First time to an F1 race (British GP)

[QuattroDave]

Evening folks.

Despite being an F1 fan for over 30 years I've never actually seen a race live. However that's all about to change as my boss has kindly given me full weekend tickets to this years British GP.

My tickets are full BRDC clubhouse grandstand & Farm curve entry and I've also been given infield parking. I'll be taking my 10 year old daughter who's into karting and all things cars! I've not been to Silverstone in 20 odd years so I'm not sure where's good to go, any places or things to look out for.

Thank you in advance

[Simes205]

Beckets complex watch from there. It’s pretty spectacular.

[F355GTS]

Your tickets are pretty special, you'll be fine watching from the grandstand/ seating you have, you might want to take a walk to the outside behind the old start finish straight, Woodcote to Copse there's often stuff going on there

[Derek Smith]

I'm a wee bit jealous. You'd better enjoy yourself.

First rule: take your own toilet paper. I can't emphasis this enough.

Take things easy, wander around, see what's happening. It's a long event. No rush.

My favourite of the race weekend is meeting all the nerds. You will find people who've seen the races that you watched on TV and were entranced by. Most people want to talk and, it seems, most people are more knowledgeable than me.

A 10-year-old might find it a bit of an effort.

Take toilet paper for them as well.

Your first race! In some ways, you're very lucky. It'll be eye-opening.

[GAjon]

Before first practice, walk around to the fence at Maggots you can get very close to the track there, and wait.

To see a F1 car go into Maggots, Beckett’s & Church at full tilt unbelievable for first timers.

But your very lucky, you will get to watch Alonso go through in a competitive car.
They’re all impressive, but Alonso has a certain technique that’s spectacular.
You can actually see the difference that TV misses.

[Siao]

QuattroDave said:

Evening folks.

Despite being an F1 fan for over 30 years I've never actually seen a race live. However that's all about to change as my boss has kindly given me full weekend tickets to this years British GP.

My tickets are full BRDC clubhouse grandstand & Farm curve entry and I've also been given infield parking. I'll be taking my 10 year old daughter who's into karting and all things cars! I've not been to Silverstone in 20 odd years so I'm not sure where's good to go, any places or things to look out for.

Thank you in advance

Nice, I'm attending Hungary for the first time (also first race I'm attending!), so I can relate!!! If anyone has been there before, I'd also appreciate some hints.

We can exchange notes afterwards Dave!

[QuattroDave]

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions.

I've been told my car will be pretty close by so I'll keep my toilet roll in there

We plan to be there all day Saturday and Sunday so was wondering if there are other non-track related things I can entertain my daughter with?

[QuattroDave]

Siao said:

QuattroDave said:

Evening folks.

Despite being an F1 fan for over 30 years I've never actually seen a race live. However that's all about to change as my boss has kindly given me full weekend tickets to this years British GP.

My tickets are full BRDC clubhouse grandstand & Farm curve entry and I've also been given infield parking. I'll be taking my 10 year old daughter who's into karting and all things cars! I've not been to Silverstone in 20 odd years so I'm not sure where's good to go, any places or things to look out for.

Thank you in advance

Nice, I'm attending Hungary for the first time (also first race I'm attending!), so I can relate!!! If anyone has been there before, I'd also appreciate some hints.

We can exchange notes afterwards Dave!

Happy to oblige sir!

[paulguitar]

GAjon said:

Before first practice, walk around to the fence at Maggots you can get very close to the track there, and wait.

Yes, that's a great place to view, the entry into Maggots/Becketts. I saw Alesi in the V12 Ferrari there in 1995 and it's something I've never forgotten. It's a great shame the current cars no longer have the sound, they are not a patch viscerally on the N/A cars of old, but they will be spectacularly fast, and you'll have less of a headache than we used to have to cope with!

[Sandpit Steve]

Maggots/Beckets is good, you see the change of direction of the cars.

I always spend some time in a braking zone - in my mind the single most astonishing performance aspect of an F1 car is the rate at which it slows down.

You can also get from Amazon a pair of ear defenders with a radio inside, useful for following the commentary. Mobile data will be hit and miss, but a £2 F1 live timing screen subscription is also useful if it works. You’ll get a lot less information watching live, than you’re used to seeing on the TV.

Edited by Sandpit Steve on Wednesday 22 June 10:55

[StevieBee]

QuattroDave said:

We plan to be there all day Saturday and Sunday so was wondering if there are other non-track related things I can entertain my daughter with?

Loads of things. Fun Fair, Concert, Displays.... you'll both be surprised at how quickly the day(s) fly by!

Silverstone is a very big place. Even if you don't walk the whole circuit (which I would suggest you do - get to see the cars on all corners), you'll still find yourself walking at lot during the day so comfy shoes and keep in mind your Daughter may get tired - particularly if it's hot. As may you!

Don't loose track of the beer you put away during the day. It's very easy to drive home feeling perfectly sober but over the limit! The fact that a pint is £10 helps on this though!

Traffic is miles better than it used to be but don't expect to breeze in and out.

Other than that, enjoy.

[TypeRTim]

Siao said:

QuattroDave said:

Evening folks.

Despite being an F1 fan for over 30 years I've never actually seen a race live. However that's all about to change as my boss has kindly given me full weekend tickets to this years British GP.

My tickets are full BRDC clubhouse grandstand & Farm curve entry and I've also been given infield parking. I'll be taking my 10 year old daughter who's into karting and all things cars! I've not been to Silverstone in 20 odd years so I'm not sure where's good to go, any places or things to look out for.

Thank you in advance

Nice, I'm attending Hungary for the first time (also first race I'm attending!), so I can relate!!! If anyone has been there before, I'd also appreciate some hints.

We can exchange notes afterwards Dave!

For Hungary, if you are staying in central Budapest - get a taxi to the circuit. We went in 2015 and were told to use public transport as the taxis were 'expensive', worst decision ever. The metro system (red line) would take you as far as a 'proper' train station where you got a train so far, until you had to get on a coach. Oh, and only the metro had a/c! The coach didn't take us to the main gates either, so it was a walk and a half to get the rest of the way... in 35 degree heat. We got a taxi back to our hotel in district 8 and it was quick and for us, dead cheap.

The circuit is in a natural bowl, so as you walk around, you can get a good view from pretty much anywhere if you have a GA pass. Take your own water and lots of it. Also, most of the grandstands are open air so bare that in mind (we were at T4/5 grandstand) for weather protection, both good and bad.

For Silverstone, as you are driving yourself, leave plenty of time as traffic on the A43 can get bad, especially if you come in from the M1/Northampton direction. Also the main road in to the circuit once you are off the A43 will get gridlocked very quickly. The infield parking, you have to go all the way down the main entry road before you get to the main circuit entrance, so be prepared for queues. There are plenty of support races on this year, F2, F3, W Series, Porsche Supercup and historics - plus there is normally a concert laid on once the track action dies down for the evening.

There are plenty of concession stands dotted around, but be prepared to take out a second mortgage!

[Siao]

TypeRTim said:

Siao said:

QuattroDave said:

Evening folks.

Despite being an F1 fan for over 30 years I've never actually seen a race live. However that's all about to change as my boss has kindly given me full weekend tickets to this years British GP.

My tickets are full BRDC clubhouse grandstand & Farm curve entry and I've also been given infield parking. I'll be taking my 10 year old daughter who's into karting and all things cars! I've not been to Silverstone in 20 odd years so I'm not sure where's good to go, any places or things to look out for.

Thank you in advance

Nice, I'm attending Hungary for the first time (also first race I'm attending!), so I can relate!!! If anyone has been there before, I'd also appreciate some hints.

We can exchange notes afterwards Dave!

For Hungary, if you are staying in central Budapest - get a taxi to the circuit. We went in 2015 and were told to use public transport as the taxis were 'expensive', worst decision ever. The metro system (red line) would take you as far as a 'proper' train station where you got a train so far, until you had to get on a coach. Oh, and only the metro had a/c! The coach didn't take us to the main gates either, so it was a walk and a half to get the rest of the way... in 35 degree heat. We got a taxi back to our hotel in district 8 and it was quick and for us, dead cheap.

The circuit is in a natural bowl, so as you walk around, you can get a good view from pretty much anywhere if you have a GA pass. Take your own water and lots of it. Also, most of the grandstands are open air so bare that in mind (we were at T4/5 grandstand) for weather protection, both good and bad.

For Silverstone, as you are driving yourself, leave plenty of time as traffic on the A43 can get bad, especially if you come in from the M1/Northampton direction. Also the main road in to the circuit once you are off the A43 will get gridlocked very quickly. The infield parking, you have to go all the way down the main entry road before you get to the main circuit entrance, so be prepared for queues. There are plenty of support races on this year, F2, F3, W Series, Porsche Supercup and historics - plus there is normally a concert laid on once the track action dies down for the evening.

There are plenty of concession stands dotted around, but be prepared to take out a second mortgage!

Ah, thank you. My in-laws are in district 10, so next to where you were. Their public transport is normally amazing, so I may get that and get as close I can before probably getting a taxi. I may even ask them for a lift, but I doubt they will be happy to taxi me around! I'm amazed you found the taxi cheap, normally they pump the prices up in Budapest for "tourists". They even had cases with different priced menus in some places, they appear the moment tourists sit on that table! Also they only allow a 500ml bottle to be taken in the stands, so that won't work. I will have to buy some there I guess.

Thanks for the tips though, I'll bear these in mind.

[QuattroDave]

TypeRTim said:

For Hungary, if you are staying in central Budapest - get a taxi to the circuit. We went in 2015 and were told to use public transport as the taxis were 'expensive', worst decision ever. The metro system (red line) would take you as far as a 'proper' train station where you got a train so far, until you had to get on a coach. Oh, and only the metro had a/c! The coach didn't take us to the main gates either, so it was a walk and a half to get the rest of the way... in 35 degree heat. We got a taxi back to our hotel in district 8 and it was quick and for us, dead cheap.

The circuit is in a natural bowl, so as you walk around, you can get a good view from pretty much anywhere if you have a GA pass. Take your own water and lots of it. Also, most of the grandstands are open air so bare that in mind (we were at T4/5 grandstand) for weather protection, both good and bad.

For Silverstone, as you are driving yourself, leave plenty of time as traffic on the A43 can get bad, especially if you come in from the M1/Northampton direction. Also the main road in to the circuit once you are off the A43 will get gridlocked very quickly. The infield parking, you have to go all the way down the main entry road before you get to the main circuit entrance, so be prepared for queues. There are plenty of support races on this year, F2, F3, W Series, Porsche Supercup and historics - plus there is normally a concert laid on once the track action dies down for the evening.

There are plenty of concession stands dotted around, but be prepared to take out a second mortgage!

Thanks Tim,

So far I've got to take:

Toilet Paper;
Water;
Suncream &
Sack full of cash!

What time in the morning should I be aiming to get to the track? Pretty sure my boss is taking a helicopter into the site, shame I don't have that option!!

[TypeRTim]

Siao said:

TypeRTim said:

Siao said:

QuattroDave said:

Evening folks.

Despite being an F1 fan for over 30 years I've never actually seen a race live. However that's all about to change as my boss has kindly given me full weekend tickets to this years British GP.

My tickets are full BRDC clubhouse grandstand & Farm curve entry and I've also been given infield parking. I'll be taking my 10 year old daughter who's into karting and all things cars! I've not been to Silverstone in 20 odd years so I'm not sure where's good to go, any places or things to look out for.

Thank you in advance

Nice, I'm attending Hungary for the first time (also first race I'm attending!), so I can relate!!! If anyone has been there before, I'd also appreciate some hints.

We can exchange notes afterwards Dave!

For Hungary, if you are staying in central Budapest - get a taxi to the circuit. We went in 2015 and were told to use public transport as the taxis were 'expensive', worst decision ever. The metro system (red line) would take you as far as a 'proper' train station where you got a train so far, until you had to get on a coach. Oh, and only the metro had a/c! The coach didn't take us to the main gates either, so it was a walk and a half to get the rest of the way... in 35 degree heat. We got a taxi back to our hotel in district 8 and it was quick and for us, dead cheap.

The circuit is in a natural bowl, so as you walk around, you can get a good view from pretty much anywhere if you have a GA pass. Take your own water and lots of it. Also, most of the grandstands are open air so bare that in mind (we were at T4/5 grandstand) for weather protection, both good and bad.

For Silverstone, as you are driving yourself, leave plenty of time as traffic on the A43 can get bad, especially if you come in from the M1/Northampton direction. Also the main road in to the circuit once you are off the A43 will get gridlocked very quickly. The infield parking, you have to go all the way down the main entry road before you get to the main circuit entrance, so be prepared for queues. There are plenty of support races on this year, F2, F3, W Series, Porsche Supercup and historics - plus there is normally a concert laid on once the track action dies down for the evening.

There are plenty of concession stands dotted around, but be prepared to take out a second mortgage!

Ah, thank you. My in-laws are in district 10, so next to where you were. Their public transport is normally amazing, so I may get that and get as close I can before probably getting a taxi. I may even ask them for a lift, but I doubt they will be happy to taxi me around! I'm amazed you found the taxi cheap, normally they pump the prices up in Budapest for "tourists". They even had cases with different priced menus in some places, they appear the moment tourists sit on that table! Also they only allow a 500ml bottle to be taken in the stands, so that won't work. I will have to buy some there I guess.

Thanks for the tips though, I'll bear these in mind.

Maybe it was just cheap in comparison because of the exchange rate etc. But then again, we found everything to be dirt cheap whilst we were there.

We also took big 2 litre bottles of water in each, so that's something that must've changed since then (they were a godsend). Again, we didn't find the concessions there that expensive, but I think the £ had a very favourable exchange rate back then so a hot dog only worked out at a few quid.

[parabolica]

QuattroDave said:

What time in the morning should I be aiming to get to the track? Pretty sure my boss is taking a helicopter into the site, shame I don't have that option!!

Whoever booked you tickets should also get an itinerary for each day to tell you what is one and when it starts; Silverstone is one of those races where there are tons of on-track action aside from the usual F1 sessions. I went in 2012 and we got to the track around 8.30ish each morning and the place was already mobbed. But you have infield parking and there is plenty of time so you can take it easy, just make sure you're there maybe 1 hour before an event you definitely want to see.

[TypeRTim]

QuattroDave said:

TypeRTim said:

For Hungary, if you are staying in central Budapest - get a taxi to the circuit. We went in 2015 and were told to use public transport as the taxis were 'expensive', worst decision ever. The metro system (red line) would take you as far as a 'proper' train station where you got a train so far, until you had to get on a coach. Oh, and only the metro had a/c! The coach didn't take us to the main gates either, so it was a walk and a half to get the rest of the way... in 35 degree heat. We got a taxi back to our hotel in district 8 and it was quick and for us, dead cheap.

The circuit is in a natural bowl, so as you walk around, you can get a good view from pretty much anywhere if you have a GA pass. Take your own water and lots of it. Also, most of the grandstands are open air so bare that in mind (we were at T4/5 grandstand) for weather protection, both good and bad.

For Silverstone, as you are driving yourself, leave plenty of time as traffic on the A43 can get bad, especially if you come in from the M1/Northampton direction. Also the main road in to the circuit once you are off the A43 will get gridlocked very quickly. The infield parking, you have to go all the way down the main entry road before you get to the main circuit entrance, so be prepared for queues. There are plenty of support races on this year, F2, F3, W Series, Porsche Supercup and historics - plus there is normally a concert laid on once the track action dies down for the evening.

There are plenty of concession stands dotted around, but be prepared to take out a second mortgage!

Thanks Tim,

So far I've got to take:

Toilet Paper;
Water;
Suncream &
Sack full of cash!

What time in the morning should I be aiming to get to the track? Pretty sure my boss is taking a helicopter into the site, shame I don't have that option!!

Depends how much of the support stuff you want to watch. I'm only going on the Friday this year so have only got the timetable for that day, but the first session is the W series at 08:40. There will be plenty of track action all through the day. FP3 on Saturday will be late-mid morning, so would probably aim to get to the track for around 9 at the latest.

Are you staying locally?

[Sandpit Steve]

parabolica said:

Whoever booked you tickets should also get an itinerary for each day to tell you what is one and when it starts; Silverstone is one of those races where there are tons of on-track action aside from the usual F1 sessions. I went in 2012 and we got to the track around 8.30ish each morning and the place was already mobbed. But you have infield parking and there is plenty of time so you can take it easy, just make sure you're there maybe 1 hour before an event you definitely want to see.

Also remember that the traffic is busy on Friday, chaos on Saturday, and total carnage on Sunday!

[Siao]

TypeRTim said:

Maybe it was just cheap in comparison because of the exchange rate etc. But then again, we found everything to be dirt cheap whilst we were there.

We also took big 2 litre bottles of water in each, so that's something that must've changed since then (they were a godsend). Again, we didn't find the concessions there that expensive, but I think the £ had a very favourable exchange rate back then so a hot dog only worked out at a few quid.

It must have been some time ago, as BP is not that cheap anymore! Well, some things at least, transport is relatively cheap compared to the UK, food can be cheap if you know where to go.

As for the water, I may just risk it, if they make me leave a big water bottle at the entrance, I may just do that.

Thanks for the info again and sorry for high jacking this thread.

[QuattroDave]

parabolica said:

QuattroDave said:

What time in the morning should I be aiming to get to the track? Pretty sure my boss is taking a helicopter into the site, shame I don't have that option!!

Whoever booked you tickets should also get an itinerary for each day to tell you what is one and when it starts; Silverstone is one of those races where there are tons of on-track action aside from the usual F1 sessions. I went in 2012 and we got to the track around 8.30ish each morning and the place was already mobbed. But you have infield parking and there is plenty of time so you can take it easy, just make sure you're there maybe 1 hour before an event you definitely want to see.

Not so much booked the tickets as my boss is the chairman of the BRDC so just sorted them for me! I'm sure he'll give me some pointers closer to the day but seeing as he's usually in the presidents suite and has been to the race every year since day dot I thought I'd ask people who have had a little less exposure than he has to get a range of views as to where to go and what to do