Silverstone F1 GP - Hospitality (what to expect)
Discussion
Hi, I've been lucky enough to be invited along for a corporate hospitality day for the Silverstone qualifying this weekend (Saturday only).
Firstly, I've never been to any F1 event, nor have I ever been to a hospitality event like this. What can I expect and what should I take with me? I would normally take an SLR camera for piccies but I'm a bit warey in case it's more of a 'get leathered and not worry to much about the racing' affair?
I'm really excited but just want to be prepared and not look like a complete F1 novice.
What would you guys recommend I take along?
Thanks
Firstly, I've never been to any F1 event, nor have I ever been to a hospitality event like this. What can I expect and what should I take with me? I would normally take an SLR camera for piccies but I'm a bit warey in case it's more of a 'get leathered and not worry to much about the racing' affair?
I'm really excited but just want to be prepared and not look like a complete F1 novice.
What would you guys recommend I take along?
Thanks
Lucky you!
Unless you’ve really hit the big time, you’ll be in a long marquee with two grandstands at either end, on the infield at the end of the pits. The marquee is split into different "rooms" each hired out by different hospitality companies so make sure you camp out in the right one.
Expect some very nice food, agreeable seating, a bit of space and….well, that’s it really.
Getting tanked up is not the done thing and will very quickly get you thrown out.
Dress smarter than you normally would to go to an event like this. Jeans are fine but avoid “branded” shirts and trainers.
Your ticket will also include a programme so don’t go buying one on the way in as there will be loads freely available inside.
Location is ideal for walking along the back of the pits so good for a bit of star spotting.
By and large, you’ll be mixing with people who haven’t got a clue about F1 so don’t expect any in-depth discussions on the subject.
Enjoy!
Unless you’ve really hit the big time, you’ll be in a long marquee with two grandstands at either end, on the infield at the end of the pits. The marquee is split into different "rooms" each hired out by different hospitality companies so make sure you camp out in the right one.
Expect some very nice food, agreeable seating, a bit of space and….well, that’s it really.
Getting tanked up is not the done thing and will very quickly get you thrown out.
Dress smarter than you normally would to go to an event like this. Jeans are fine but avoid “branded” shirts and trainers.
Your ticket will also include a programme so don’t go buying one on the way in as there will be loads freely available inside.
Location is ideal for walking along the back of the pits so good for a bit of star spotting.
By and large, you’ll be mixing with people who haven’t got a clue about F1 so don’t expect any in-depth discussions on the subject.
Enjoy!
Thanks Stevie!
Yes I have been quick lucky, pity it's not the main race (just the qualifying) but at least I'll be able to get a feel for the real thing.
I think it's likely to be on the bottom rung of the hospitality ladder but fun never-the-less.
I think I'll take along a digital compact and then just hope for the best!
Yes I have been quick lucky, pity it's not the main race (just the qualifying) but at least I'll be able to get a feel for the real thing.
I think it's likely to be on the bottom rung of the hospitality ladder but fun never-the-less.
I think I'll take along a digital compact and then just hope for the best!
Mag1calTrev0r said:
Thanks Stevie!
Yes I have been quick lucky, pity it's not the main race (just the qualifying) but at least I'll be able to get a feel for the real thing.
I think it's likely to be on the bottom rung of the hospitality ladder but fun never-the-less.
I think I'll take along a digital compact and then just hope for the best!
What hospitality have you got ?Yes I have been quick lucky, pity it's not the main race (just the qualifying) but at least I'll be able to get a feel for the real thing.
I think it's likely to be on the bottom rung of the hospitality ladder but fun never-the-less.
I think I'll take along a digital compact and then just hope for the best!
I had F1 Paddock Club last year and same again this year, but like yourself, just for qualies this time
My advice, don't leave the Paddock Club, you have free food and drinks all day, things to do (gratis again) and your own grandstand seat with a big display in front of the grandstand showing what is happening on the track (as you get on ITV). You may get to meet a driver and have a possibility of a pit tour.
I took my camera and was snapping everything, the pit tour people even started grabbing hold of me as I kept dissapearing to take pics. In short, don't be shy, make the most of it and enjoy....you will only regret it if you don't
I just wore jeans, shirt and trainers, as did most others.
There are quite a few hospitality locations but it is highly unlikely that it will be in the F1 Paddock or that you will be given access to the F1 Paddock...you *may* find if you ask nicely they may quietly give you a garage trip but it will depend on your position in the food chain!
I'd also say DO walk around, it's unlikely you've got F1 Paddock Club hospitality as you'd probably know that if you had, so get out and see the place and get a feel for the atmosphere. Last year the whole place was electric as "Lewis fever" had taken over, I'd guess it's going to be even better (or worse depending on your outlook!) this year so Saturday should be a great day.
If you are Paddock club the Paddock Club pit road walkabout is 8.45am until 9.45, make sure you get on it if you're entitled, it's usually quiet'ish. Then the timetable is:
10.00 - 11.00 - F1 3rd Practice
11.10-11.22 - Blue Eagles Helicopt6er Display Team
11.25-12.20 Porsche Supercup Quali
11.12-12.45 Paddock Club Pit Road Walkabout (this will be BUSY - hit the early one if you can)
13.00-14.00 F1 Quali
14.40 Pit Lane Open for GP2 Race
15.00-16.20 GP2 Race (watch this)
16.45-17.15 Formuila BMW Race
17.45-18.15 - Historic Saloon Car Challenge Quali
Enjoy your day...
Edited to add: Def earplugs, an FM radio (preferably ear defenders and in the ear radio buds), take a light jacket as the forecast is for showers.
I'd also say DO walk around, it's unlikely you've got F1 Paddock Club hospitality as you'd probably know that if you had, so get out and see the place and get a feel for the atmosphere. Last year the whole place was electric as "Lewis fever" had taken over, I'd guess it's going to be even better (or worse depending on your outlook!) this year so Saturday should be a great day.
If you are Paddock club the Paddock Club pit road walkabout is 8.45am until 9.45, make sure you get on it if you're entitled, it's usually quiet'ish. Then the timetable is:
10.00 - 11.00 - F1 3rd Practice
11.10-11.22 - Blue Eagles Helicopt6er Display Team
11.25-12.20 Porsche Supercup Quali
11.12-12.45 Paddock Club Pit Road Walkabout (this will be BUSY - hit the early one if you can)
13.00-14.00 F1 Quali
14.40 Pit Lane Open for GP2 Race
15.00-16.20 GP2 Race (watch this)
16.45-17.15 Formuila BMW Race
17.45-18.15 - Historic Saloon Car Challenge Quali
Enjoy your day...
Edited to add: Def earplugs, an FM radio (preferably ear defenders and in the ear radio buds), take a light jacket as the forecast is for showers.
Edited by Piglet on Tuesday 1st July 09:23
Mag1calTrev0r said:
williamp said:
Am I allowed to grumble about the amount of Hospitality at Grand prix meetings pushing prices up and viewing options down for most of the fams??????
Of course you are, grumble away
If so, i can give you the full spec of the deal...
Flying Toilet said:
Mag1calTrev0r said:
williamp said:
Am I allowed to grumble about the amount of Hospitality at Grand prix meetings pushing prices up and viewing options down for most of the fams??????
Of course you are, grumble awayIf so, i can give you the full spec of the deal...
Mag1calTrev0r said:
Flying Toilet said:
Mag1calTrev0r said:
williamp said:
Am I allowed to grumble about the amount of Hospitality at Grand prix meetings pushing prices up and viewing options down for most of the fams??????
Of course you are, grumble awayIf so, i can give you the full spec of the deal...
You arrive at the entrance to Hospitality tent and get given an armband with 5 tabs on it. 2 are for meals which you can go choose from the food tent next to the stand. It normally has 4 different types of food in it (chinese, roast, indian, sandwichs and the like). The other 3 are for drinks, coffee, beer, spirits, soft drinks etc. Use these when you want.
You will also get a 'goody' bag with a Silverstone cap and programe upon arrival.
The whole area is fenced off and you can either sit in the stands and watch or sit in the food hall where loads of TV's surround you.
Wouldnt worry about getting to your seat as they are quite strict on your seat number and when i went last year it wasnt even that busy...not a bad thing as no queues for drinks/food etc.
Enjoy your day and if your in Becketts, i will be in seat E63...
Piglet said:
PAT COBRA said:
Sorry to jump on your post but I to have a Hospitality ticket for Saturday but have been told to meet a Turweston Air Field , then 4x4 drive to track . this sounds top end . Is it ? PAT
Nope, I'd imagine top end would involve a helicopter flight in....Helicopter in to the 1998 British GP in the Paddock Club, then Turweston airfield straight after for a corporate jet to Paris for Brazil v France World Cup Final in the evening. Not many planes made it out of Turweston that evening due to fog, but his was one of them.
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