I need to be in Brussels on business on Sept 17. I figured I would show up a couple of days early and catch Spa the preceding weekend. Anyone done this one? What are the best sections (this is for my 40th, so something special is OK), and what hotels are best? I have googled (and searched here) the usual tours-F1 and grandprix tickets sites, but I was wandering if there was an insider track, in addition to the tour companies. All I need is hotel and tickets. Seems like a direct purchase is here: http://www.spagrandprix.com/ WTH is "W.E". There is no legend on the ticket order page Much obliged in advance
It's been a few years, so someone may have "better data", but my immediate reaction is to say: "make sure your hotel reservation in Brussels covers your early arrival!" Hopefully I'm wrong, but I doubt you're going to find a hotel closer at this stage...... Good luck, Cheers, Ian
Ahhh - Those were the days. Buy a Friday ticket at Brands and simply stay in the woods until after the race on Sunday. Same at Spa. Then Bernie took over......
We' ve been to Spa many, many times and headed back next in a couple weeks for the FIA-GT Total 24 Spa the end of this month and back in September for the F1 race. It's our favorite track but not so favorite as far as access (sometimes). Good luck on finding a hotel room any where near Spa, Stavelot, Aachen - of late, we always stay in Bastgone - short drive, nice hotel, fantastic French restaurant in town. We've also stayed in Luxembourg City, Maastrich - you might find a room there or possibly in Liege - worse case is staying in or close to Brussels and driving. Very easy drive to track but can become congested if you're not early getting there on Saturday or Sunday. Sunday night we return the rental car and stay at the Sheraton at the airport - walk out the door and virtually into the terminal (not as convenient at the one at CDG). We purchased our tickets www.spagrandprix.com when they were on pre-sale prior to December 31st. We have been getting seats at Pouhon - large screen tv across from stands, can see them come down Rivage and thru ***nes. We've walked the track many times and found this to our best liking. Incidently, WE is weekend. There's two grocery stores in Stavelot where you can buy drinks, eats to take to the track on Saturday - buy Saturday after the race as grocery stores are closed on Sunday. Don't forget a poncho - it always rains. Carol
rent a rv and camp at the track. i like the out side on the parabolica. tickets are like 250e for the weekend. take good rainwear.
yea, i guess you'd need a really strong pair of binoculars to see the parabolica turn from spa, (doh). this usgp thing has my brain misfiring today. back to spa; i like turn 17 just before the bus stop chicane. there is a grandstand there with a big tv and a little further up the track towards stavelot is general admission seating. tickets are still available. call the track at (32) 87 27 5138 or check some of the online outlets. stay dry.
Thanks for the valuable tips. Indeed, all the hotels are booked. I got rather excited about the sas radisson nearby, but no go... I will stay in Brussels, and drive in with a local for just the Sunday race, or if he flakes I will train it in. It looks like it would take just under 2 hours, with a switch in Verviers. Do you think that the 425 euro covered pit seats are worth it? Does this mean pit access, or just seats near the pit? Otherwise I will pick the Puohon exit and bring my "encounter" (rain) suit I purchased in Costa Rica...
