British GP tips
Discussion
Got family tickets to the British GP, camping at Whittlebury Park. Despite going to the 24 hours of Le Mans 20 times, I've never been to GP. Feeling very much like a novice and wondering if any seasoned veterans can provide some tips and advice re the whole event. Where to watch from, getting a good camping pitch, events to attend, etc.
Last time I went to Silverstone for GP was 2015, only went for Sunday but drove up and arrived at 8am, traffic was busy but constantly moving and had no issues parking, we did however have a grandstand seat.
Went to Monza 2012, General Admission, again arrived around 8am, but many spots were taken, as someone else said arrive early to get a good spot!
Hope you enjoy the day though, they're always great fun!
Went to Monza 2012, General Admission, again arrived around 8am, but many spots were taken, as someone else said arrive early to get a good spot!
Hope you enjoy the day though, they're always great fun!
Also interested as I'm going for the first time, camping at woodlands and have grandstand tickets at Becketts for the Sunday. Where is a good place to go on Friday and Saturday?
Also regarding camping and the pub place, is the food any good and how expensive is it if anyone knows? Are we talking £10+ for decent food akin to a restaurant? And if I bring in a 24 pack of water will it be confiscated? Or three bottles into the track?
Also regarding camping and the pub place, is the food any good and how expensive is it if anyone knows? Are we talking £10+ for decent food akin to a restaurant? And if I bring in a 24 pack of water will it be confiscated? Or three bottles into the track?
I've only just started going to LeMans, but I've done the F1 GP many times - similar in some ways, but very different in others. The crowd at Silverstone is obviously hugely partisan and very vocal, especially when a Brit is doing well (or a German isn't....). I guess the biggest difference is that you'll watch the entire race from a single spot.
My tips - as mentioned above, if you're general admission only, you need to choose your viewing spot before the day, get in the queue before the gates open, then leg it to your spot and be prepared to stay there for the duration.
This is why I always get a grandstand seat, as I like to turn up at a reasonable hour, wander round the track a bit and soak in the atmosphere, then amble over to my seat(s) half an hour or so before the start. Not so difficult if there's several of you, as you can split up and have a wander without leaving / losing your viewing spot.
As for traffic, if you're camping it shouldn't be an issue, as you won't be trying to get into the circuit with tens of thousands of other fans
Like LM, take a radio, as you'll struggle to hear the circuit commentary
Shouldn't be an issue taking water in, as long as its in plastic bottles.
Unless the weather forecast is 99% certain, take clothes for sun and rain. Again, another reason why a covered grandstand is often worth the expense.
Most importantly - enjoy it!
My tips - as mentioned above, if you're general admission only, you need to choose your viewing spot before the day, get in the queue before the gates open, then leg it to your spot and be prepared to stay there for the duration.
This is why I always get a grandstand seat, as I like to turn up at a reasonable hour, wander round the track a bit and soak in the atmosphere, then amble over to my seat(s) half an hour or so before the start. Not so difficult if there's several of you, as you can split up and have a wander without leaving / losing your viewing spot.
As for traffic, if you're camping it shouldn't be an issue, as you won't be trying to get into the circuit with tens of thousands of other fans
Like LM, take a radio, as you'll struggle to hear the circuit commentary
Shouldn't be an issue taking water in, as long as its in plastic bottles.
Unless the weather forecast is 99% certain, take clothes for sun and rain. Again, another reason why a covered grandstand is often worth the expense.
Most importantly - enjoy it!
Thanks for the feed back Nigel.
A couple of questions that come to mind and don't seem to be covered in any of the info I've been sent/found on line.
Are the campsites like those at Le Mans in terms of allowing you to cook your own food on camping stoves etc?
Do the campsites allow you in with alcohol? A few beers and a few bottles of wine.
Are you allowed to take your own food into the circuit? I'm thinking packed lunch/snacks for the kids
A couple of questions that come to mind and don't seem to be covered in any of the info I've been sent/found on line.
Are the campsites like those at Le Mans in terms of allowing you to cook your own food on camping stoves etc?
Do the campsites allow you in with alcohol? A few beers and a few bottles of wine.
Are you allowed to take your own food into the circuit? I'm thinking packed lunch/snacks for the kids
Edited by WhyTwo on Tuesday 4th July 07:30
Another question. If watching from Becketts should we take our camping chairs? Or will everyone be stood up/sat on the grass?
And what time should we be aiming to get to our spot/access the circuit/start queueing to get in on race day?
Sorry for all the basic questions but being a GP virgin it's all new. At Le Mans we used to take camping chairs to the circuit but don't bother any longer. We tend to use the chairs provded by the Stella Bar ;-) or our grandstand seats!
And what time should we be aiming to get to our spot/access the circuit/start queueing to get in on race day?
Sorry for all the basic questions but being a GP virgin it's all new. At Le Mans we used to take camping chairs to the circuit but don't bother any longer. We tend to use the chairs provded by the Stella Bar ;-) or our grandstand seats!
WhyTwo said:
Thanks for the feed back Nigel.
A couple of questions that come to mind and don't seem to be covered in any of the info I've been sent/found on line.
Are the campsites like those at Le Mans in terms of allowing you to cook you're own food on camping stoves etc?
Do the campsites allow you in with alcohol? A few beers and a few bottles of wine.
Are you allowed to take your own food into the circuit? I'm thinking packed lunch/snacks for the kids
From what I could make out on the website no BBQ's are allowed.A couple of questions that come to mind and don't seem to be covered in any of the info I've been sent/found on line.
Are the campsites like those at Le Mans in terms of allowing you to cook you're own food on camping stoves etc?
Do the campsites allow you in with alcohol? A few beers and a few bottles of wine.
Are you allowed to take your own food into the circuit? I'm thinking packed lunch/snacks for the kids
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