F1 Testing at Silverstone

[jeremyc]

My first time, and what a fantastic experience. I'd recommend that you go along if you get a chance: free entry to experience the sights and (LOUD) sounds of F1.

The professionalism of the Ferrari team compared to the others was very much evident: every time the car returned to the pits it did so at race speed up to the start of the speed limit and then pulled up as if carrying out a pit stop. The rate of acceleration out of Luffield and down the start of the pit lane was awesome in itself.

Another revelation for me was realising just how quickly they upshift: we've all heard them changing gear on the TV coverage but its not until you're there listening to them making progress down the pit straight that you realise just how little time there is when they are not putting power down.

Finally, check out the speed carried through Bridge and Copse corners - truly, truly mindblowing.

[FunkyNige]

How do you find out the dates for this? And do you need to book tickets in advance or just show up on the day? etc, etc..

[jeremyc]

FunkyNige said:

How do you find out the dates for this? And do you need to book tickets in advance or just show up on the day? etc, etc..

Someone on here mentioned it.

And no booking, just turn up on the day. In fact, they should be there tomorrow if you get a chance to go.

[GreaseNipple]

It was a great day out, highly reccomended. I went with the old man, who has a disabled badge, which got us into the infield where we stayed all day. We positioned ourselves at the pit lane exit which meant after lunch all the cars came thundering past and some would stop for practice starts. The best moment came when both renaults came down the pit lane stopped ust 10 metres away from us and then performed practice starts one after the after, I even managed to get a video clip off it on my digi cam! I too had never heard the noise these cars make and it lives up to all expectations and all for free

[condor]

Brilliant day brilliant weather

results of to-days test
Pos Driver Team-Engine Tyres Time Laps
1. Sato BAR-Honda (M) 1:18.089 73
2. da Matta Toyota (M) 1:18.144 124
3. M.Schumacher Ferrari (B) 1:18.288 77
4. Raikkonen McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:18.454 66
5. Barrichello Ferrari (B) 1:18.502 34
6. Montoya Williams-BMW (M) 1:18.646 90
7. Trulli Renault (M) 1:19.111 129
8. Alonso Renault (M) 1:19.158 85
9. Pizzonia Williams-BMW (M) 1:19.291 47
10. Klien Jaguar-Cosworth (M) 1:20.564 112
11. Heidfeld Jordan-Ford (B) 1:20.755 78
12. Pantano Jordan-Ford (B) 1:21.345 75

Michael did the morning session and Rubens the afternoon...they both looked like they were really going for it

Seemed like it was non-stop action all day ...but there were a couple of Offs (unseen). There were quite a few Lotus Exiges touring round during the lunch break - I clocked the copper one doing lap times of 5 mins !!! so guess the others were on that time as well.
Not sure who they were trying to impress

Great day out