Silverstone, enchanting name... shame it's a dump.
Discussion
We went to the GP again today, we have been a few times in the last 5 years. We started out on Friday watching the practise session along the 300mtrs of track from Bridge Corner, probably the closest you can get to the track. So we thought, we’ll go there on the Saturday and watch the qualifying session as it turned out, a non-combative event made a lot worse by the fact that the organisers had a allowed yet another kiss-me-quick-Jenson caps tented emporium to be sited right next to the trackside completely obliterating the view for the paying punters, and some punters we are eh Bernie, Jackie, Martin, et al?, nothing like the great compliant British public to make the best of a bad thing, so we make do with the reduced remaining view left on offer, only to see, or not to see as the case may be…, the exit corner just before the entrance to Bridge, why couldn’t we see the cars exiting the corner?, because ‘the organisers’ allow four bollards, oops sorry track marshals to stand on the wall, converging into an orange human fence. So, come race day, we decide to head for the other side, the Maggots/Beckets complex, we finally settle on a small track of hard stony dirty shall and decide that it’s probably the best place for our little boy to not be hustled by the crowd and get a relatively half-decent view, all 300mtrs again. So far,… so far. The Red Arrows once again provide ‘The Highlight’ of the day, the kid goes absolutely bonkers when they streak overhead and lit his face up brighter than his red £20 Ferrari baseball cap. Eventually the race gets under way Kimi screams through our complex, the chasing pack following through, Barrichello, Button and the Red Baron, round they come again, and again, it’s still making sense, then eventually they begin pitting, and it’s then we realise that the F
ing Tannoy where we are is on the blink!, confusion sets in, and I’m beginning to think of loafing on the sofa at home, feet up, cold beer, two large cushions and the most precious thing of all at this point, some commentary. I could go on for ever about the shortcomings of this joke of a sporting festival, but I won’t. Because a thousand million words could still never explain why Indianapolis seats a quarter million of it’s punters pampered arses on seats, and ‘The Home of British Motor Racing’ bestows this privilege to 60,000.
>>> Edited by veewhy on Sunday 11th July 23:39
ing Tannoy where we are is on the blink!, confusion sets in, and I’m beginning to think of loafing on the sofa at home, feet up, cold beer, two large cushions and the most precious thing of all at this point, some commentary. I could go on for ever about the shortcomings of this joke of a sporting festival, but I won’t. Because a thousand million words could still never explain why Indianapolis seats a quarter million of it’s punters pampered arses on seats, and ‘The Home of British Motor Racing’ bestows this privilege to 60,000. >>> Edited by veewhy on Sunday 11th July 23:39
Perhaps because at Indy you can see the entire circuit from anywhere due to it's 'bowl like' nature. Whereas Silversone is a proper circuit, with right hand corner!
However, I am in complete agreement with you about the lack of tannoys etc. But it's the same at all circuits (except Rockingham, because that's almost brand new and everything still works!)
I was offered a ticket for the GP this year, Granstand seating and everythng. Turned it down. Why would I want to drive to the circuit, queue in traffic, park several miles away from where I want to be. And still not see a great deal of a crap race anyway?
As for the place being a dump, have you been to Spa recently? It's worse, but it manages to stay on the calendar (occasionally
)
However, I am in complete agreement with you about the lack of tannoys etc. But it's the same at all circuits (except Rockingham, because that's almost brand new and everything still works!)
I was offered a ticket for the GP this year, Granstand seating and everythng. Turned it down. Why would I want to drive to the circuit, queue in traffic, park several miles away from where I want to be. And still not see a great deal of a crap race anyway?
As for the place being a dump, have you been to Spa recently? It's worse, but it manages to stay on the calendar (occasionally
) no disrespect veewhy, but if you have been to a few gps in the last few years surely you know what to expect? it has been made quite clear in the motorsport press that nothing has been done to improve the circuits facilities and Bernie et al would much prefer it if the public stayed at home and watched it on the telly.
The qualities (or lack of them) of the circuit are only highlighted due to the lacklustre action on track. Had you witnessed a nailbitting, tooth and nail dog fight to the finish, cheering home a Brit winner, I doubt you would have ever aired your comments - no matter how accurate they are.
Bahrain looked a splendid facility. Sepang is mighty and the China circuit looks wonderful.
In truth though, I don't want to watch a display of archietecture - I'd rather see a decent race.
Bahrain looked a splendid facility. Sepang is mighty and the China circuit looks wonderful.
In truth though, I don't want to watch a display of archietecture - I'd rather see a decent race.
pablo said:
no disrespect veewhy, but if you have been to a few gps in the last few years surely you know what to expect? it has been made quite clear in the motorsport press that nothing has been done to improve the circuits facilities and Bernie et al would much prefer it if the public stayed at home and watched it on the telly.
I hear you Pablo, and fair point, it's a little bit complex, but the upshot is that we have taken a couple of different kids each year, our own and nephews. We started the first time in top dollar seats main grandstand opposite the pits. cost an outrageous amount of money, but i wanted to treat some special people. Suffice to say that both us adults got severe sunburn in the open stand and both kids fell asleep beneath their caps way before Mika roared home to win. The next year we wanted to do the treat again by thinkiing we learnt something in between, (different set of kids), that time it was the cheaper (better) seats, better view of the real action, but still a shambles and cost a fortune in Tickets/Caps/Burgers/Drinks/Progs and the rest... This year we thought no pricey seats, we'll take portable ones to sit on, a small step ladder for the kids and bring our own preffered (healthy) food. The end to this sorry saga is after spending a small fortune over the years, the various kids 'petrolhead' experience has been fulfilled (for now) and besides we have run out of kids to treat!, if they want anymore then my non-petrolhead brother (their dad) can take them..., as for ours it's Moto Gp/Touring Cars/and Le Mans from now on. In my honest opinion I think the only thing that keeps it going crowdwise is a small rump of die-hard racing fans, and an awaful lot of augmentation from a great deal of Liggers/Freeloaders and general all round ponces...
veewhy said:
as for ours it's Moto Gp/Touring Cars/and Le Mans from now on. In my honest opinion I think the only thing that keeps it going crowdwise is a small rump of die-hard racing fans, and an awaful lot of augmentation from a great deal of Liggers/Freeloaders and general all round ponces...
You could also do a lot worse than take them to Brands this weekend for the Superprix - proper racing cars - specially the Can Ams (the sound alone is worth it!)
veewhy said:
... the exit corner just before the entrance to Bridge, why couldn’t we see the cars exiting the corner?, because ‘the organisers’ allow four bollards, oops sorry track marshals to stand on the wall, converging into an orange human fence.....
So where do you want the marshals to stand? in a position that could double their reaction time for attending an incident? We are there for a reason, as are you, however, we are not there as spectators!
Did you once ask the marshals to move so you could actually see past them? if not stop complaining.
Gazboy said:
The qualities (or lack of them) of the circuit are only highlighted due to the lacklustre action on track. Had you witnessed a nailbitting, tooth and nail dog fight to the finish, cheering home a Brit winner, I doubt you would have ever aired your comments - no matter how accurate they are.
Bahrain looked a splendid facility. Sepang is mighty and the China circuit looks wonderful.
In truth though, I don't want to watch a display of archietecture - I'd rather see a decent race.
I went many years ago, no clue what was going on, couldn't see and all the rest, thought it was a real crap race. Got home and watched the highlights to see the bits i missed, and it was a blinder (iirc Jonny Herbert won).
That's the delights of Silverstone for you Gazboy! That's why (despite other postings to the contrary) Brands would, in this respect, be ideal!
Gazboy said:
The qualities (or lack of them) of the circuit are only highlighted due to the lacklustre action on track. Had you witnessed a nailbitting, tooth and nail dog fight to the finish, cheering home a Brit winner, I doubt you would have ever aired your comments - no matter how accurate they are.
Bahrain looked a splendid facility. Sepang is mighty and the China circuit looks wonderful.
In truth though, I don't want to watch a display of archietecture - I'd rather see a decent race.
I went many years ago, no clue what was going on, couldn't see and all the rest, thought it was a real crap race. Got home and watched the highlights to see the bits i missed, and it was a blinder (iirc Jonny Herbert won).
That's the delights of Silverstone for you Gazboy! That's why (despite other postings to the contrary) Brands would, in this respect, be ideal!
Please can we stop using Brands Hatch with all referencees to the Grand Prix.
I love Brands. Adore it. Its beautiful as it is, but it would need an awful lot of change to make it into a Gp circuit- too much by far.
Can we please keep Brands as it is, with close access to the track for spectators, lovely views through the trees, and a great circuit unfettled by huge sand traps and over-bearing security types in dayglo jackets
Ahh, aint rose tinted glasses great!
I love Brands. Adore it. Its beautiful as it is, but it would need an awful lot of change to make it into a Gp circuit- too much by far.
Can we please keep Brands as it is, with close access to the track for spectators, lovely views through the trees, and a great circuit unfettled by huge sand traps and over-bearing security types in dayglo jackets
Ahh, aint rose tinted glasses great!
Am I the only one who had a fantastic time and thoroughly enjoyed it?
I took the PistonHeads radio given to me at PistonFest the previous weekend...and so was able to hear and follow everything throughout the weekend.
No problem with transport as I camped there Thursday and left Monday - always a wonderful atmosphere at Litchlake campsite....and a short walk to the circuit.
I watched the track action at various places all around the circuit...1st practice at Farm, 2nd at Copse, 3rd and 4th at Club, both qualifying at Vale - support races at Luffield, Becketts, Maggotts. It's a good idea to walk the circuit, and pick your preferred spot
Watched the F1 race at Club....and I had a clear view all the way through to Stowe, and Club corner itself.
Vale is where you can see the most track...apart from the giant screen - you can see part of the Hangar straight, Vale itself, exit of Club through to Abbey...and a small part of the track leading to Bridge.
After the F1 race - highlights and driver interviews could all be viewed on the screens while waiting for the historics...which is always a great race to watch Then there was the GP party on the infield afterwards with driver appearances and great commentary by Tony Jardine and Murray Walker - the Beachboys were the top band and their set lasted about an hour. A great end to a wonderful weekend ...and a bargain as my weekend ticket cost only £90.
I took the PistonHeads radio given to me at PistonFest the previous weekend...and so was able to hear and follow everything throughout the weekend.
No problem with transport as I camped there Thursday and left Monday - always a wonderful atmosphere at Litchlake campsite....and a short walk to the circuit.
I watched the track action at various places all around the circuit...1st practice at Farm, 2nd at Copse, 3rd and 4th at Club, both qualifying at Vale - support races at Luffield, Becketts, Maggotts. It's a good idea to walk the circuit, and pick your preferred spot
Watched the F1 race at Club....and I had a clear view all the way through to Stowe, and Club corner itself.
Vale is where you can see the most track...apart from the giant screen - you can see part of the Hangar straight, Vale itself, exit of Club through to Abbey...and a small part of the track leading to Bridge.
After the F1 race - highlights and driver interviews could all be viewed on the screens while waiting for the historics...which is always a great race to watch
Then there was the GP party on the infield afterwards with driver appearances and great commentary by Tony Jardine and Murray Walker - the Beachboys were the top band and their set lasted about an hour. A great end to a wonderful weekend ...and a bargain as my weekend ticket cost only £90. miniman said:
because ‘the organisers’ allow four bollards, oops sorry track marshals to stand on the wall, converging into an orange human fence.
Sorry, but I'll have to take exception to that. No marshalls = no racing.
Take exception all you like, off course no Marshall’s = No race, only idiots would fail to make the connection. But do they have to exude in their responsibilities by standing on the wall?, why can't they sit on it?, why do they have to be on it in the first place, after all their colleagues on the infield were not standing on theirs, ironically with no punters standing behind them?, no, it's the same old bollocks every year, the whole thing is geared to 'the sport' not the punters who pay for it. Even the marshals have an air of detachment and superiority about them. I wouldn't mind if the job required a level of skill that commanded such behaviour. But let's face it, important as they are. If it wasn't for the punter, they wouldn't be there either.
mutley said:
... the exit corner just before the entrance to Bridge, why couldn’t we see the cars exiting the corner?, because ‘the organisers’ allow four bollards, oops sorry track marshals to stand on the wall, converging into an orange human fence.....
So where do you want the marshals to stand? in a position that could double their reaction time for attending an incident? We are there for a reason, as are you, however, we are not there as spectators!
Did you once ask the marshals to move so you could actually see past them? if not stop complaining.
I want them to stand in a place where they can be effective, purpose built with some thought put into the requirement. Your principle point is valid (there for a reason), but in some ways underlines your perspective on it. ie. We're there for a reason and it's more important than your's. And that is i suspect is how it will always remain. As for your comment about not being their as spectactors, i'm not sure where you do your work, but in my experience at Silverstone much spectating takes place among the marshalls, not that i begrudge them any of it. Far from it in fact. I just wish they they and their bosses could work out a solution that prevents 4/5 of them forming a tall human wall that prevents seeing the action (it was a combination of their presence/angle of view/racing line over the kerb. No i didn't ask them, and why?, well it's usually my experience that when people exude the manner and body language which in there case was a pretty clear 'this is where WE stand'. there really is little point, for it only takes one of them to say some old safety related half-truths codswallop delivered in the de-rigeur PC tone of voice, which usually translates into an unspoken "How dare you come and ask us to move, and because I can, i'm going to tell you to officially f
k off in a certain way that is offically approved in the new world of 'public safety operatives'. So i don't bother attempting to get them to see my point of view anymore because they always think they know best and often have a badge to prove it. I'll just give it a miss next time...veewhy said:
...As for your comment about not being their as spectactors, i'm not sure where you do your work, but in my experience at Silverstone much spectating takes place among the marshalls, not that i begrudge them any of it. Far from it in fact.
Can't do the job without watching the track. You can call that spectating, I don't.
veewhy said:
..No i didn't ask them, and why?, well it's usually my experience that when people exude the manner and body language which in there case was a pretty clear 'this is where WE stand'.
Perhaps you misread the body language, perhaps if you had asked they might have adjusted thier stance/positions, I wasn't there so can't comment on them exactly
On a point you raised about the marshals sitting on the wall, unfortunately if a car comes off and heads for you, the reaction/avoidance time for someone sat down is a lot slower than one stoodup.
I'm sorry the marshals standing where they did ruined your day.
miniman said:
because ‘the organisers’ allow four bollards, oops sorry track marshals to stand on the wall, converging into an orange human fence.
Sorry, but I'll have to take exception to that. No marshalls = no racing.
Seconded, esp. as trackside marshalls are all Voluntary...
Yep these guys do a fantastic job for no reward..other then watching/working the GP.
I thought it was a good race (note not using great). And IMO the facilities are getting better year by year, as for someone who has been going for the past 12 years, the past 2 years I have never had to queue in traffic. Also 99 quid for 3 days, is not that bad, considering the cost 3 times as much if you wanted to watch the whole weekend before this year.
So, IMO, they are getting there. My only grumble this year was that they did not issue enough parking tickets to the likes of page and moy...they improve the roads and car parking facilities but push as much traffic as they can to park and ride. Was no way I was leaving my car miles from the circuit and in the end bought a pass off of ebay for 30 quid! Hey gotta pose once every year lol
Alan.
I thought it was a good race (note not using great). And IMO the facilities are getting better year by year, as for someone who has been going for the past 12 years, the past 2 years I have never had to queue in traffic. Also 99 quid for 3 days, is not that bad, considering the cost 3 times as much if you wanted to watch the whole weekend before this year.
So, IMO, they are getting there. My only grumble this year was that they did not issue enough parking tickets to the likes of page and moy...they improve the roads and car parking facilities but push as much traffic as they can to park and ride. Was no way I was leaving my car miles from the circuit and in the end bought a pass off of ebay for 30 quid! Hey gotta pose once every year lol
Alan.
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