Which F1 GP for 2014?
Discussion
Having just returned from my second Le Mans trip in as many years i'm thinking about taking in a GP next year instead. I'd do both but being self employed its too costly / too much nause to take the extra days off. Its my dads 55th birthday next year and he's offered to take me and my brothers as a reverse gift (im always sorting him out with stuff) to one of the GP's and had originally suggested the British GP at Silverstone as its local and a 'life box' to tick.
However, having asked around the immediate circle it appears that the British GP is as expensive on its own as it would be going to one of the Euro GP's, such as Germany or Spain inc ferries etc. Is this info about right? The other thing is the weather. Im happy to go to Spain or one of the other Euro GP's and get wet for the weekend, but there is something disappointing about being at a UK event and getting wet. Its almost like youre too close to home to be bothering with wet and dry routine. Having looked at the weather history for the Brit GP its not like you can even hope for dry weather. Pure luck!
So, if you had the choice / experience which one would you go to and what days would you attend? Is it worth staying at a hotel and getting a shuttle to the track or should we drive and camp on site?
Eddie
However, having asked around the immediate circle it appears that the British GP is as expensive on its own as it would be going to one of the Euro GP's, such as Germany or Spain inc ferries etc. Is this info about right? The other thing is the weather. Im happy to go to Spain or one of the other Euro GP's and get wet for the weekend, but there is something disappointing about being at a UK event and getting wet. Its almost like youre too close to home to be bothering with wet and dry routine. Having looked at the weather history for the Brit GP its not like you can even hope for dry weather. Pure luck!
So, if you had the choice / experience which one would you go to and what days would you attend? Is it worth staying at a hotel and getting a shuttle to the track or should we drive and camp on site?
Eddie
I've been to Barcelona, Monza and Hungary in recent years. All are good if you camping and Budapest especially cheap if you want more solid accommodation. For Barcelona you can book secure camping via the f1 website, for Monza you can just turn up at the campsite outside the Lesmo entrance on the Thursday and find a pitch, as you can at the Hungaroring.
I've been to Monza, Monaco and Silverstone and I would rate them in that order for atmosphere and spectacle. At the end of the day any race is better and easier to watch on the TV in your house so it's the actual event of being there that makes the difference. Monaco is nothing but a procession but when you are there it feels quite something.
Enjoy it wherever you go!
Enjoy it wherever you go!
Thanks for the info guys, it does seem that it'd be more enjoyable to go to Europe than stay for the Brit GP. Currently looking at Spanish GP in Barcelona, and the prices (inc flight, hotels etc) are comparable to going to the Brit GP, plus or minus a few quid dependant on passes. Anyone been to the Spanish GP?
Spain isn't very cost effective if you're looking to save, a ticket is only marginally cheaper than GB, last time I checked. Monza and Monaco are significantly cheaper, if you can source some good deals on flights/accommodation you can probably do them cheaper than Silverstone.
Spa, Germany and Spain will more than likely end up costing roughly equal to Silverstone, so Spa is probably the best option from those as from what I understand (not been but looked into it and priced it up) in terms of experience it offers far more bang for buck than Silverstone.
Spa, Germany and Spain will more than likely end up costing roughly equal to Silverstone, so Spa is probably the best option from those as from what I understand (not been but looked into it and priced it up) in terms of experience it offers far more bang for buck than Silverstone.
Gaz. said:
Spanish GP is at Valencia next year. Loads of hotels within walking distance of the track, the beach and the night life. Still cheaper than Silverstone (like for like) last time I checked.
Valencia? Are they alternating now? I'd completely missed that. Circuit de Catalunya is a fantastic modern motor racing facility - probably the best I've visited. I went for the Moto GP last year and it's such a pleasant place to spend time. We stayed in an apartment in Barca for a week and got a shuttle bus out to the circuit. Absolutely fantastic holiday.
Otherwise, we've done Silverstone, Monza, Spa twice, Canada and the Monaco Historique. Of those, I'd rate Monza as the finest experience of all. We stayed in Milan and thoroughly enjoyed a bit of nightlife. The circuit is just absolutely wonderful, the food is decent and the whole place oozes history. I'd go back at the drop of a hat.
Next year we're going to sample Austin to see how the Americans do Grand Prix racing.
Whichever you opt for will be brilliant fun.
Of the European GPs I've been to Monza, Monaco and Spa I'd have to say if you can only experience one it would probably be Monaco with Monza a very close second.
Drive up to the border on Sunday morning about 9am. Park in the under ground car park at the top of the hill and walk down to the harbour via the lifts and paths.
Find one of the girls selling cafe roadside tables or balconies and enjoy the race. About 200-300 euros pp will get you a table at Sainte Devote. 1500 euros (I think) will get you a balcony for 4 people. Most spectators head home after the race but hang around for some food in the local hotels. Especially if you pick the hotel the winning team mechanics are staying in!
Spa is a great circuit but I didn't particular enjoy the spectating from the gold Eau Rouge stand. Cars disappeared underneath you whilst going through Eau Rouge so unless you are in the front or back rows you'll see little. Would probably recommend general access for Spa and sit around Pouhon.
Drive up to the border on Sunday morning about 9am. Park in the under ground car park at the top of the hill and walk down to the harbour via the lifts and paths.
Find one of the girls selling cafe roadside tables or balconies and enjoy the race. About 200-300 euros pp will get you a table at Sainte Devote. 1500 euros (I think) will get you a balcony for 4 people. Most spectators head home after the race but hang around for some food in the local hotels. Especially if you pick the hotel the winning team mechanics are staying in!
Spa is a great circuit but I didn't particular enjoy the spectating from the gold Eau Rouge stand. Cars disappeared underneath you whilst going through Eau Rouge so unless you are in the front or back rows you'll see little. Would probably recommend general access for Spa and sit around Pouhon.
ecain63 said:
I wouldn't trust a random ticket site - the calendar hasn't been released yet, so nothing is definitive.It will probably be the alternation with Valencia though, that was the intent of discussions.
ukaskew said:
Spain isn't very cost effective if you're looking to save, a ticket is only marginally cheaper than GB, last time I checked. Monza and Monaco are significantly cheaper, if you can source some good deals on flights/accommodation you can probably do them cheaper than Silverstone.
Monaco is cheaper than a seat as a space tourist, but not any other race. Unless you mean one of those hanging off a rock type tickets which I agree are cheap, but that is for a reason, chiefly you can't see much.Last year I went to Monaco and Austin and would say Austin pipped it in terms of facilities and was a better night out after qually / the race. Only about £150 for a 3 day grandstand pass into the bargain.
Ben
Gassing Station | General Motorsport | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff