Hey, I have recently received some fantastic news. I am one of 10 2nd Prize winners of a Formula1.com contest! I filled out a survey on the website and was entered in a sweepstakes. I can go to any race next year except Monaco. This would be my first choice; but I am not complaining. I am thinking San Marino right now, but I'm not sure. Any thoughts or suggestions? I would greatly appriciate any advice.
Assuming travel is not a problem here's the way I see it: 1. For a good city to visit and decent race: -Montreal and Melbourne 2. For a reasonably priced GP weekend (I am not sure if they are covering all your costs or just the race ticket) - Indianapolis 3. Interesting races - with lot of overtaking (well atleast by F1 standards ) - Silverstone, Spa (changeable weather), Brazil (weather also), Sepang, Bahrain 4. Iconic races - places with lots of racing history - Monza, Imola, Silvertone, Indianapolis Enjoy yourself
Do NOT go to San Marino for your first GP. It'll put you off for life. Is Spa back on the GP list? If so, that'd probably be my suggestion (as Monaco's off for you). And whilst I've slated the circuit on here in the past, Silverstone's always a good day out for an F1 newbie. Assuming it gets back on the list! Outside of Europe, for my first GP, I would probably go to Melbourne, Malaysia or Canada.
Barcelona You can enjoy one of the most magnificent cities in the world, fantastic weather, easy access to the race track (train right to it) and one of the prettiest tracks anywhere with real elevations. The races in Barcelona are boring, but they are at most places and since it will be your first race, you will be too excited to even notice. Imola is nice, but as others pointed out not up to today's standards anymore. When you see it in person you'll get the wrong impression of F1: It looks more like a go kart track and is not representative of today's F1. Spa is the most spectacular of all tracks, but very inconveniently located unless you like camping in the wet. Monza and Silverstone aren't bad, but I didn't like either terribly much: They're both very flat and all you see is cars going right to left. Monza is easy to get to (beautiful Milan is nearby), Silverstone is only doable by helicopter unless you have a lot of patience. I haven't been (yet) to any of the Middle or Far East tracks, but judging from TV they look impressive. In the Americas Montreal is fantastic (great city, easy access, good seats and good races). Indianapolis is not as great, but still pretty good. Avoid Interlagos.
Congratulations gschiener! That is fantastic. Look long and hard @ Monza. The track still has overtaking, the cars get up to some ridiculous speeds (Highest avg speed for an F1 race). Looks like it has a great atmosphere, plenty of history, though i ve never been so I would not know about the facilities, access etc. Search google for other peoples views on all tracks. What kind of tickets will you have is also a big part of which circuit to go to. Truly a dilemna I wish i had
Question for you are you interested in seeing the history of F1 or best viewing of a F1 race? I would say for F1 history Monza, Silverstone, Japan. For best viewing of the race. I would say French, Malaysia, Brazil, G.P. of Europe, Indianapolis. The rest is up to you.
Welcome to the board Speedracer. Sorry to give you a hard time right away, but I have to question some of your recommendations: - Japan for F1 history? Suzuka has been on the calendar for a while, but history? That's like saying the Hungarian GP has history. - Best viewing of the race in France, Nuerburgring or Brazil? Have you ever been to any of these places? Magny Cours is in the middle of nowhere. Try to find accomodations. And the grandstands are rather ungrand. The Brazilian GP is located in the slums and guarded by armed police. You need an escort to get in and out safely. And you better speak Portuguese, cause that's all you hear all day long. Nuerburgring isn't that bad, but unless you sit in the best seats you're so far away from the track you almost need binoculars. That track was the first of the new generation and they went way overboard with run off areas. You do however ask a good question about the greater purpose of this trip. IMHO if you fly to Europe for a GP you should pick one that offers more than "just" the GP. That's why I like GPs with an interesting city nearby.
Congratulations on a great prize. We need more information though. Some Grand Prix are fantastic if you have a big enough budget, but miserable and hard work on a small budget. Other GP's (like Spain) are really good value for money and you can get a good view from many points around the circuit. Tell us more about your prize. I agree with the others though that I wouldn't start at Imola. I had a good time there, but it is hardly a top-end circuit. Neither is Monza, but it does have the history and Milan is a fun city. The 2 races that people always seem to have a blast at are Melbourne and Montreal. I'd love to go to either.
Tifosi, It is not that bad! All the big hotels in São Paulo have van service to take you in and out of the circuit, once you are inside there is NO problem at all, and you will find people who speaks english if you need. The view is very good, if you choose the right place you can view almost 90% - 95% of the circuit. If someone need more info, just ask ! Pozzi
Go to the GP at Nurburgring so if you come a week early you can spend the days with your car on the Nordschleife!
Glad to hear, that they improved things. I was there in 96 and it was one miserable experience: Had to have my own personal chauffeur who took me straight to the entrance where I passed the armed guards. Once inside there was nothing to buy. No big TV screens, only audio and that was Portuguese. There was no pre race show and no supporting race. So I sat there for four hours listening to Portuguese, which I didn't understand. Once it was over, I left the stadium and because my driver was a bit late people from the slums started walking towards me as I had all my camera gear with me. I was wondering how to get out of this situation, that moment my driver came running after me and we both sprinted to his car and took off. I have been to over a dozen of GPs and never had any issues or fear for my safety. In Interlagos I had that. I agree with you, that the view was good. Sao Paulo itself isn't that pretty, but Rio is nearby and both towns are relatively safe in the tourist areas. But as I said, this was almost ten years ago, hopefully things have improved meanwhile.
Tifosi, For sure things have improved, but it is not a walk in the park, you probably won't have any security problem around the circuit, but stay alert, if you make easy bad things will happen not only here in Brazil but anywhere. Suggestion: Stay at a good hotel (you will have transport to the circuit), and buy tickets to the best place, it won't cost much, you will have more facilities, access to the pits, before the practice and race. If possible go with a brazilian friend. I'm available if someone need. LOL! Pozzi.
If you go to a North American GP...chose Montreal But I'd say go to a European GP. Those have all the Team Displays. These are all the big temporary buildings that are set up by Ferrari and McLaren ect... These all have displays, picture ops, games and so on Ive been to Monza, Silverstone, Nurburgring, & Spa. as a spectator and then Indy and Montreal as part of the Ferrari Challenge. My favorite track is the Nurburgring (only prob is getting a close hotel..as well as traffic)
Well guys thanks for all the info. and suggestions. I originally had Imola in my because my father is a Tifosi and I wanted him to be at a home GP for the Scuderia. I myself am a lover of British cars (although I have a great deal of respect for what Ferrari has done on and off the track). However, the new email I received today says that F1 will only be paying for two grandstand tickets. With that and my current budget as a college student in mind I will be going to the Canadian GP. It is close, still foreign and from what you have said sounds like a great place to go. Thanks again and I can't wait for next season to begin so I can enjoy my prize. Free tickets are still free tickets.
good call. start looking for rooms as soon as a solid date is announced. there are some informative threads in the archives as where to stay and party.. ohh the parties.
You will definitely not be disappointed. I've been there a bunch of times, and each year it's better than the last.
