17 votes for SPA, 6 for Monaco, 4 for Monza, Suzuka takes 4th Surprised not one vote for Indy. I thought someone would have a soft spot for it.
I mentioned it as a good option when you travel to a track as a spectator. Other than that the track is crap. It is on holy Indy ground and has the awesome turn 13, but the rest is sheer Mickey Mouse.
We've walked the track backwards several times and Eau Rouge takes on a totally different character the opposite direction. That will give you shivers!! Absolutely awesome. I'm anxious to see Eau Rouge at night along with Pouhon and some of the other parts of the track the end of July when we go for the FIA-GT Proximus 24 Hours of Spa. Carol
Monza. The new Fuji Speedway looks like it could become a favorite as well. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXp_FpSA7js
Having never been there I'm just going by the TV coverage and would say it looks a lot like the Montreal scenario: Pretty city in the back and a flat interim track in the park. And from the flow also a bit like Montreal with lots of 90 degrees turns and some fast sections in between. Anyway, the point is, that from a spectator's perspective you have relatively easy access to the track, a party town for after the race and probably some decent enough stands. Nothing to get excited about as a TV viewer, but when you endured the painful logistics of Silverstone you're probably delighted to enjoy the amenities of the 21st century. And you got a great country to visit while you're there.
Okay the city is alright as is the park, BUT you will NEVER see a great race at Melbourne because unlike Montreal (a great track) there are absolutely NO passing areas. All corners are fast flowing corners that simply don't allow for passing. Even the support races are follow the leader ... or crash as somebody tries something desperate. Cannot believe they built a track from scratch without a proper hairpin ... Montreal has 1 absolute beaut and then another fast in slow out corner that is just begging for a passing attempt. Brilliant track IMO. Pete
I can see your reasoning and it all makes sense, but: When I travel to a GP (and I have done that quite a bit through my life) I'm normally so pumped up just to be in a different country and watch my fav sport and heroes, that such "minor" things like passing really don't count. Heck, I sat through 4 hours of nothing but Portuguese (I don't speak it) at the Brazilian GP which had absolutely no pre race show nor anything else. I forgot to bring something to read, yet in my memory that day counts as a great one. My point is: When you go to a GP you are so engulfed by the ambiance, that the action on the track becomes much less important than when you watch it on TV where the atmosphere is defined by your living room and your cat. PS: When I'm live at a GP I normally don't have a clue what's going on in the race anyhow. I'm busy taking pictures, yell at my hero and booh at his competitors. In between I empty beer cans and by the time it is all over I have completely lost my voice, which is a blessing on the people sitting next to me in the bus back to the hotel.
Tifosi12, I hear ya, and to be fair I am very biased to the old Adelaide track ... that was my first F1 race meeting and even though it rained during the aborted race it was an eye-opener. Now ofcourse I live in Australia ... Pete
The Best Race to attend is Monza... the history, smell, crowds etc... it has to be experienced. Spa is next on the list... a bit harder to get around, but never the less great track to see cars going flat out. Stand at the top of La Source or at eau rouge... to see real racing. Both of these tracks were the best when they were in their older configuration... old Spa was incredible... the Masta kink... which is still there today... you had to have Super spherical attachments to even think about going thru there flat out! Monza Banking! just incredible... its a shame they are letting it rot in the woods... they could have a european round of NASCAR there! that would separate the men from the boys! I would think they would be doing about 220MPH round the banked track. - F-1 would be impossible with the G forces....
