First time to an F1 race (British GP)
Discussion
Evening folks.
Despite being an F1 fan for over 30 years I've never actually seen a race live. However that's all about to change as my boss has kindly given me full weekend tickets to this years British GP.
My tickets are full BRDC clubhouse grandstand & Farm curve entry and I've also been given infield parking. I'll be taking my 10 year old daughter who's into karting and all things cars! I've not been to Silverstone in 20 odd years so I'm not sure where's good to go, any places or things to look out for.
Thank you in advance
Despite being an F1 fan for over 30 years I've never actually seen a race live. However that's all about to change as my boss has kindly given me full weekend tickets to this years British GP.
My tickets are full BRDC clubhouse grandstand & Farm curve entry and I've also been given infield parking. I'll be taking my 10 year old daughter who's into karting and all things cars! I've not been to Silverstone in 20 odd years so I'm not sure where's good to go, any places or things to look out for.
Thank you in advance
I'm a wee bit jealous. You'd better enjoy yourself.
First rule: take your own toilet paper. I can't emphasis this enough.
Take things easy, wander around, see what's happening. It's a long event. No rush.
My favourite of the race weekend is meeting all the nerds. You will find people who've seen the races that you watched on TV and were entranced by. Most people want to talk and, it seems, most people are more knowledgeable than me.
A 10-year-old might find it a bit of an effort.
Take toilet paper for them as well.
Your first race! In some ways, you're very lucky. It'll be eye-opening.
First rule: take your own toilet paper. I can't emphasis this enough.
Take things easy, wander around, see what's happening. It's a long event. No rush.
My favourite of the race weekend is meeting all the nerds. You will find people who've seen the races that you watched on TV and were entranced by. Most people want to talk and, it seems, most people are more knowledgeable than me.
A 10-year-old might find it a bit of an effort.
Take toilet paper for them as well.
Your first race! In some ways, you're very lucky. It'll be eye-opening.
Before first practice, walk around to the fence at Maggots you can get very close to the track there, and wait.
To see a F1 car go into Maggots, Beckett’s & Church at full tilt unbelievable for first timers.
But your very lucky, you will get to watch Alonso go through in a competitive car.
They’re all impressive, but Alonso has a certain technique that’s spectacular.
You can actually see the difference that TV misses.
To see a F1 car go into Maggots, Beckett’s & Church at full tilt unbelievable for first timers.
But your very lucky, you will get to watch Alonso go through in a competitive car.
They’re all impressive, but Alonso has a certain technique that’s spectacular.
You can actually see the difference that TV misses.
QuattroDave said:
Evening folks.
Despite being an F1 fan for over 30 years I've never actually seen a race live. However that's all about to change as my boss has kindly given me full weekend tickets to this years British GP.
My tickets are full BRDC clubhouse grandstand & Farm curve entry and I've also been given infield parking. I'll be taking my 10 year old daughter who's into karting and all things cars! I've not been to Silverstone in 20 odd years so I'm not sure where's good to go, any places or things to look out for.
Thank you in advance
Nice, I'm attending Hungary for the first time (also first race I'm attending!), so I can relate!!! If anyone has been there before, I'd also appreciate some hints.Despite being an F1 fan for over 30 years I've never actually seen a race live. However that's all about to change as my boss has kindly given me full weekend tickets to this years British GP.
My tickets are full BRDC clubhouse grandstand & Farm curve entry and I've also been given infield parking. I'll be taking my 10 year old daughter who's into karting and all things cars! I've not been to Silverstone in 20 odd years so I'm not sure where's good to go, any places or things to look out for.
Thank you in advance
We can exchange notes afterwards Dave!
Siao said:
QuattroDave said:
Evening folks.
Despite being an F1 fan for over 30 years I've never actually seen a race live. However that's all about to change as my boss has kindly given me full weekend tickets to this years British GP.
My tickets are full BRDC clubhouse grandstand & Farm curve entry and I've also been given infield parking. I'll be taking my 10 year old daughter who's into karting and all things cars! I've not been to Silverstone in 20 odd years so I'm not sure where's good to go, any places or things to look out for.
Thank you in advance
Nice, I'm attending Hungary for the first time (also first race I'm attending!), so I can relate!!! If anyone has been there before, I'd also appreciate some hints.Despite being an F1 fan for over 30 years I've never actually seen a race live. However that's all about to change as my boss has kindly given me full weekend tickets to this years British GP.
My tickets are full BRDC clubhouse grandstand & Farm curve entry and I've also been given infield parking. I'll be taking my 10 year old daughter who's into karting and all things cars! I've not been to Silverstone in 20 odd years so I'm not sure where's good to go, any places or things to look out for.
Thank you in advance
We can exchange notes afterwards Dave!
GAjon said:
Before first practice, walk around to the fence at Maggots you can get very close to the track there, and wait.
Yes, that's a great place to view, the entry into Maggots/Becketts. I saw Alesi in the V12 Ferrari there in 1995 and it's something I've never forgotten. It's a great shame the current cars no longer have the sound, they are not a patch viscerally on the N/A cars of old, but they will be spectacularly fast, and you'll have less of a headache than we used to have to cope with!Maggots/Beckets is good, you see the change of direction of the cars.
I always spend some time in a braking zone - in my mind the single most astonishing performance aspect of an F1 car is the rate at which it slows down.
You can also get from Amazon a pair of ear defenders with a radio inside, useful for following the commentary. Mobile data will be hit and miss, but a £2 F1 live timing screen subscription is also useful if it works. You’ll get a lot less information watching live, than you’re used to seeing on the TV.
I always spend some time in a braking zone - in my mind the single most astonishing performance aspect of an F1 car is the rate at which it slows down.
You can also get from Amazon a pair of ear defenders with a radio inside, useful for following the commentary. Mobile data will be hit and miss, but a £2 F1 live timing screen subscription is also useful if it works. You’ll get a lot less information watching live, than you’re used to seeing on the TV.
Edited by Sandpit Steve on Wednesday 22 June 10:55
QuattroDave said:
We plan to be there all day Saturday and Sunday so was wondering if there are other non-track related things I can entertain my daughter with?
Loads of things. Fun Fair, Concert, Displays.... you'll both be surprised at how quickly the day(s) fly by!Silverstone is a very big place. Even if you don't walk the whole circuit (which I would suggest you do - get to see the cars on all corners), you'll still find yourself walking at lot during the day so comfy shoes and keep in mind your Daughter may get tired - particularly if it's hot. As may you!
Don't loose track of the beer you put away during the day. It's very easy to drive home feeling perfectly sober but over the limit! The fact that a pint is £10 helps on this though!
Traffic is miles better than it used to be but don't expect to breeze in and out.
Other than that, enjoy.
Siao said:
QuattroDave said:
Evening folks.
Despite being an F1 fan for over 30 years I've never actually seen a race live. However that's all about to change as my boss has kindly given me full weekend tickets to this years British GP.
My tickets are full BRDC clubhouse grandstand & Farm curve entry and I've also been given infield parking. I'll be taking my 10 year old daughter who's into karting and all things cars! I've not been to Silverstone in 20 odd years so I'm not sure where's good to go, any places or things to look out for.
Thank you in advance
Nice, I'm attending Hungary for the first time (also first race I'm attending!), so I can relate!!! If anyone has been there before, I'd also appreciate some hints.Despite being an F1 fan for over 30 years I've never actually seen a race live. However that's all about to change as my boss has kindly given me full weekend tickets to this years British GP.
My tickets are full BRDC clubhouse grandstand & Farm curve entry and I've also been given infield parking. I'll be taking my 10 year old daughter who's into karting and all things cars! I've not been to Silverstone in 20 odd years so I'm not sure where's good to go, any places or things to look out for.
Thank you in advance
We can exchange notes afterwards Dave!
The circuit is in a natural bowl, so as you walk around, you can get a good view from pretty much anywhere if you have a GA pass. Take your own water and lots of it. Also, most of the grandstands are open air so bare that in mind (we were at T4/5 grandstand) for weather protection, both good and bad.
For Silverstone, as you are driving yourself, leave plenty of time as traffic on the A43 can get bad, especially if you come in from the M1/Northampton direction. Also the main road in to the circuit once you are off the A43 will get gridlocked very quickly. The infield parking, you have to go all the way down the main entry road before you get to the main circuit entrance, so be prepared for queues. There are plenty of support races on this year, F2, F3, W Series, Porsche Supercup and historics - plus there is normally a concert laid on once the track action dies down for the evening.
There are plenty of concession stands dotted around, but be prepared to take out a second mortgage!
TypeRTim said:
Siao said:
QuattroDave said:
Evening folks.
Despite being an F1 fan for over 30 years I've never actually seen a race live. However that's all about to change as my boss has kindly given me full weekend tickets to this years British GP.
My tickets are full BRDC clubhouse grandstand & Farm curve entry and I've also been given infield parking. I'll be taking my 10 year old daughter who's into karting and all things cars! I've not been to Silverstone in 20 odd years so I'm not sure where's good to go, any places or things to look out for.
Thank you in advance
Nice, I'm attending Hungary for the first time (also first race I'm attending!), so I can relate!!! If anyone has been there before, I'd also appreciate some hints.Despite being an F1 fan for over 30 years I've never actually seen a race live. However that's all about to change as my boss has kindly given me full weekend tickets to this years British GP.
My tickets are full BRDC clubhouse grandstand & Farm curve entry and I've also been given infield parking. I'll be taking my 10 year old daughter who's into karting and all things cars! I've not been to Silverstone in 20 odd years so I'm not sure where's good to go, any places or things to look out for.
Thank you in advance
We can exchange notes afterwards Dave!
The circuit is in a natural bowl, so as you walk around, you can get a good view from pretty much anywhere if you have a GA pass. Take your own water and lots of it. Also, most of the grandstands are open air so bare that in mind (we were at T4/5 grandstand) for weather protection, both good and bad.
For Silverstone, as you are driving yourself, leave plenty of time as traffic on the A43 can get bad, especially if you come in from the M1/Northampton direction. Also the main road in to the circuit once you are off the A43 will get gridlocked very quickly. The infield parking, you have to go all the way down the main entry road before you get to the main circuit entrance, so be prepared for queues. There are plenty of support races on this year, F2, F3, W Series, Porsche Supercup and historics - plus there is normally a concert laid on once the track action dies down for the evening.
There are plenty of concession stands dotted around, but be prepared to take out a second mortgage!
Thanks for the tips though, I'll bear these in mind.
TypeRTim said:
For Hungary, if you are staying in central Budapest - get a taxi to the circuit. We went in 2015 and were told to use public transport as the taxis were 'expensive', worst decision ever. The metro system (red line) would take you as far as a 'proper' train station where you got a train so far, until you had to get on a coach. Oh, and only the metro had a/c! The coach didn't take us to the main gates either, so it was a walk and a half to get the rest of the way... in 35 degree heat. We got a taxi back to our hotel in district 8 and it was quick and for us, dead cheap.
The circuit is in a natural bowl, so as you walk around, you can get a good view from pretty much anywhere if you have a GA pass. Take your own water and lots of it. Also, most of the grandstands are open air so bare that in mind (we were at T4/5 grandstand) for weather protection, both good and bad.
For Silverstone, as you are driving yourself, leave plenty of time as traffic on the A43 can get bad, especially if you come in from the M1/Northampton direction. Also the main road in to the circuit once you are off the A43 will get gridlocked very quickly. The infield parking, you have to go all the way down the main entry road before you get to the main circuit entrance, so be prepared for queues. There are plenty of support races on this year, F2, F3, W Series, Porsche Supercup and historics - plus there is normally a concert laid on once the track action dies down for the evening.
There are plenty of concession stands dotted around, but be prepared to take out a second mortgage!
Thanks Tim,The circuit is in a natural bowl, so as you walk around, you can get a good view from pretty much anywhere if you have a GA pass. Take your own water and lots of it. Also, most of the grandstands are open air so bare that in mind (we were at T4/5 grandstand) for weather protection, both good and bad.
For Silverstone, as you are driving yourself, leave plenty of time as traffic on the A43 can get bad, especially if you come in from the M1/Northampton direction. Also the main road in to the circuit once you are off the A43 will get gridlocked very quickly. The infield parking, you have to go all the way down the main entry road before you get to the main circuit entrance, so be prepared for queues. There are plenty of support races on this year, F2, F3, W Series, Porsche Supercup and historics - plus there is normally a concert laid on once the track action dies down for the evening.
There are plenty of concession stands dotted around, but be prepared to take out a second mortgage!
So far I've got to take:
Toilet Paper;
Water;
Suncream &
Sack full of cash!
What time in the morning should I be aiming to get to the track? Pretty sure my boss is taking a helicopter into the site, shame I don't have that option!!
Siao said:
TypeRTim said:
Siao said:
QuattroDave said:
Evening folks.
Despite being an F1 fan for over 30 years I've never actually seen a race live. However that's all about to change as my boss has kindly given me full weekend tickets to this years British GP.
My tickets are full BRDC clubhouse grandstand & Farm curve entry and I've also been given infield parking. I'll be taking my 10 year old daughter who's into karting and all things cars! I've not been to Silverstone in 20 odd years so I'm not sure where's good to go, any places or things to look out for.
Thank you in advance
Nice, I'm attending Hungary for the first time (also first race I'm attending!), so I can relate!!! If anyone has been there before, I'd also appreciate some hints.Despite being an F1 fan for over 30 years I've never actually seen a race live. However that's all about to change as my boss has kindly given me full weekend tickets to this years British GP.
My tickets are full BRDC clubhouse grandstand & Farm curve entry and I've also been given infield parking. I'll be taking my 10 year old daughter who's into karting and all things cars! I've not been to Silverstone in 20 odd years so I'm not sure where's good to go, any places or things to look out for.
Thank you in advance
We can exchange notes afterwards Dave!
The circuit is in a natural bowl, so as you walk around, you can get a good view from pretty much anywhere if you have a GA pass. Take your own water and lots of it. Also, most of the grandstands are open air so bare that in mind (we were at T4/5 grandstand) for weather protection, both good and bad.
For Silverstone, as you are driving yourself, leave plenty of time as traffic on the A43 can get bad, especially if you come in from the M1/Northampton direction. Also the main road in to the circuit once you are off the A43 will get gridlocked very quickly. The infield parking, you have to go all the way down the main entry road before you get to the main circuit entrance, so be prepared for queues. There are plenty of support races on this year, F2, F3, W Series, Porsche Supercup and historics - plus there is normally a concert laid on once the track action dies down for the evening.
There are plenty of concession stands dotted around, but be prepared to take out a second mortgage!
Thanks for the tips though, I'll bear these in mind.
We also took big 2 litre bottles of water in each, so that's something that must've changed since then (they were a godsend). Again, we didn't find the concessions there that expensive, but I think the £ had a very favourable exchange rate back then so a hot dog only worked out at a few quid.
QuattroDave said:
What time in the morning should I be aiming to get to the track? Pretty sure my boss is taking a helicopter into the site, shame I don't have that option!!
Whoever booked you tickets should also get an itinerary for each day to tell you what is one and when it starts; Silverstone is one of those races where there are tons of on-track action aside from the usual F1 sessions. I went in 2012 and we got to the track around 8.30ish each morning and the place was already mobbed. But you have infield parking and there is plenty of time so you can take it easy, just make sure you're there maybe 1 hour before an event you definitely want to see. QuattroDave said:
TypeRTim said:
For Hungary, if you are staying in central Budapest - get a taxi to the circuit. We went in 2015 and were told to use public transport as the taxis were 'expensive', worst decision ever. The metro system (red line) would take you as far as a 'proper' train station where you got a train so far, until you had to get on a coach. Oh, and only the metro had a/c! The coach didn't take us to the main gates either, so it was a walk and a half to get the rest of the way... in 35 degree heat. We got a taxi back to our hotel in district 8 and it was quick and for us, dead cheap.
The circuit is in a natural bowl, so as you walk around, you can get a good view from pretty much anywhere if you have a GA pass. Take your own water and lots of it. Also, most of the grandstands are open air so bare that in mind (we were at T4/5 grandstand) for weather protection, both good and bad.
For Silverstone, as you are driving yourself, leave plenty of time as traffic on the A43 can get bad, especially if you come in from the M1/Northampton direction. Also the main road in to the circuit once you are off the A43 will get gridlocked very quickly. The infield parking, you have to go all the way down the main entry road before you get to the main circuit entrance, so be prepared for queues. There are plenty of support races on this year, F2, F3, W Series, Porsche Supercup and historics - plus there is normally a concert laid on once the track action dies down for the evening.
There are plenty of concession stands dotted around, but be prepared to take out a second mortgage!
Thanks Tim,The circuit is in a natural bowl, so as you walk around, you can get a good view from pretty much anywhere if you have a GA pass. Take your own water and lots of it. Also, most of the grandstands are open air so bare that in mind (we were at T4/5 grandstand) for weather protection, both good and bad.
For Silverstone, as you are driving yourself, leave plenty of time as traffic on the A43 can get bad, especially if you come in from the M1/Northampton direction. Also the main road in to the circuit once you are off the A43 will get gridlocked very quickly. The infield parking, you have to go all the way down the main entry road before you get to the main circuit entrance, so be prepared for queues. There are plenty of support races on this year, F2, F3, W Series, Porsche Supercup and historics - plus there is normally a concert laid on once the track action dies down for the evening.
There are plenty of concession stands dotted around, but be prepared to take out a second mortgage!
So far I've got to take:
Toilet Paper;
Water;
Suncream &
Sack full of cash!
What time in the morning should I be aiming to get to the track? Pretty sure my boss is taking a helicopter into the site, shame I don't have that option!!
Are you staying locally?
parabolica said:
Whoever booked you tickets should also get an itinerary for each day to tell you what is one and when it starts; Silverstone is one of those races where there are tons of on-track action aside from the usual F1 sessions. I went in 2012 and we got to the track around 8.30ish each morning and the place was already mobbed. But you have infield parking and there is plenty of time so you can take it easy, just make sure you're there maybe 1 hour before an event you definitely want to see.
Also remember that the traffic is busy on Friday, chaos on Saturday, and total carnage on Sunday! TypeRTim said:
Maybe it was just cheap in comparison because of the exchange rate etc. But then again, we found everything to be dirt cheap whilst we were there.
We also took big 2 litre bottles of water in each, so that's something that must've changed since then (they were a godsend). Again, we didn't find the concessions there that expensive, but I think the £ had a very favourable exchange rate back then so a hot dog only worked out at a few quid.
It must have been some time ago, as BP is not that cheap anymore! Well, some things at least, transport is relatively cheap compared to the UK, food can be cheap if you know where to go.We also took big 2 litre bottles of water in each, so that's something that must've changed since then (they were a godsend). Again, we didn't find the concessions there that expensive, but I think the £ had a very favourable exchange rate back then so a hot dog only worked out at a few quid.
As for the water, I may just risk it, if they make me leave a big water bottle at the entrance, I may just do that.
Thanks for the info again and sorry for high jacking this thread.
parabolica said:
QuattroDave said:
What time in the morning should I be aiming to get to the track? Pretty sure my boss is taking a helicopter into the site, shame I don't have that option!!
Whoever booked you tickets should also get an itinerary for each day to tell you what is one and when it starts; Silverstone is one of those races where there are tons of on-track action aside from the usual F1 sessions. I went in 2012 and we got to the track around 8.30ish each morning and the place was already mobbed. But you have infield parking and there is plenty of time so you can take it easy, just make sure you're there maybe 1 hour before an event you definitely want to see. Gassing Station | Formula 1 | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff