9 replies to this topic

[AustinF1]

I've been curious. I'm considering trying to attend a winter test at some point. How hard is it to do? Do you buy tickets? Do you have to get a media pass of some sort? I donlt see many people there, and many of them seem to be shooting pics with cell phones, so it doesn't appear that there's a huge media presence. 

I really want to go. I like stuff like this more than the races themselves, at least when I'm attending in person. I like it when there aren't many people around, and there's that air of preparation and anticipation, and quiet except when the cars are on track. I love being one of the first people on pit lane or in the paddock on like Wednesday or Thursday of a race weekend. 

Edited by AustinF1, 28 January 2014 - 18:31.

[EvanRainer]

They sell cheap tickets you can buy. Even with pitlane access I believe.

 

Don't know what place you're interested in but Barcelona was probably ideal to combine with a trip to the city.

[AustinF1]

They sell cheap tickets you can buy. Even with pitlane access I believe.

 

Don't know what place you're interested in but Barcelona was probably ideal to combine with a trip to the city.

Thanks Evan. Do you know if the tickets are sold in advance, say, on the web. Or are they sold right there at the track entry. I'm always kind of amazed there aren't more people in attendance.

[Exb]

You buy tickets on the gate, they are usually between 10 and 20 euros at Jerez or Barcelona (no pit lane access though, there are companies that do hospitality days which gives paddock access which is around 250 euros per day). At Barcelona you could walk round the entire track and most of the grandstands were open. Barcelona circuit was really easy to get to, I stayed in the city and got the train to the Montmelo and then walked to the circuit. It was very cheap way of seeing the cars run and you get to see them out for the whole day as supposed to just a few hours and its much less busy. I have to admit I enjoyed the test last year better than the GP, you can't beat the GP for atmosphere but for just seeing the cars out on track testing is great.

[EvanRainer]

Isn't the VIP ticket that includes pitlane access much cheaper than that at Jerez this year?

 

I agree that especially if you're in the area you'd be crazy not to go!

[DanardiF1]

Thanks Evan. Do you know if the tickets are sold in advance, say, on the web. Or are they sold right there at the track entry. I'm always kind of amazed there aren't more people in attendance.

 

For Jerez, you buy them there and then at the circuit. In 2012 (last time I went) it was €15 for the regular ticket or €20 for 'VIP', which let you sit in the stands on the pit straight as well. In 2011 the regular ticket was more than enough value, as the timing of the test days (4 days from Thursday to Sunday) meant there were BIG crowds of Spanish fans to see Alonso, and it meant the whole circuit perimeter was opened up. In 2012 that wasn't the case which was a little frustrating.

 

In 2011 Ryanair were still flying to Jerez direct from the UK which isn't the case now, so Seville is the place to fly to, with a train to Jerez not costing much at all (can't remember exactly but it was sub-€5 I think). I believe there is a station at Jerez airport where you could then grab a taxi to the circuit (it's closer and cheaper than going all the way into the city centre and THEN getting one).

[AustinF1]

Thanks for the great info guys! I Iove getting tips from the experienced pros... 

[EthanM]

 In 2012 (last time I went) it was €15 for the regular ticket or €20 for 'VIP', which let you sit in the stands on the pit straight as well. 

 

This year General Admission is 10 Euro and VIP are 20 Euro (plus 10 Euro extra if you want parking which I think is only available with VIP tickets)

[MustangSally]

 Seville is the place to fly to, with a train to Jerez not costing much at all 

 

That is a very useful tip . . .  I'm not in UK, but I see I can go Rome > Seville with Ryanair for 60 Euro. Probably a cheap flight from any Ryanair hub in Europe.

[TomNokoe]

I'm heading out for day 4. As mentioned the easiest way is to fly to Seville and then get the train from Santa Justa into Jerez airport and from there get a taxi. There are plenty of hotels near the Seville train station, the one I'm staying in is about 50m away. The train is around €20 return, but a little cheaper if you book earlier, and then for transfers to the track from the airport train station, the cheapest I found was €56 return, so it would help if you had someone to share the fare with!

The €20 VIP ticket gives you access to the start/finish grandstand and to walk around the inside of the track, but pitlane access is much more expensive

Edited by TomNokoe, 29 January 2014 - 04:29.