the Gold Eau-Rouge ones? There are two Eau Rouge stands as seen in the picture above - covered (No 3) and uncovered (No 4). Covered at No 3 is completely booked out, so only uncovered No 4 would be an option. Is this the location you are refering to?
HAve a look at the Official Spa GP site.
They have a map of the circuit including proposed bigscreen TVs
http://www.spagrandprix.com/
They have a map of the circuit including proposed bigscreen TVs
http://www.spagrandprix.com/
stevieb said:
Off topic - Where are people travelling i have not booked my ferry crossing yet, but i am likely to get there on thusday lunchtime to setup and relax before the excitment starts on friday!
Going over Wednesday, ferry was cheap £50 ish, Dover then Reims to show my mate the old F1 track then over to Belgium Friday morning for Practice 2. Back to Blighty Monday afternoon. stevieb said:
HAve a look at the Official Spa GP site.
They have a map of the circuit including proposed bigscreen TVs
http://www.spagrandprix.com/
Thanks! Indeed, I wasn't on the official site - this one is much better to the one I was previously looking at!They have a map of the circuit including proposed bigscreen TVs
http://www.spagrandprix.com/
What concerns me a bit though is the location of the TV-screens. The TV screen from Eau Rouge are quite a bit far away - are they large enough to follow what's going on? (The post above by rallycross doesn't sound good). I'd be a bit disappointed to pay €425 for a seat there if you don't really see the TV screen.
If this is the case, the GP2 Stand (Gold 2) might be a bit better. Though it's more expensive at €480, you have large TV-screens opposite of the stand and you can see everything from La Source up to Eau Rouge...
EDIT: Is there english commentry that you can tune into by radio? This was possible in Melbourne and quite a nice feature if you had a walkman. Or you still had the option to buy the official F1 headphones that dialed into the official commentry channels...
Edited by Phil-CH on Friday 5th August 08:00
Phil-CH,
Gold 4 would be my choice.
Been going to Spa since 93 & have been in Gold4 or 3 every year since 95.
Gold4 is lower down the hill so in fact you have a better view of the big screen , located at the lowest point just before the Eau Rouge corner, than the covered (& slightly more expensive ) Gold 3.
You absolutely need to take waterproofs etc. Umbrellas during a race are at best awkward (if you are a short-@rse like me ) or will start a civil war in the tribune if you are tall. Weather can, has , & probably always will ,change at random throughout a race/ practice session from sunburn to torrential rain, be prepared !
As has been said ,not a lot of overtaking here, but you can see the whole way from la-source to the top of the radillon+ the rest of the lap on the big screen, and if you are at the very top of the tribune,perhaps the last few metres into the bus-stop chicane across the valley. If you want to change your view, spend Friday on walkabout, or the final free practice on Saturday morning, but leave enough time to walk back for the Quali, as the distance is longer than at a normal circuit.
I never tire of watching F1 cars through the Eau Rouge / Radillon complex, & combined with the big screen ( & a Kangaroo TV if you really feel like & want to pay for COMPLETE coverage) it is an unbeatable place to have a "hit" of F1.
Accomodation will now be pretty much full up to and including Brussels, but an afternoon or eve spent on internet should yield something even at this late stage, try searching in less obvious directions geographically I.E not Leige/ Brussels.
Gold 4 would be my choice.
Been going to Spa since 93 & have been in Gold4 or 3 every year since 95.
Gold4 is lower down the hill so in fact you have a better view of the big screen , located at the lowest point just before the Eau Rouge corner, than the covered (& slightly more expensive ) Gold 3.
You absolutely need to take waterproofs etc. Umbrellas during a race are at best awkward (if you are a short-@rse like me ) or will start a civil war in the tribune if you are tall. Weather can, has , & probably always will ,change at random throughout a race/ practice session from sunburn to torrential rain, be prepared !
As has been said ,not a lot of overtaking here, but you can see the whole way from la-source to the top of the radillon+ the rest of the lap on the big screen, and if you are at the very top of the tribune,perhaps the last few metres into the bus-stop chicane across the valley. If you want to change your view, spend Friday on walkabout, or the final free practice on Saturday morning, but leave enough time to walk back for the Quali, as the distance is longer than at a normal circuit.
I never tire of watching F1 cars through the Eau Rouge / Radillon complex, & combined with the big screen ( & a Kangaroo TV if you really feel like & want to pay for COMPLETE coverage) it is an unbeatable place to have a "hit" of F1.
Accomodation will now be pretty much full up to and including Brussels, but an afternoon or eve spent on internet should yield something even at this late stage, try searching in less obvious directions geographically I.E not Leige/ Brussels.
Hi Ian and everyoen else,
Thanks for that advices. That was very helpful and I now have indeed purchased two tickets in the Gold 4 area for the SPA Grandprix! Now that only leaves accomodation... I've found a few hotels that seem to be at a good price around the German border (i.e. Aachen). That's 56km (35miles) away and Google gives me a 43 minute drive. That sounds fair enough?
Would you organize parking tickets through the website spagrandprix.com as well, or is that easy enough to get sorted when you arrive?
Thanks for that advices. That was very helpful and I now have indeed purchased two tickets in the Gold 4 area for the SPA Grandprix! Now that only leaves accomodation... I've found a few hotels that seem to be at a good price around the German border (i.e. Aachen). That's 56km (35miles) away and Google gives me a 43 minute drive. That sounds fair enough?
Would you organize parking tickets through the website spagrandprix.com as well, or is that easy enough to get sorted when you arrive?
Hi Phil, only just saw your post. We went to Spa last year for the GP (and I was there on a RSR track day two weeks ago).
We went the hold hog and did the camping thing in addition to having gold stand tickets.
Be prepared that parking will be a mess - organisation is not Beligan's strong point. We ended up parking on some wet grass fild which meant that if you were not one of the first 50 cars out, you risked getting stuck in the mud. Not sure what they have of organised and pre-bookable car parks.
Best would be (if still possible) to get a hotel close enough to the track to either walk or that they have a shuttle.
As said before, prepare for the extremes. Weather can be very hot or freezing cold and wet - and pretty much everythign in between. Driving wise it took me around 5 and a half hour from home cutting in through France by Strassburg.
We went the hold hog and did the camping thing in addition to having gold stand tickets.
Be prepared that parking will be a mess - organisation is not Beligan's strong point. We ended up parking on some wet grass fild which meant that if you were not one of the first 50 cars out, you risked getting stuck in the mud. Not sure what they have of organised and pre-bookable car parks.
Best would be (if still possible) to get a hotel close enough to the track to either walk or that they have a shuttle.
As said before, prepare for the extremes. Weather can be very hot or freezing cold and wet - and pretty much everythign in between. Driving wise it took me around 5 and a half hour from home cutting in through France by Strassburg.
Phil.
Aachen direction should be OK for traffic (or as good as it gets anyhow ! )
My advice for parking is to come to the circuit via the National from Spa town to Francorchamps. As you arrive in Francorchamps you will find every man & his dog offering parking in their drive/garden/field.
All are charging the same price (if I remember well it was €7.50 last year, so guess this year will be €10 ? ? )
If you have a RWD car , best not to be too deep into someones field if (Ha ha, "when" I mean !) it rains. My usual parking is just past Hotel Roannay which is immediately before the crossroads where the road bears left and descends down to the circuit entry point at La Source.
This is around a 30minute walk to Gold 4 & in my view offers the best compromise between not being too far, & being so close that you are embroiled too long in the worst of the traffic going in & out.
In any case, better after the race to mosey around the pits/ walk a part of the circuit / take a cool beer (or maybe better a hot chocolate? ) & let the worst of the traffic disperse. Normally you can leave in fairly relaxed fashion by about 18:00 (some 2 and a half hours after the race ends) any earlier & you will just be sat in a traffic jam.
Take your wet weather gear, and if you have the chance there are a couple of good restaurants in Spa if you fancy stopping by on the way back to wherever you find yourself sleeping.
Enjoy the grandeur of the best circuit in F1, and dress according to past races weather record !
Cheers
Ian
Edited to say, if ,coming up the hill from Spa the local cops try to send you off to some parking in the middle of nowhere, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES go this way, or you will treat yourself to a tourist trail run for 1hr through the Ardennes followed by a 1 hr walk.
Thrust yourGold 4 ticket knowingly under their nose & INSIST (AT ALL COST ! ) that you are going to Francorchamps. Occasionaly they will huff, but you MUST stick to your guns.
Aachen direction should be OK for traffic (or as good as it gets anyhow ! )
My advice for parking is to come to the circuit via the National from Spa town to Francorchamps. As you arrive in Francorchamps you will find every man & his dog offering parking in their drive/garden/field.
All are charging the same price (if I remember well it was €7.50 last year, so guess this year will be €10 ? ? )
If you have a RWD car , best not to be too deep into someones field if (Ha ha, "when" I mean !) it rains. My usual parking is just past Hotel Roannay which is immediately before the crossroads where the road bears left and descends down to the circuit entry point at La Source.
This is around a 30minute walk to Gold 4 & in my view offers the best compromise between not being too far, & being so close that you are embroiled too long in the worst of the traffic going in & out.
In any case, better after the race to mosey around the pits/ walk a part of the circuit / take a cool beer (or maybe better a hot chocolate? ) & let the worst of the traffic disperse. Normally you can leave in fairly relaxed fashion by about 18:00 (some 2 and a half hours after the race ends) any earlier & you will just be sat in a traffic jam.
Take your wet weather gear, and if you have the chance there are a couple of good restaurants in Spa if you fancy stopping by on the way back to wherever you find yourself sleeping.
Enjoy the grandeur of the best circuit in F1, and dress according to past races weather record !
Cheers
Ian
Edited to say, if ,coming up the hill from Spa the local cops try to send you off to some parking in the middle of nowhere, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES go this way, or you will treat yourself to a tourist trail run for 1hr through the Ardennes followed by a 1 hr walk.
Thrust yourGold 4 ticket knowingly under their nose & INSIST (AT ALL COST ! ) that you are going to Francorchamps. Occasionaly they will huff, but you MUST stick to your guns.
Edited by the other me on Monday 8th August 10:57
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