Best GP to watch live for first timer
Discussion
I've been to quite a few races over the years but I have a friend that's never been and wants to go to a race. They want to go to one outside the UK but are looking for the best race to watch live in terms of action on the track and everything that surrounds it with the entertainment and stuff.
My suggestion would be Belgium but what would you say and why
My suggestion would be Belgium but what would you say and why
Belgium has very little additional entertainment, so if that's what they want, they're going to be disappointed. I'd suggest a trip to Singapore or Texas.
If those are a bit far away, I'd suggest Monza as a first Euro trip, for the atmosphere, history and track invasion. It's also an easy trip to the track from Milan, which is a city that offers just about enough to hold your interest for a weekend. Spa is a great track but the logistics can be a pain. None of the European races offer much in terms of value-added ents though.
If those are a bit far away, I'd suggest Monza as a first Euro trip, for the atmosphere, history and track invasion. It's also an easy trip to the track from Milan, which is a city that offers just about enough to hold your interest for a weekend. Spa is a great track but the logistics can be a pain. None of the European races offer much in terms of value-added ents though.
Barcelona:
- Ticket Prices are still reasonable and can be bought directly online.
- It's relatively easy to get to, plenty of budget airlines fly to Barcelona but circuit is NE of city so you can also fly to Girona and get a rental there, it's not much further.
- You can either camp at the circuit, or stay in the city, there's a railway station at the circuit so easy to get train there. If you camp, don't expect much sleep, the party goes on all night.
- Good spectator circuit, go for grandstand at end of S/F straight, plenty of overtaking, giant TV screen and you can see more than half the track.
- Weather is generally good.
Spa is great on TV but the nature of the track means you don't see much action unless you're at La Source and it rains a lot.
- Ticket Prices are still reasonable and can be bought directly online.
- It's relatively easy to get to, plenty of budget airlines fly to Barcelona but circuit is NE of city so you can also fly to Girona and get a rental there, it's not much further.
- You can either camp at the circuit, or stay in the city, there's a railway station at the circuit so easy to get train there. If you camp, don't expect much sleep, the party goes on all night.
- Good spectator circuit, go for grandstand at end of S/F straight, plenty of overtaking, giant TV screen and you can see more than half the track.
- Weather is generally good.
Spa is great on TV but the nature of the track means you don't see much action unless you're at La Source and it rains a lot.
Hungary is a good one, we went two years ago and saw a fantastic race. Tickets are cheap, weather is great, accommodation can be had cheaply in Budapest (which in itself is a great city to visit), easy to get to the track via train (or taxi). If you do decide to go make sure you book your flights early.
craigjm said:
I've been to quite a few races over the years but I have a friend that's never been and wants to go to a race. They want to go to one outside the UK but are looking for the best race to watch live in terms of action on the track and everything that surrounds it with the entertainment and stuff.
My suggestion would be Belgium but what would you say and why
I know it's not F1 but Le Man would be one of my picks especially after you have been to a few F1 events already.My suggestion would be Belgium but what would you say and why
24 Hour racing and lots to do.
Another would the the Isle Of Man TT just for the speed and thrill.
If it has to be F1 then Monaco. Saying to anyone you have been to the Monaco GP means much more.
But prices are nuts.
Second pick would be Monza.
not a proper GP, but cheaper and probably better track action
https://www.monte-carlo.mc/en/grand-prix-monaco/gp...
https://www.monte-carlo.mc/en/grand-prix-monaco/gp...
craigjm said:
I am now thinking that pretty soon every race will have been mentioned 
Is budget a factor?Bang for buck, Monza or Spa with GA tickets and cheap flights, stay in Como for Monza and camp at Spa.
Full razzmatazz, Texas, Singapore, Monaco or Mexico with good seats and 3 days + a few days sightseeing.
From personal experience; either Montreal or Singapore.
Easy quick no-hassle access by public transport from downtown and hotels. Lot of stuff happening around the GP, whole city gets into it. And both cities offering a lot for the non-race fan in terms of parks, restaurants, bars. Montreal has slightly more history and character then the slightly more clinical Singapore.
I found adding it all up (flights, cheap hostel, race tickets) Montreal was actually not that expensive. It ended up only a relative bit more than Spa.
Did manage to get in the pit in Singapore
Easy quick no-hassle access by public transport from downtown and hotels. Lot of stuff happening around the GP, whole city gets into it. And both cities offering a lot for the non-race fan in terms of parks, restaurants, bars. Montreal has slightly more history and character then the slightly more clinical Singapore.
I found adding it all up (flights, cheap hostel, race tickets) Montreal was actually not that expensive. It ended up only a relative bit more than Spa.
Did manage to get in the pit in Singapore
Edited by FindingMenno on Wednesday 20th September 14:09
Edited by FindingMenno on Wednesday 20th September 14:10
Edited by FindingMenno on Wednesday 20th September 14:11
Surprised no one has mentioned Australia. Great support race package, brilliant atmosphere and the Australian fans are magic. The one I would avoid is Malaysia - real lack of atmosphere, it normally rains and you get wet coz the grandstand roofs leak. I would also agree that Singapore, Monza and Monaco all epic.
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