Best F1 race Europe to go see, need advice

The wife and I are wanting to go to Europe and take in a F1 race on the same trip. Having traveled to England and Germany we will exclude them from the list.
She really wants to go to Monaco or one of the Italian F1 races, she would also settle for Spain. Just looking for some constructive advice on hotel, track viewing and so on to make a good choice.
Bottom line who has been and which did they prefer! Looking thru the F1 web site is ok, but first hand info would be appreciated.

Thanks for the help!!!!


Robert

 

how about Belgium? or Monza?

 

We've been to Imola many times (unfortunately off the calendar for '07), Hockenheim, Magny Cours, suppose to go to Monaco this past May, Spa countless times. Of the locations, Spa has to rank as number one for us - probably will go back in '07 for F1 race - also going to the Proximus 24 Hours of Spa 28-29 July '07 - FIA-GT race. You will find that with the majority of the races, you best have hotel reservations now. We don't take any of the tours (not our thing) but do everything on our own and most races encompass a long weekend. With the changes in F1 and very high costs, we are finding ourselves back to our first love of sportscars - i.e. the Proximus 24 had a "track package" for about 300 euro - got you to six locations around Spa, open bar, dinner, lunch, breakfast, paddock, etc. The cost of one seat at Imola in April for Sunday was 258 euro advanced purchase. What we do at the races on Sunday night is turn in the the rental car and stay at the hotel located in the airport (Sheraton in terminal at CDG, BRU, FRA). Having walked the track at Spa numerous times checking out all the seating, we get tickets at Pouhon. We're headed to Monza the end of the month for the Finali Mondiali (Ferrari World Finals) so it will give us a chance to see that circuit for the first time but the circumstances will be totally different than during an F1 race. We also found it advantageous to buy our race tickets by the first of the year or sooner to get the "early prices" - best seats/parking combo had to be Magny Cours. If you are thinking of Spain, there's been a full page ad in Autosport for tickets. Have fun.

Carol

 

Avoid Spain if you're a Ferrari fan...

 

BMW/Sauber fan, but thanks for the heads up and all the replys!! I think we are leaning towards Spain, alittle less expensive to boot.


Robert

 

I've always heard Hungry is a great place to visit and see the race.

 

I have always been a fan of the Nuerburgring - if you go a couple of days early you can take your rental car on the old historic Nordschleife track and be Fangio in your Fiat Punto.
The classic and historic races there on the new F1 track are mind bending to watch - I saw 2 GTOs and a 250 LM all enter turn one nearly side-by-side. I took the Mondial to Ferrari Racing Days and there were over 1000 Ferraris.
Unbelievable.
Have fun in Europe!

 

It depends on what kind of experience you want to have.

Monaco is an experience. The confines, getting to and from the race, finding parking, the expense, the "pretty people", the cars, racing F1 cars in very tight spaces, the historic event and support races, Rosies, the Tip Top, the Casino... As a race it is generally so-so, but as an experience it is not to be missed at least once in your life.

Imola is generally a good race, although a little less of an experience. Seats are good. Setting is nice, fans are loud and excited, watch for picpockets. It was incredible to walk under the tunnel to the infield and hearing a F1 car go by through Tambarello. The realization of speed was incredible

I have not been to Monza for an F1 race, but going to a place in the middle of the park with so much history is pretty special. Climbing up the old banking...standing at the Ascari chicane...the museum. Thinking back of those lost there...Ascari, Von Trips, Rindt, Peterson.....Monza is a spooky place for some reason.

I have not been to Spain for a race, although the country is nice and the people generally friendly, I find the food not as good as other countries. For me memorable meals are part of the trip.

Silverstone is interesting. Weather can be hot or rainy. Infield is huge, so walking takes a long time. Best viewing seems to be in the twisty bit just after Bridge. Leave several hours to get out of the car park, let alone home. A quick exit from Silverstone is not possible.

Whatever you choose, you will have an event to remember. Have fun!