Italian GP '09, advice please

[plg101]

OK... I'm a lucky man; going on a 3 week european trip in September as a belated honeymoon; 3rd week is on Lake Como. New wife agrees going to the Italian GP on the Sunday would be a good use of time.

4 questions:

1) Which are the best value seats, don't mind not being in a covered grandstand? Probably splash out on a Kangaroo to find out what's going on...

2) Is there much ant-Brit feeling; guessing I'll be ok in my ferrari shirt and cap...

3) Getting there from West side of Como - what's it like driving in / out of the GP - and should I double, triple or quadruple the time to get there?
I'm guessing leaving the GP will be mad with lots of pumped up italian drivers

Finally - getting tickets - any reliable / discount sites, aside from the official F1 site?

[crofty1984]

At least triple time. You can't actually park at the circuit for the most part. The police turn some of the 3 lane roads nearby into 1 lane and a makeshift car park on either side.
Whilst you're in Como, look for an Ice cream shop near where they rent pedalos It's very good. Also you can take the funicular up to the top of the mountain. I know a couple of gokart tracks in the area as well.

If you want any more info about the area, let me know (I live in Varese). The Specifics of the GP I'm a little sketchy on as I've only been once.

[plg101]

TVR Moneypit said:

1; General admission. When i went I viewed the race from just by the Ascari Chicane.

2; Where Ferrari colours and you will be fine. I found the local fans to be very welcoming.

3; Even when you get to Monza park, you will still have one hell of a walk to the circuit. 2 miles maybe? Like you say, quadruple time.

4; Page & Moy do, (or did when I used them), a ticket only service. I recieved first class service from them.

Fantastic, thanks.

Feels like a dawn start and get there for 9am to allow a 4 hour window.

And armed with the phrase "Sono inglese; tifosi di ferrari"...?

[plg101]

TVR Moneypit said:

plg101 said:

TVR Moneypit said:

1; General admission. When i went I viewed the race from just by the Ascari Chicane.

2; Where Ferrari colours and you will be fine. I found the local fans to be very welcoming.

3; Even when you get to Monza park, you will still have one hell of a walk to the circuit. 2 miles maybe? Like you say, quadruple time.

4; Page & Moy do, (or did when I used them), a ticket only service. I recieved first class service from them.

Fantastic, thanks.

Feels like a dawn start and get there for 9am to allow a 4 hour window.

And armed with the phrase "Sono inglese; tifosi di ferrari"...?

Enjoy it. The atmosphere is electric

I hope to - I have a wish list - been to the British GP; Italy next. Spa next year and Monaco the year after... Assuming we still have F1, that is.

[Lord Croker]

Make sure to have a look at the old banked track, you can sneak on to it at various points. It's quite an eye-opener!

[Lastinclass]

Can't remember if you can take the train direct from Como but that's the way to travel to the GP.

[blueST]

I went in 2007. We drove in from our accomodation in Bergamo, got there early and didn't find the traffic too bad. We parked in a park and ride on an industrial estate, got a free bus to Monza park but still had quite a long walk in.

We had seats in the grandstand on the inside of the track just prior to the first chicane, view just about OK but not covered so I slowly fried in the sun! I thought the atmosphere was great, no issues with my Lewis t-shirt. There was a massive Alonso contingent at the time and they were very amusing, singing and friendly banter.

[plg101]

Thanks to all for the advice.

Going to drive I think and practice my dodgems skills on the way back!

(and thanks Crofty, I'll PM you if I may)