Tips for Silverston WEC weekend

[uttershambles]

Hi

It's my first time ever to Silverstone weekend, and although I have seen WEC at Le Mans i've not caught them anywhere else

I am there Sat-Sun, camping Sat night, and presume on a GA ticket with no seat it's a case of wandering around and trying all the viewing spots to see where to plonk myself, or are there parts of the circuit to avoid?

Also presuming that beer and food are worth bringing myself (not that I drink much... temple etc etc)

Sorry for the slightly general questions, but going in pretty blind on what to expect

Sam

[chasingracecars]

Take snow boots, Yes it really did snow there last year!

Weather can change dramatically, its always windy up there so that knocks several degrees off. Food outlets have been rather varied the last few years so there is something for everyone. Prices are usually racing circuit/stadium prices.

All grandstands that are open are free. Not all stands are open though.

There is no particular place to avoid watching all parts have there merit, however my favourites are Maggots and Beckets and Club, The woodcote stands are also a good place to sit.

Finally the ELMS and the WEC races may start in different places. ELMS should start on the old start finish line but last year i think they all started on the Wing end.

Take lots of clothes in layers, good boots for walking, (There are public shuttle buses but these often have a queue), All in all its a good weekend.

[JagerT]

If you have a pit walk ticket for Sunday the time on the ticket is wrong,it no longer starts at 9:45 but 8:00 so you'll
have to get your skates on, hope they've got enough buses on !

[Truckosaurus]

Indeed. There will be plenty of time to get round the whole circuit during both the ELMS and WEC races so just wander about and watch from every corner and stand, it won't be busy enough to worry about 'bagging' a space.

The best tip is to bring along a portable radio with headphones so you can listen to the commentary.

Download the WEC smartphone app for live timing too.

There are luxury* bogs in the car park behind the BRDC stand.

(* compared to all the others)

[FredericRobinson]

Stand on the outside of the track at the entrance to Maggotts / Beckets, the P1 cars coming over your shoulder and going through the bends is a staggering sight.
Wrap up warm, although the forecast is a bit better than it's been the last few years.

[uttershambles]

Thanks all - glad I checked cos I have a habit of turning up with entirely the wrong clothing for conditions

Really appreciate you taking the time to help
S

[WhiteBaron]

Truckosaurus said:

There are luxury* bogs in the car park behind the BRDC stand.

(* compared to all the others)

Compared to Le Mans...all thrones are luxury

[williamp]

bring a radio with headphones for radio le mans.

Wait till the end, then walk onto the track when they open the gates

Bicycle (with lock) is a good idea as its a long way round. Dont bring it down the pitlane for the autograph session though

waterproof, sunglasses, hat and suncream are all needed!!!

[BigDaveTheMighty]

Absolutely bring your own food and ale. But if you've been to racing you'll know the drill and to sort out your remortgage by the time you get to the front of the queue.


They were charging a tenner for a cold pasty and a warm tin of Carling last year and advertising it like it was some fabulous deal....

Don't let that put you off. Nothing a bit of prior organisation can't fix. It's a great weekend.

[Mr_Yogi]

Thinking of taking my Son on Sunday, Is there any need to prebook? You only save £2 after the booking fee, I'm assuming you don;t pay the booking fee on the day?

[Truckosaurus]

You might have to queue for a few minutes to buy a ticket but that's it, I imagine there is no danger of it selling out.

[Some Gump]

Deffo take food and drink.
If you can, take a bike. best bit is being able to go to sooo many viewing spots.

[tvrforever]

anybody else going along for practice tomorrow?

FRIDAY 14 APRIL
TIME SESSION CATEGORY
08:00 Gates Open
09:00 – 10:30 Free Practice ELMS
10:40 – 11:30 Collective Test World Series Formula V8 3.5
11:45 – 13:15 Free Practice FIA WEC
13:30 – 13:50 Qualifying FIA F3
14:05 – 14:15 Qualifying – GTE ELMS
14:23 – 14:33 Qualifying – LMP3 ELMS
14:40 – 14:50 Qualifying – LMP2 ELMS
15:05 – 15:35 Qualifying World Series Formula V8 3.5
15:55 – 16:30 Race FIA F3
16:45 – 18:15 Free Practice FIA WEC

[Some Gump]

Should be there for wec free practice, I think.

[paulguitar]

I am going to head over there for Saturday, as well as quali there are some races and it is £30. Looking forward to it, I have only seen these are before at Goodwood.

[chasingracecars]

It's cloudy, windy and about 8degC at the moment, might burn off later but will probably remain cold.

[uttershambles]

Can I get live timing and scoring on my phone without using the WEC app?

[chasingracecars]

The WEC website has timing but the app for the season is well worth it.

[FredericRobinson]

FredericRobinson said:

Stand on the outside of the track at the entrance to Maggotts / Beckets, the P1 cars coming over your shoulder and going through the bends is a staggering sight.
Wrap up warm, although the forecast is a bit better than it's been the last few years.

Or rather, don't bother, Silverstone have delivered a Steve McQueen salute to fans who pay their entrance fee to watch races live by blocking the best view on an otherwise not very good viewing circuit with advertising banners. There were a lot of pissed off people at the entrance to Maggots / Becketts today, my viewing plans for the season have changed if we're going to be treated with contempt.

[FredericRobinson]

From sportscar365

'A section of advertising banners, currently obstructing fans’ views of Becketts, will be removed tonight, per WEC boss Gerard Neveu on Twitter, following complaints on Friday morning, including a tweet from Autosport’s Gary Watkins.'