Button thinks Pirelli-factor hurting F1 ticket sales
Discussion
Jenson Button thinks the economy and an 'after you' style of racing in 2013 has hurt ticket sales ahead of the British grand prix.
Writing in the Independent this week, F1 business journalist Christian Sylt said lower than usual ticket sales for the weekend's Silverstone race is because fans have rebelled against price increases.
A circuit spokesman admitted sales "aren't that strong".
Some of the other reasons for the slump could be because Button and Lewis Hamilton are unlikely to win, and also because ticket holders were actually turned away from qualifying last year amid the weather chaos.
Button thinks the economy is one definite factor.
"To sell out here would be very impressive but are there that many people who can afford to come?" he is quoted by the Guardian newspaper.
"I don't think people are walking away from the sport. If you look at every sporting event, it is not as strong as maybe it was last year. That is just the way the world is at the moment."
A factor specific to F1, however, could be the questionable spectacle of the 2013 formula, caused mainly by drivers having to race off the pace to look after Pirelli's fragile tyres.
"I agree that some of the racing hasn't been action-packed," Button said.
"It has been a lot more 'After you, sir, because I am looking after my tyres'. But there have been good races," he insisted.
Writing in the Independent this week, F1 business journalist Christian Sylt said lower than usual ticket sales for the weekend's Silverstone race is because fans have rebelled against price increases.
A circuit spokesman admitted sales "aren't that strong".
Some of the other reasons for the slump could be because Button and Lewis Hamilton are unlikely to win, and also because ticket holders were actually turned away from qualifying last year amid the weather chaos.
Button thinks the economy is one definite factor.
"To sell out here would be very impressive but are there that many people who can afford to come?" he is quoted by the Guardian newspaper.
"I don't think people are walking away from the sport. If you look at every sporting event, it is not as strong as maybe it was last year. That is just the way the world is at the moment."
A factor specific to F1, however, could be the questionable spectacle of the 2013 formula, caused mainly by drivers having to race off the pace to look after Pirelli's fragile tyres.
"I agree that some of the racing hasn't been action-packed," Button said.
"It has been a lot more 'After you, sir, because I am looking after my tyres'. But there have been good races," he insisted.
woof said:
Take a look at Le Mans this weekend - I bet they're not down 30% but then again they only charge £45 for general admission for the weekend and Silverstone charge £165 and kids are £82.
Le Mans is about £75 for the full week, you get more on track action even before the 24 Hour race starts than you do at a full F1 weekend. Full access to grandstands during practice and qualifying, friendly teams and drivers, awesome atmosphere. Nothing to do with the Pirellis, more to do with the whole thing being s
t and massively over priced. No access for the average fan to paddocks and teams. I am going again this year but agree it's expensive for what it is, moto gp is only £80 for a weekend grandstand ticket at silverstone.
I think the way people were treated last year put a lot off, bolshy security staff combined with the bad weather didn't help.
I think next year we'll be sticking to 2 wheels and going back to music festivals.
I think the way people were treated last year put a lot off, bolshy security staff combined with the bad weather didn't help.
I think next year we'll be sticking to 2 wheels and going back to music festivals.
RobGT81 said:
Le Mans is about £75 for the full week, you get more on track action even before the 24 Hour race starts than you do at a full F1 weekend. Full access to grandstands during practice and qualifying, friendly teams and drivers, awesome atmosphere.
Nothing to do with the Pirellis, more to do with the whole thing being st and massively over priced. No access for the average fan to paddocks and teams.
+1 - Will still watch it on the telly though. Nothing to do with the Pirellis, more to do with the whole thing being s
t and massively over priced. No access for the average fan to paddocks and teams. RobGT81 said:
Le Mans is about £75 for the full week, you get more on track action even before the 24 Hour race starts than you do at a full F1 weekend. Full access to grandstands during practice and qualifying, friendly teams and drivers, awesome atmosphere.
Nothing to do with the Pirellis, more to do with the whole thing being st and massively over priced. No access for the average fan to paddocks and teams.
Mind you Le Mans up for it in the price of food and drink!Nothing to do with the Pirellis, more to do with the whole thing being s
t and massively over priced. No access for the average fan to paddocks and teams. timbob said:
It's the prices - I'm a lifelong F1 fan (geek, even) and live under 45 mins drive from silverstone. I've been to the circuit many times to see touring cars, bikes, historic racing and FIA GTs, but never once to see a Grand Prix - I point blank refuse to pay the prices.
+1 For the price of one ticket I can take whole family to Brands for BTCC, DTM etc....I just can't justify the costs for what you get.As some have sad also a big factor is likely to be the shambolic way people were treated last year....
Price is a big factor for the non-hardcore fan I guess, I've never been to an F1 race, but I'd like too 'one day'.
My mates and I looked into it last year, spoke to a few people and the overriding feeling seemed to be that going to the British GP going to be more expensive and more of a pain than going to Spa and Spa was a better offering in terms of enjoyment.
It seems so many people connected to F1 are queuing up to have a dig at Pirelli at the moment, they must have short memories, or at least not be benefiting from them.
My mates and I looked into it last year, spoke to a few people and the overriding feeling seemed to be that going to the British GP going to be more expensive and more of a pain than going to Spa and Spa was a better offering in terms of enjoyment.
It seems so many people connected to F1 are queuing up to have a dig at Pirelli at the moment, they must have short memories, or at least not be benefiting from them.
RobGT81 said:
woof said:
Take a look at Le Mans this weekend - I bet they're not down 30% but then again they only charge £45 for general admission for the weekend and Silverstone charge £165 and kids are £82.
Le Mans is about £75 for the full week, you get more on track action even before the 24 Hour race starts than you do at a full F1 weekend. Full access to grandstands during practice and qualifying, friendly teams and drivers, awesome atmosphere. Nothing to do with the Pirellis, more to do with the whole thing being s
t and massively over priced. No access for the average fan to paddocks and teams. However the global audience figures would suggest F1 is the most popular form of motorsport.
Leithen said:
Sir Bagalot said:
Leithen said:
Sadly, Bernie's fee has to be paid by some means....
Bernies fee didn't go up 20% since last year! My ticket price did!Forums | General Motorsport | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff