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Australian GP, Melbourne 1999


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#1 Bex37

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Posted 01 December 1998 - 08:29

Has anyone got any tips for nightlife in Melbourne during the grand prix?

Where can I get a glimpse of the drivers during the day or at night? (And don't say the podium)

Any tips for good vantage points around the circuit. I have sat in the Schumacher stand and the Senna stand and I'll be in the Brabham stand this year, but I'm wondering if there are any general access area that is worth a look that I haven't seen.

Anyone know of some good, cheap accomodation for five guys close to public transport? (preferably with five girls) It doesn't have to be close to the track; but a good F1 party atmosphere would be nice.

Regards,
Bex.


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#2 Em

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Posted 05 December 1998 - 08:18

Bex, if your going alone, stay in a hostel (enfield house) you meet so many people.
If you have't got your ticket yet get one in a grandstand on the pit straight, then you are allowed across the bridge and can see the driver coming and going from the paddock, but stand there on Thur or Fri, at the weekend it gets ridiculous.
I wasn't looking for the drivers at night, but apparently yhey all stay in the Casino hotel. The mechanics etc stay in the hotels on St kilda road I think.
You'll have an amazing time, I wish I could afford the flight.



#3 Em

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Posted 05 December 1998 - 08:19

Bex, if your going alone, stay in a hostel (enfield house) you meet so many people.
If you have't got your ticket yet get one in a grandstand on the pit straight, then you are allowed across the bridge and can see the driver coming and going from the paddock, but stand there on Thur or Fri, at the weekend it gets ridiculous.
I wasn't looking for the drivers at night, but apparently yhey all stay in the Casino hotel. The mechanics etc stay in the hotels on St kilda road I think.
You'll have an amazing time, I wish I could afford the flight.



#4 Bex37

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Posted 07 December 1998 - 10:22

Thanks for the reply, Em.

As I said above, I am in the Brabham stand and I'm going with five guys. I haven't booked accomodation. Is it the sort of thing five beer swilling, j-smoking guys could do without upsetting the rest of the hostel residents? What does it cost? What do you have to take? What are the facilities like for cooking, washing of dishes, sleeping and bathing. How far is the place that you suggest from the cicuit? As you can see, I've never stayed in a hostel.

Anyone ever been on the pitlane walk? I got it as part of the ticket I bought cos I bought it so early. Any tips to see something good? Any Aussies that are part of an F1 team that could give me a quick tour? I'm genuinely interested as I used to race; I would respect any security risks or rules that you may have. Email me at chris.becker@flygt.com if you can do something, please. (Don't worry, the other four guys can find their own fun whilst I do this)


#5 Loui

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Posted 11 December 1998 - 08:29

Bex
I too have bought an early ticket and am going on the pit walk - can't wait!! I went to Albert Park for the first time last year, but not in a grandstand as we wanted to walk around and get all vantage points. We really enjoyed the corner before "Brock's Hill", a few cars spun off here - there are also TV screens there. We'll be in the Fangio stand near the start line this year.

A word of warning for your accomodation - book now!!!! It was January last year that I attempted to find a motel - I rang 40!!!! The only one I could get was almost an hour away, using a combination of buses, trains and trams!!

As for the nightlife, "F1 Racing Magazine" took hold of a pub near the track. The atmosphere was absolutely incredible, as the only people there were F1 junkies! I'm not sure which one they'll be at in '99, but I'll let you know as soon as I find out...

------------------
L

[This message has been edited by Loui (edited 12-11-98).]


#6 Bex37

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Posted 15 December 1998 - 10:29

Hi Loui!

Thanks for the reply.

I've been to Albert Park twice .... once in the Schumacher stand and once in the Senna stand. It has been a little disappointing 'cos there has never been a passing move or an accident, or even an engine blow up, near those stands. Also, you can't see a television screen so it is almost impossible to follow the race (who is leading, why people are missing, etc). Hopefully, that will be solved by being at the first chicane near a tv screen. I'm also getting a good portable radio so that I can hear the broadcast ... its hard to hear the commentary at the circuit with the sound of the cars.

I reckon the Fangio stand should be good; hopefully you will be able to see a bit of the action in the pits. You will also get to see all of the main straight entertainment.

As for accomodation, we have stayed at Chelsea (about 50km south east of the circuit on the foreshore of the bay) and last year in Templestowe (about 25km west). It has been a bit lacking in formula 1 enthusiasts out this far.

Yes, please, let me know where F1 magazine are taking hold of a pub if you can. Email me at chris.becker@flygt.com.

If you give me your email address I'll let you know about anything I can find out as well.

Regards,
Bex


#7 Loui

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Posted 15 December 1998 - 11:03

Thanks Bex - sounds great. Between us both, we'll get to see the best of it all! My email - lfrez01@postoffice.csu.edu.au

Stay in touch!
Lou


#8 Bex37

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Posted 03 January 1999 - 07:01

Come on, any more advise?

Also, anyone interested in buying a ticket for the Brabham stand at this years Melbourne GP? It includes a pit walk on Thursday and Friday mornings. One of my mates wants to back out. Email me at chris.becker@flygt.com


#9 BigDave

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Posted 12 January 1999 - 18:43

I went to Albert Park in '97 and was in the Fangio stand and it was fantastic.
I was at about position 7/8 on the grid, so had all the cars going nice and slow
in front of us for the formation laps etc and v.fast during the race.
Only problem was that they are travelling at full speed when they pass you -
amazing sounds though. Get to see some pit action which is good and you get to
see all the team, even got Jackie Stewart to smile at us.
Also get to see when drivers come back to pits after retirements etc.
Also went last year ('98) and was in the 1st bend chicace stand (Jones?)
and that was good as well as you get the cars slowing for the first bend,
and usually some good action there.
Dave Coulthard evidently biked to the circuit last year from the Casino hotel,
so look out for him on the roads!

Regarding accomodation, it was very hard to get into any of the better hotels (and expensive) but Quantas were doing packages and so that brought the cost down a bit for me.


#10 Bex37

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Posted 13 January 1999 - 07:51

Thanks BigDave