Grandstand conundrum

[Chestereee]

So I decided to book grandstand tickets for the tribunal directly above the pits in the hope you can see down onto pits when a car comes in, the question is can you see the cars being worked on or have I made a big mistake?

[The Leaper]

BIG mistake. The pits grandstand overhangs the pits and you cannot see any pits action, unless you stand at the very bottom of the access steps and look over the edge. The first row of seats are up against that edge so you cannot walk along in front of the front row of seats. Your one hope is to move to other front row seats as they become vacated before the occupiers return...but so will everyone else be trying this!

Also, I'm sure there's no large screen visible from the pits grandstand.

These are the reasons I've never opted for that grandstand!

R.

[indyxe]

The Grandstand above pits is only busy at the start of the race and at the end of the race, so between these times the grandstands are fairly empty, you will have plenty opportunity to go to the bottom row and hang over to see down to the pits.

[Chestereee]

okay that sounds cool, my main reason for choosing that stand is for the start and finish, not to spend the whole race in there. the only time i'm interested in looking down onto the pits will be during the night so im guessing it'll be pretty quite?

[DS240]

If it is hot and sunny, take hat and sun cream as you will have the sun in your face during the afternoons.

[moribund]

Chestereee said:

okay that sounds cool, my main reason for choosing that stand is for the start and finish, not to spend the whole race in there. the only time i'm interested in looking down onto the pits will be during the night so im guessing it'll be pretty quite?

This is what you can see whe you lean over the edge from the front. It's not very comfortable and in fact the camera can see better than you can because it's at arms length.


Le Mans 24, June 2013 by giveitfish, on Flickr

That was taken during quali, when all the grandstands are free to non-ticket holders too.

[24lemons]

There is a big screen as you can see by the final chicane. Without leaning through the railings (like the guy in the picture) you wont see the pit stops. The higher up the stand you sit the less of the pitlane you'll see but crowds soon thin out meaning that you should be able to get to the front at some point. The stand itself is stupidly steep which can be a problem if you aren't happy with heights!

[996tom]

I have sat in the stand many times over the years . Last year they acually controlled the amount of people who had access to the stand , Previous years anybody with a sponsors ticket was seemed to be let in , causing havoc at the beggining and the end of the race.

If you go to the back of the stand & go down a couple of levels you can see the teams transporters etc . Plus if you are lucky 2 -3 hours before the race you may bump into a couple of drivers (They have usually come out of the hospitality suits, meeting sponsors etc) . The lesser teams don't always coverup there transporters & you can look at what the teams are up to . Preparing tyres , cleaning wheels , adjusting front spare wings etc .

As previously posted , it can be hot if warm , but very cold if there is a slight breeze & you are higher than the other stands. Last year it was windy & cold up there . Spare Warm clothing & ear defenders are very advisable

[Chestereee]

okay so by the sounds of it the grandstand should forefill expectations which in point of view is fantastic! thanks for the help guys, hope to see some of you there in the summer!

[mal]

Also try and stand at the top of the entry steps and look back to the Porsche curves, and also down into the back of the pits, always interesting to watch some of the work that goes on.