First time at Le Mans - help needed
Discussion
I've just booked a week in France next year from 23 June and have noticed that this is the weekend of Le Mans. We'll be staying in the Loire and apparently we're only about an hour or so from the circuit.
I'm thinking that Mrs Lauda and I might head over a day early and attend at least part of the race as it's something that both of us would like to do. The only slight problem is that Mrs Lauda may be pregnant by this time and we have a pretty tight budget. I've looked at the event website and notice that the Virage Mulsanne Arnage tickets seem pretty cheap, particularly if we do just drop in for a few hours on either the Saturday or Sunday. Just wondered if anyone had any thoughts on whether this would give us a good taster of the race or if it would be better to wait and do the whole weekend properly?
I'm thinking that Mrs Lauda and I might head over a day early and attend at least part of the race as it's something that both of us would like to do. The only slight problem is that Mrs Lauda may be pregnant by this time and we have a pretty tight budget. I've looked at the event website and notice that the Virage Mulsanne Arnage tickets seem pretty cheap, particularly if we do just drop in for a few hours on either the Saturday or Sunday. Just wondered if anyone had any thoughts on whether this would give us a good taster of the race or if it would be better to wait and do the whole weekend properly?
Arnage Corner, if you only have a few hours is quite a good spot. Elevated grass bank from which you can watch them coming down into Indianapolis then 200m to the sharp right hand Arnage. Also has food and drinks tents and if you get there early on the Sunday morning say, the car park field should have plenty of space.
Hi
"Mrs Lauda may be pregnant by this time "
She'll only be 6 months down track at most if there's not one cooking already. Should be OK for access to all areas and you'll get a much better feel of the event if you head up to the main part of the circuit. IMHO, you'll get very frustrated trying to navigate to Arnage corner while the race is on and you'll probably not want to go back.
Just take a couple of fold up chairs so she can rest when required. You'll need someone to sit and keep your gear safe while you go to get food and drink and make sure you take radios with earphones, the commentary on Radio Le Mans is essential.
I really enjoy Arnage corner but only as a part of the 24 hours, especially when the moon's out and you are only yards from glowing brake discs. During the day the rest of the circuit is where the fun is. It's really worth the cost of the full ticket even if you're only there for the Sunday.
"Mrs Lauda may be pregnant by this time "
She'll only be 6 months down track at most if there's not one cooking already. Should be OK for access to all areas and you'll get a much better feel of the event if you head up to the main part of the circuit. IMHO, you'll get very frustrated trying to navigate to Arnage corner while the race is on and you'll probably not want to go back.
Just take a couple of fold up chairs so she can rest when required. You'll need someone to sit and keep your gear safe while you go to get food and drink and make sure you take radios with earphones, the commentary on Radio Le Mans is essential.
I really enjoy Arnage corner but only as a part of the 24 hours, especially when the moon's out and you are only yards from glowing brake discs. During the day the rest of the circuit is where the fun is. It's really worth the cost of the full ticket even if you're only there for the Sunday.
Thanks for the responses guys. Have checked and it is possible to get a full entry ticket valid from 6am on Sunday which could work if we got an overnight ferry the day before.
Does anyone know what the traffic would be like getting to the circuit on Sunday morning and also what it's like getting out after the race? We're going to be staying in Meslay du Maine from Sunday night and can get into our place from 4pm but we're meeting a group of friends there and I don't really want to be stuck at the circuit for hours after the race trying to get out! Thanks again.
Does anyone know what the traffic would be like getting to the circuit on Sunday morning and also what it's like getting out after the race? We're going to be staying in Meslay du Maine from Sunday night and can get into our place from 4pm but we're meeting a group of friends there and I don't really want to be stuck at the circuit for hours after the race trying to get out! Thanks again.
As already mentioned if you are getting there early sunday the tickets for main access are very cheap (compaired to almost all other motorsport) take something to sit on that is easy to carry as the circuit will get very busy, try to see the pit straight as soon as you arrive and the end of the race close to your park (tertre rouge if possible)and leave as soon as the race is over, congession builds up fast but planning your exit will make it possible to get clear before the jams start, you will not regret making the trip until after the race when you will already be planning 2014
Given this this looks like a quick visit, my advice is as follows:
As already indicated, once visited you'll be smitten so plan for 2014 and subsequent visits well in advance, ie no later than November, to get precisely what you want.
R.
- Get a parking ticket before you get there. If you go for Parking Blanc you will get an allocated space in that car park which is your space to use as you wish, and come and go as you please. Parking Blanc is well located close to the circuit pits straight and near a circuit entrance. I would not recommend simply turning up and trying to find somewhere to park: it'll be just about impossible!
- You will need a general entrance ticket for each person. These can be bought at the circuit entry gates any time you arrive.
- I suggest that you get both parking and general entry tickets direct from the ACO. See their website and give them a call to the English speaking number.
As already indicated, once visited you'll be smitten so plan for 2014 and subsequent visits well in advance, ie no later than November, to get precisely what you want.
R.
As you going towards Meslay du Maine I would go for parking expo.
You can exit south onto the d323 then join d326, link onto A11/e501. Exit onto d306 up to sable sur Sarthe and that takes straight to the village you're staying.
Traffic early on Sunday morning is light but doesn't get like Saturday pre race.
Leaving on that route out will be virtually traffic free! May be slow out of car park but not really that bad.
You can exit south onto the d323 then join d326, link onto A11/e501. Exit onto d306 up to sable sur Sarthe and that takes straight to the village you're staying.
Traffic early on Sunday morning is light but doesn't get like Saturday pre race.
Leaving on that route out will be virtually traffic free! May be slow out of car park but not really that bad.
Mr Lauda
The Sunday is usually a bit of a blur to me.....recovering from three days of excesses. One thing for sure, if your good lady is pregnant, avoid the start/finish line scrum and subsequent track invasion...it'll be horrible for her, hot, claustrophobic and full of smelly drunk men. The Porsche curves are always interesting and relatively not as busy. I'm guessing you may still need an entry ticket on Sunday but the marshalls are often slack at checking.......
The Sunday is usually a bit of a blur to me.....recovering from three days of excesses. One thing for sure, if your good lady is pregnant, avoid the start/finish line scrum and subsequent track invasion...it'll be horrible for her, hot, claustrophobic and full of smelly drunk men. The Porsche curves are always interesting and relatively not as busy. I'm guessing you may still need an entry ticket on Sunday but the marshalls are often slack at checking.......
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