Official 2019 British Grand Prix Thread ***SPOILERS***
Discussion
Adrian W said:
I have to wonder, why are the costs so high, tickets cost a fortune, Corporate pricing is astronomical, it would be great to see where the money goes, I have a feeling there are some silly salaries here.
They have to take something like £60 per person per day of the weekend just to cover the race hosting fee they pay to FOM. Then they need to add whatever other costs and overheads are associated with actually running the circuit and the race on top of that. Their only revenue stream available to make that money is from the paying punter, because all other income from advertising and TV goes directly to FOM. Other circuits make it work by having government funding pay some or all of the FOM hosting fee.Another F1 first-timer here when I managed to buy some cheap tickets from someone at work. We're in Woodcote A and have a parking ticket too. Any advice on what time is best arrive - is there a sweet spot where you can just drive straight in without too much queuing (and I don't mean at 2pm when the race is about to get underway)?
Planet Claire said:
Another F1 first-timer here when I managed to buy some cheap tickets from someone at work. We're in Woodcote A and have a parking ticket too. Any advice on what time is best arrive - is there a sweet spot where you can just drive straight in without too much queuing (and I don't mean at 2pm when the race is about to get underway)?
Race will be half over by 2pm. You're more likely to get in quickly at 2 *AM*TheDeuce said:
rdjohn said:
For the first, and only, time this year, I will not be distracted by the poor SKY team efforts.
The only downside is the C4 have invited Eddie along to ruin their show.
Eddie Vs crofty. Who irritates you the fastest? The only downside is the C4 have invited Eddie along to ruin their show.
When Eddie is not trying to be controversial, I think he sometimes makes thought provoking contributions. BUT, I think the production team want him to be controversial.
Croft is just like some loud-mouthed arse down the pub who will not just STFU.
I think the Mercs are going to muller the fast sections to keep ahead of the others down the straights.
Can’t wait for that heli-shot of HAM ripping through the maggots/beckets complex.
Really need to get myself down there, ashamedly I haven’t visited or driven silverstone in its modern layout!
Can’t wait for that heli-shot of HAM ripping through the maggots/beckets complex.
Really need to get myself down there, ashamedly I haven’t visited or driven silverstone in its modern layout!
Flooble said:
Planet Claire said:
Another F1 first-timer here when I managed to buy some cheap tickets from someone at work. We're in Woodcote A and have a parking ticket too. Any advice on what time is best arrive - is there a sweet spot where you can just drive straight in without too much queuing (and I don't mean at 2pm when the race is about to get underway)?
Race will be half over by 2pm. You're more likely to get in quickly at 2 *AM*Piginapoke said:
UK Broadcast Timings (and local time)
All sessions are live on Sky F1; Qualifying and Race live on Channel 4:
All sessions are live on Sky F1; Qualifying and Race live on Channel 4:
rdjohn said:
TheDeuce said:
rdjohn said:
For the first, and only, time this year, I will not be distracted by the poor SKY team efforts.
The only downside is the C4 have invited Eddie along to ruin their show.
Eddie Vs crofty. Who irritates you the fastest? The only downside is the C4 have invited Eddie along to ruin their show.
When Eddie is not trying to be controversial, I think he sometimes makes thought provoking contributions. BUT, I think the production team want him to be controversial.
Croft is just like some loud-mouthed arse down the pub who will not just STFU.
Hi all
First time post after a long time lurking.
I was lucky enough to get some GA tickets for my 30th birthday earlier in the year. i'm planning on arriving in time for gates opening and have sorted car parking via the local schools charity.
Does anyone have any experience with the best GA spots to view the race, even if it's just a few airboxes whizzing past? I'm aware that the GA viewing experience may not be as good as some of the European tracks. I've been to Spa once before and watched from Pouhon which was brilliant if a little chaotic.
First time post after a long time lurking.
I was lucky enough to get some GA tickets for my 30th birthday earlier in the year. i'm planning on arriving in time for gates opening and have sorted car parking via the local schools charity.
Does anyone have any experience with the best GA spots to view the race, even if it's just a few airboxes whizzing past? I'm aware that the GA viewing experience may not be as good as some of the European tracks. I've been to Spa once before and watched from Pouhon which was brilliant if a little chaotic.
HustleRussell said:
Thanks for starting the thread, OP.
However, your lamentations about the Silverstone deal are not only OTT but incorrect.
Silverstone had the option of subsidising the race - in effect what they have done for a while now - or going, cap in hand, to Ecclestone initially and then Liberty. They have had no positive response from Liberty, which seems to believe that losing Silverstone is worth it to keep other circuits in check. There were no real discussions with Ecclestone. It was take it or leave it. Silverstone said a number of times that they would not be able to afford it but Ecclestone expected/hoped/just didn't give a damn that the government would step in and use taxpayers money to keep F1 at Silverstone. The circuit tried a number of times to get some funding but, beyond some substantial road infrastructure mods, they were refused. However, your lamentations about the Silverstone deal are not only OTT but incorrect.
Piginapoke said:
And now Liberty are taking all this away for £££.
Liberty aren't taking anything away, in fact it is Silverstone themselves who have exercised the option to break contract- even though that contract is unchanged from the one they agreed with Bernie Ecclestone's F1 several years ago. For 'reasons', they signed a long term deal in which the hosting fee ratcheted up incrementally for the duration. Surprise, surprise before too long the hosting fee was too high for the event to continue without making a crippling loss. Hence Silverstone have now gone cap in hand to Liberty who appear to be willing to consider some concession to retain the British Grand Prix at Silverstone- but not at any cost. Many people pointed out that they had said they'd have to bail out before, so it was all bluff.
It's not as if it is a level field for hosting F1. Monaco has special consideration and there are suggestions that there are some circuits that pay nothing like as much as Silverstone.
Every circuit has reasons, even 'reasons', for hosting the race.
Liberty were aware years ago that Silverstone could not afford to continue hosting the GP at the prices forced on them by Ecclestone. They told them often enough, not to mention the public pronouncements. The costs are unsustainable, and were from the start. No one circuit is needed by Liberty, but to lose Silverstone reduces their value. By rejecting the seemingly reasonable requests of Silverstone, which would continue with the race for a reduction in costs, I would suggest that they are turning their back on the race. Silverstone cannot afford to run it.
Hardly lamentations by the OP. It is terribly sad that one of the great circuits on the calandar, the first to hold a modern F1 race, should lose the race to a country where the stands will be left empty.
I went to an LMES race where the stands were closed, despite heavy rain. There was little advertising for the race. I talked with a team manager and his suggestions as to why were quite enlightening. It would appear that permission to host F1 came with certain other, and costly, restrictions when Ecclestone and his little me, Mosely, ran the sport.
I'm with the OP. I lament the fact that Silverstone cannot afford to run the race.
rdjohn said:
Croft is an easy winner.
When Eddie is not trying to be controversial, I think he sometimes makes thought provoking contributions. BUT, I think the production team want him to be controversial.
Croft is just like some loud-mouthed arse down the pub who will not just STFU.
Indeed. Croft is way more annoying than any of the others. Clueless, seemingly, and immensely loud.When Eddie is not trying to be controversial, I think he sometimes makes thought provoking contributions. BUT, I think the production team want him to be controversial.
Croft is just like some loud-mouthed arse down the pub who will not just STFU.
Derek Smith said:
Silverstone had the option of subsidising the race - in effect what they have done for a while now - or going, cap in hand, to Ecclestone initially and then Liberty. They have had no positive response from Liberty, which seems to believe that losing Silverstone is worth it to keep other circuits in check. There were no real discussions with Ecclestone. It was take it or leave it. Silverstone said a number of times that they would not be able to afford it but Ecclestone expected/hoped/just didn't give a damn that the government would step in and use taxpayers money to keep F1 at Silverstone. The circuit tried a number of times to get some funding but, beyond some substantial road infrastructure mods, they were refused.
Many people pointed out that they had said they'd have to bail out before, so it was all bluff.
It's not as if it is a level field for hosting F1. Monaco has special consideration and there are suggestions that there are some circuits that pay nothing like as much as Silverstone.
Every circuit has reasons, even 'reasons', for hosting the race.
Liberty were aware years ago that Silverstone could not afford to continue hosting the GP at the prices forced on them by Ecclestone. They told them often enough, not to mention the public pronouncements. The costs are unsustainable, and were from the start. No one circuit is needed by Liberty, but to lose Silverstone reduces their value. By rejecting the seemingly reasonable requests of Silverstone, which would continue with the race for a reduction in costs, I would suggest that they are turning their back on the race. Silverstone cannot afford to run it.
Hardly lamentations by the OP. It is terribly sad that one of the great circuits on the calandar, the first to hold a modern F1 race, should lose the race to a country where the stands will be left empty.
I went to an LMES race where the stands were closed, despite heavy rain. There was little advertising for the race. I talked with a team manager and his suggestions as to why were quite enlightening. It would appear that permission to host F1 came with certain other, and costly, restrictions when Ecclestone and his little me, Mosely, ran the sport.
I'm with the OP. I lament the fact that Silverstone cannot afford to run the race.
Is it known, or rumoured how much Silverstone pay exactly?Many people pointed out that they had said they'd have to bail out before, so it was all bluff.
It's not as if it is a level field for hosting F1. Monaco has special consideration and there are suggestions that there are some circuits that pay nothing like as much as Silverstone.
Every circuit has reasons, even 'reasons', for hosting the race.
Liberty were aware years ago that Silverstone could not afford to continue hosting the GP at the prices forced on them by Ecclestone. They told them often enough, not to mention the public pronouncements. The costs are unsustainable, and were from the start. No one circuit is needed by Liberty, but to lose Silverstone reduces their value. By rejecting the seemingly reasonable requests of Silverstone, which would continue with the race for a reduction in costs, I would suggest that they are turning their back on the race. Silverstone cannot afford to run it.
Hardly lamentations by the OP. It is terribly sad that one of the great circuits on the calandar, the first to hold a modern F1 race, should lose the race to a country where the stands will be left empty.
I went to an LMES race where the stands were closed, despite heavy rain. There was little advertising for the race. I talked with a team manager and his suggestions as to why were quite enlightening. It would appear that permission to host F1 came with certain other, and costly, restrictions when Ecclestone and his little me, Mosely, ran the sport.
I'm with the OP. I lament the fact that Silverstone cannot afford to run the race.
I did some guesstimate maths based on ticket sales (should be fairly accurate though as they have very nearly sold out - so I know it's approx 150,000 tickets..) and factoring in the higher price hospitality packages it should be at least £50m revenue for them. Sounds like more than enough to host a 4 day even at a permanent facility - but without knowing what they pay to Liberty...
TheDeuce said:
Is it known, or rumoured how much Silverstone pay exactly?
I did some guesstimate maths based on ticket sales (should be fairly accurate though as they have very nearly sold out - so I know it's approx 150,000 tickets..) and factoring in the higher price hospitality packages it should be at least £50m revenue for them. Sounds like more than enough to host a 4 day even at a permanent facility - but without knowing what they pay to Liberty...
20 mill USD, ( and that's mid range for a GP fee, no where near the 50m USD Singapore reportedly pay)I did some guesstimate maths based on ticket sales (should be fairly accurate though as they have very nearly sold out - so I know it's approx 150,000 tickets..) and factoring in the higher price hospitality packages it should be at least £50m revenue for them. Sounds like more than enough to host a 4 day even at a permanent facility - but without knowing what they pay to Liberty...
140,000 through the gate on a Sunday, only 100,000 paid tickets though, hmmmm..... 280,000 attendees last year..
Deesee said:
TheDeuce said:
Is it known, or rumoured how much Silverstone pay exactly?
I did some guesstimate maths based on ticket sales (should be fairly accurate though as they have very nearly sold out - so I know it's approx 150,000 tickets..) and factoring in the higher price hospitality packages it should be at least £50m revenue for them. Sounds like more than enough to host a 4 day even at a permanent facility - but without knowing what they pay to Liberty...
20 mill USD, ( and that's mid range for a GP fee, no where near the 50m USD Singapore reportedly pay)I did some guesstimate maths based on ticket sales (should be fairly accurate though as they have very nearly sold out - so I know it's approx 150,000 tickets..) and factoring in the higher price hospitality packages it should be at least £50m revenue for them. Sounds like more than enough to host a 4 day even at a permanent facility - but without knowing what they pay to Liberty...
140,000 through the gate on a Sunday, only 100,000 paid tickets though, hmmmm..... 280,000 attendees last year..
Seems like that should be enough. I can believe that maintaining an F1 grade circuit through the year costs a lot, but then if they kept the track busy enough that shouldn't be a huge problem - for other circuits the halo effect of F1 helps to keep the circuit extremely busy year round.
Perhaps it's not that F1 is a loss maker, so much as the circuit overall is a loss maker and they feel F1 could do more to compensate for that?
TheDeuce said:
Deesee said:
TheDeuce said:
Is it known, or rumoured how much Silverstone pay exactly?
I did some guesstimate maths based on ticket sales (should be fairly accurate though as they have very nearly sold out - so I know it's approx 150,000 tickets..) and factoring in the higher price hospitality packages it should be at least £50m revenue for them. Sounds like more than enough to host a 4 day even at a permanent facility - but without knowing what they pay to Liberty...
20 mill USD, ( and that's mid range for a GP fee, no where near the 50m USD Singapore reportedly pay)I did some guesstimate maths based on ticket sales (should be fairly accurate though as they have very nearly sold out - so I know it's approx 150,000 tickets..) and factoring in the higher price hospitality packages it should be at least £50m revenue for them. Sounds like more than enough to host a 4 day even at a permanent facility - but without knowing what they pay to Liberty...
140,000 through the gate on a Sunday, only 100,000 paid tickets though, hmmmm..... 280,000 attendees last year..
Seems like that should be enough. I can believe that maintaining an F1 grade circuit through the year costs a lot, but then if they kept the track busy enough that shouldn't be a huge problem - for other circuits the halo effect of F1 helps to keep the circuit extremely busy year round.
Perhaps it's not that F1 is a loss maker, so much as the circuit overall is a loss maker and they feel F1 could do more to compensate for that?
janesmith1950 said:
Does Silverstone get to keep all the gate money?
I'm going for a Hamilton win this weekend, with Vettel in a close second.
Yes to gate money.I'm going for a Hamilton win this weekend, with Vettel in a close second.
As for the prediction, yes to Hamilton - I think CLC is more likely to find his way to P2 than Vettel - although overall it should be a Mercedes 1-2 here imo.
As ever, Ferrari will have to consider an anti-max strategy if they want to get a driver on the podium. The red Bull is surprisingly quick this year and around the medium to fast corners, excellent.
Another Ferrari problem: This season we STILL have not had a single race where Ferrari team or one of their drivers hasn't made a result changing mistake. Except for arguably one race, where CLC's car gave up on him instead. On paper Ferrari have a great car but the reality is, that so far this season, they have managed to scupper every single race somehow :/
Deesee said:
My point is there are 40k ( ok there might be 1000 guests of the teams and perhaps another 1500 in the paddock club) grace and favour tickets, yep some to charity or the cub scouts is one thing but giving away 30% of your potential sales..then pleading poverty is another.
True - although I'm sure it's all calculated as 'worth it' on some level. Admittedly it looks odd from an outside perspective, but then I'm sure many business choices I make would look like sheer madness to anyone that can't see the mechanics of those choices playing out behind the scenes.Either way, this year they have clearly taken enough money to get through the event, even if they just break even. I think their complaining is more politics than reality.
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