Monaco F1 GP May 2010

We'll be there for the first time. Will be staying in Nice and commuting via train on Sat and Sun. Got an apt above S/F on Sat for qualifying and grandstands opposite the pits for Sun. Any thoughts to share for the experience will be welcome. On to Tuscany/Maranello later. Thanks.

 

i sat in the seats opposite the pits. you will not see the cars as they go past, only the helmets. but, you will have a great view of the pits.
ed

 

Sounds like an awesome trip, I'm sure you will have a blast.

 

I've written extensively on this subject in the past, so you might want to search some previous threads from the "old" Fchat archives. One quick bit of advice, based on having attended annually since 1992- if you're coming in from Nice, be sure to make travel arrangements in advance. I stay in MC, but I've noticed over the years that training in has become more difficult (they don't seem to add extra trains for race week like they used to years ago, and may require advance reservations), and parking has always been a hassle if you choose drive instead. If you do drive in, plan to stick around and dine in MC, as it's nearly impossible to drive out for hours after the race. Feel free to pm me if you have questions after reading any earlier threads and I'll be happy to help.

 

Thanks for sharing guys.

Hadn't considered that. Will definitely check for reservations, and the archives. Thank you.

 

I will be there too. Monaco GP is just amazing, especially the F1 sounds !.
I have been there a lot in the 90's, not since 6 years, but with MS come back, I couldn't resist. I am in tribune T, opposite the pits on saturday, just after the swimming pool (amazing right/left chicane).

Stay in Nice too, travel by train to Monaco.

Hope for nice weather / Ferrari or MS win ...

Of course, on saturday evening, don't miss the Casino of Montecarlo, where you will see the most incredible cars in the world...

 

Took the train 2 years ago from Cagnes-Sur-Mer, about 5 miles west of Nice. The trip in both directions was easy although after the race the train station can be a mob scene. Just leave early for the trip to Monaco and enjoy the free time. A guest at our hotel had taken a boat and was regretting it for 2 days - wished he had taken the train.

I made the unfortunate choice to drive to the race about 15 years ago and learned from my mistake - never again. Only 2 roads in and out.

Enjoy the trip and the race!

 

I used to stay in Cannes, and drive over... then got smart and took a chopper from Nice airport... much faster, and only about $100.

We drove one year,and after the race just sat in a cafe, had a nice dinner, and left around 7 Pm back to Switzerland.

 

...the helicopter is now about $300 + each way. About 4 years ago they more than doubled the price for the GP weekend. Definitely the way to go though if you can afford it. Don't even think about driving in or out.

 

we've always rented a car for race day so we could arrive before the first trains. we leave nice around 4 am

 

I'm in the top row of K2 for qualifying and the top of K5 for the race (just opposite the yachts)- I like being up top because: (i) you can turn around and see the run up to Ste. Devote behind you; and (ii) you can stand without bothering anyone behind seated you.

And yes, definitely go up to Casino Square on Saturday night- you'll be amazed at the number of incredible cars you'll see.

 

Yes, Heliair Monaco increases the price, usually starting on Thursday of race week. If you don't mind the cost you should do this at least once- spectacular views (at least if the weather is clear) and the trip only takes 6-7 minutes. Price includes a shuttle bus ride from the heliport (in the Fontvielle neighborhood) to location of your choice in/near Monaco.

 

Went last year and had a BLAST!

Took the train in from Grasse, which was about 1½ hour trip. From Nice you are looking at 30 minutes. We left early and got into Monaco at around 10-10:30am. No problems. They do run extra trains during the race, but be warned that the trains are PACKED the closer you are to race time. After the race on Sunday we took the last train out that went all the way to Grasse, no problem getting a seat. So going into Monaco leave early, coming home leave late. That's what we did and it worked out just fine.

My wife got GREAT seats, right at the swimming pool, on the dock side, so we also had access to where all the big dogs had their mega yachts parked. Only thing is that we were pretty low on the grandstand, which was fun, but we couldn't see the cars coming out from under the tunnel. Though when there was a crash we were front and center. Next time we go I will be getting seats at the top of the grand stand, then we can see them blasting out of the tunnel and around the pool.

Oh and the sound! The SCREEM of 19,000rpm F1 engines echoing off the buildings was GLORIOUS!

The pricing of the food and beer was quite reasonable. Large cup of beer was €5-6, and a sandwich was about the same at the booths. So you can eat for around €40-50 a day. If you wanna spend the big bucks, the sit downs will be happy to take your money.

If you have weekend long tickets, you should have tickets to practice on Thursday, and then Friday ticket holders have access to the pits, and that's when the crews are practicing stops.

Fun, fun, fun!!!!

 

One more thing.

The train really is your best bet. That way if you get sloshed drinking too much you don't have to worry about driving. The toll roads over there are murder on the pocket book. There are toll booths about every 15-20 miles. So you are either gonna pay for a train ticket, or pay the tolls.

On Monday we went to the Casino in Monte Carlo. I think we spent like €18 just in toll fees driving there, and back. But the cool thing was that they still had the track set up. So I drove it twice, and then through the pits and back on the the front straight.

Man did we have a good time over there, and I'm sure you will too.

 

Ernie makes a good point, but just to clarify- if you have tickets for Saturday and/or Sunday bring them with you on Friday afternoon and you can do the pit walk. You can't get as close as in the old days (when you could walk right up and fondle the cars), but it's pretty worthwhile. Thursday tickets won't get you admitted though, so be sure to bring a qualifying or race ticket if you want to do the pit walk.

 

you will enjoy it. been going most years since 1973. and i should be there again this year. lots and lots of the most amazing cars you can imagine on the street. if you are driving anything beneath an enzo, you will feel inadequate.

if you can wiggle in some way, the after party at the monte carlo beach club is usually an eye popper....

 

Good point Ira!

Thanks for clearing that up. And they do check your tickets before they will let you in the pits on Friday, so make sure you have them on hand. Like Ira said, you need either Saturdays tickets, or Sundays.

 

At the risk of being an old fart("If its too loud, you're too old."), the volume of sound a GP car puts out is simply stunning. ONE car made me give up and hold my ears! Take hearing protection.

Also, make sure you have complete passes for the day. Some viewing locations are reached by going thru multiple checkpoints that will require you show your pass(es) at each one.

Have a great time!