37 replies to this topic

[blackmme]

Does anyone on the board have any info on the new 'Gold' covered grandstand at Vale?

Naked self interest at work here, my family and I have watched the Grand Prix at Vale since the raised spectator bank was built, and it provided an excellent view for anyone prepared to get up nice and early on race day and save themselves at least a hundred quid on a grandstand seat.

Now it seems a gold Grandstand has been installed at Vale and I can't find any information on whether their is still any 'General Admission' viewing area available up on the bank there.

If anyone has been to Silverston in the last few weeks and knows please reply.

Regards Mike

[mikejaeger]

Originally posted by blackmme
Does anyone on the board have any info on the new 'Gold' covered grandstand at Vale?

Naked self interest at work here, my family and I have watched the Grand Prix at Vale since the raised spectator bank was built, and it provided an excellent view for anyone prepared to get up nice and early on race day and save themselves at least a hundred quid on a grandstand seat.

Now it seems a gold Grandstand has been installed at Vale and I can't find any information on whether their is still any 'General Admission' viewing area available up on the bank there.

If anyone has been to Silverston in the last few weeks and knows please reply.

Regards Mike

Doesn't suprise me, that's the sought of thing silverstone do isn't it!!!!!!!!
They lay awake at night, thinking of how to stitch up spectators like you!
We're talking about the same firm that put's in the cheapest of cheap plastic seating on concrete, over a grass area so it can charge twice as much.
Charges for an F1 testing day, and muppets pay up!! so they're encouraged to do it again, MUPPETS
I personally ecstatic that silverstone lost the gp, they don't deserve it.

If there's no brit gp next year, go to belgium, spain or italy, it's so much better you'll wondered why you ever bothered with crappy british toshbitality

[wewantourdarbyback]

Originally posted by mikejaeger


Doesn't suprise me, that's the sought of thing silverstone do isn't it!!!!!!!!
They lay awake at night, thinking of how to stitch up spectators like you!

what?

They try to.. you know.. NOT GO BANKRUPT

[blackmme]

My family treat it as a 'little' additional summer break, there are five of us this year wife, son and I am treating my adult daughter and her boyfriend.

So for me to do Grandstands for that lot is going to be near £1000 plus camping etc. Tt makes it a pretty expensive weekend. One small perk for me was that Vale it you were willing to get up early offers a very, very good view and generally a nice group of people to enjoy the event with.

No Vale means a slightly less good weekend for me, not ranting and it's up to Silverstone where they put their grandstands but Vale definately offered a little perk for those willing to get up earlier. No doubt Club is going to be a lot busier if there is no Vale General Admission viewing.

Regards Mike

[MinT]

My guess is there isnt raised spectator banking there now.

The 2009 course map doesnt show the new gold stand but nor does it show spectator banking there now either whilst it does around other areas of the track.

[Clatter]

Originally posted by blackmme
My family treat it as a 'little' additional summer break, there are five of us this year wife, son and I am treating my adult daughter and her boyfriend.

So for me to do Grandstands for that lot is going to be near £1000 plus camping etc. Tt makes it a pretty expensive weekend. One small perk for me was that Vale it you were willing to get up early offers a very, very good view and generally a nice group of people to enjoy the event with.

No Vale means a slightly less good weekend for me, not ranting and it's up to Silverstone where they put their grandstands but Vale definately offered a little perk for those willing to get up earlier. No doubt Club is going to be a lot busier if there is no Vale General Admission viewing.

Regards Mike

They put a new grandstand in at Club last year. I wondered then about the work that was going on at Vale, now you have answered that one.

You could try PMing Suzy, she might be able to give you more info.

[blackmme]

Thanks Clatter, they didn't show the Vale bank on the map last year either.

Who is Suzie?

Regards Mike

[Suzy]

As far as I know, there is still general access viewing on the exit of Club. There's been a grandstand at Vale (between Stowe and Club) for some years now. There are going to be 2 covered grandstands at Club itself but there might be viewing on the terrace. I'll find out and let you know.

As for you mikejaeger - I'll deal with your observations in a separate post.

[blackmme]

Wow Suzie that was quick!

Is the raised spectator bank in the 'middleish' of Vale still there? It's a brilliant viewing spot and very friendly on race day.

Regards Mike

[Suzy]

Originally posted by mikejaeger


Doesn't suprise me, that's the sought of thing silverstone do isn't it!!!!!!!!
They lay awake at night, thinking of how to stitch up spectators like you!
We're talking about the same firm that put's in the cheapest of cheap plastic seating on concrete, over a grass area so it can charge twice as much.
Charges for an F1 testing day, and muppets pay up!! so they're encouraged to do it again, MUPPETS
I personally ecstatic that silverstone lost the gp, they don't deserve it.

If there's no brit gp next year, go to belgium, spain or italy, it's so much better you'll wondered why you ever bothered with crappy british toshbitality

You seem to have a downer on Silverstone and Britain in general. First of all, don't assume that Spain or Belgium has better facilities than Silverstone. In fact, they are far worse. The feedback I get when walking around the circuit over GP weekend is very positive to be honest; then I get to hear the horror stories about the toilets/spectating facilities at Spa.

You don't have to worry about paying for F1 testing this year because the FIA have put a stop to the testing sessions. Silverstone only began to charge when it became apparent that a) all the other circuits were charging spectators to watch the testing; b) some of the spectators were getting a bit out of control (they needed to fund extra security). People were clambering over the railings to stick their little point-and-shoot cameras through the gaps in the fencing. And, given the demands to run a Grand Prix, why shouldn't Silverstone charge a nominal fee to increase their revenue? I was puzzled by their decision at first but soon understood why they did it. And I've seen the money ploughed back into the circuit too.

Plastic seats - well I'm afraid that the circuit doesn't have the budget to offer plush armchairs to every single spectator who wants one. Besides, the seating is the same at most circuits - plastic. Even the "posh" circuits have plastic seats.

Lastly, Silverstone are not in the habit of "stitching up" spectators. Spectators are essential to the ongoing success of Silverstone as a motor racing circuit. There's something going on at the circuit almost every single weekend between March and November. One glance at my calendar tells me that, between 28 March and 01 November, there are only two weekends this year where there are no events (13-14 June and 05-06 September) but there may be events slotted into those gaps. Driving away the spectators would be the death knell for Silverstone. Going bankrupt is not on their agenda (unlike some other circuits around the world). Yes, things can be improved but that's the case with everything in life. They will never be able to please anybody.

[Suzy]

Originally posted by blackmme
Wow Suzie that was quick!

Is the raised spectator bank in the 'middleish' of Vale still there? It's a brilliant viewing spot and very friendly on race day.

Regards Mike

I'll be honest - I don't know. I've not seen the full plans yet and the circuit map on the website for the GP might be amended before the race.

[blackmme]

Thanks Suzy, fingers crossed then because if Vale GA has gone it's going to get very, very crowded down that end of the circuit for General Admission (I'm guessing that Vale could accomodate about 1500 to 2500 people but thats a guess!)

Incidently Suzy to contribute to the other debate started with this thread, I think GA at Silverstone constitutes fantastic value 3 days of entertainment, hygenic facilities and a good variety of food (but a lousy variety of beer ;) ) for £125 is fine with me. I have been to a few music festivals and for a bit more money you are treated like **** and lucky not to come out of the experience with Cholera!

Regards Mike

[Clatter]

Originally posted by blackmme
Thanks Suzy, fingers crossed then because if Vale GA has gone it's going to get very, very crowded down that end of the circuit for General Admission (I'm guessing that Vale could accomodate about 1500 to 2500 people but thats a guess!)

Incidently Suzy to contribute to the other debate started with this thread, I think GA at Silverstone constitutes fantastic value 3 days of entertainment, hygenic facilities and a good variety of food (but a lousy variety of beer ;) ) for £125 is fine with me. I have been to a few music festivals and for a bit more money you are treated like **** and lucky not to come out of the experience with Cholera!

Regards Mike

I suspect that most of the people that complain have never actually attended a GP, and certainly not in recent times.

[y2cragie]

Hey suzy long time no speak. Glad to hear your still busy with Silverstone. I was slightly worried with the economic down turn and the loss of the gp that they'd be on the path to cuts.
Any recomendations for events this year? will be down for the Btcc.. Was a shame about the F1 tests though, it was the only real chance for some of us to see them in person.
Blackmme, even if the vale spots gone, get there early there are pleanty of other prime viewing spots you can check out.

[Suzy]

Recommendations for events:

1. FIA GTs/Supercar Showdown (01-03 May)
2. "Mini United" (22-24 May)
3. Silverstone Classic (24-26 July)
4. BTCC (29-30 August)
5. Le Mans Series (11-12 September)
6. British Superbikes (25-27 September)

And there are some highly-enjoyable club meetings too where you can roam the paddock, examine the cars up close and have a "relaxing" day or weekend.

Oh, and I've found another weekend "off": 19-20 September. But there could be something shoved in there if necessary.

And I miss the F1 testing too. Apart from the awesome chance to see the cars and enjoy the atmosphere, I've managed to hug a LOT of F1 drivers over the years in that paddock.

[y2cragie]

well you've still got this years gp. And who knows with how things end up maybe more years to come.

[Scorg]

Originally posted by Suzy
Recommendations for events:

1. FIA GTs/Supercar Showdown (01-03 May)
2. "Mini United" (22-24 May)
3. Silverstone Classic (24-26 July)
4. BTCC (29-30 August)
5. Le Mans Series (11-12 September)
6. British Superbikes (25-27 September)

And there are some highly-enjoyable club meetings too where you can roam the paddock, examine the cars up close and have a "relaxing" day or weekend.

Oh, and I've found another weekend "off": 19-20 September. But there could be something shoved in there if necessary.

And I miss the F1 testing too. Apart from the awesome chance to see the cars and enjoy the atmosphere, I've managed to hug a LOT of F1 drivers over the years in that paddock.

Oh yes, the hugging incident. Mr Sutil wont be forgetting that will he! Nor will Nico for that instance

As for the whole plastic seats thing. Guess mikejaeger has never been to the Nurburgring?
When I went, I had a silver seating ticket, oh it was seating yes, but what we sat on was just bare concrete, they wanted you to buy a foam cushion at the track to use in the section.

[F575 GTC]

Can't go wrong with LMS & FIA GT! This weekend can't come round soon enough!

[mikejaeger]

Originally posted by Suzy

First of all, don't assume that Spain or Belgium has better facilities than Silverstone. In fact, they are far worse. The feedback I get when walking around the circuit over GP weekend is very positive to be honest; then I get to hear the horror stories about the toilets/spectating facilities at Spa.

Been to Spa, Barcelona, Monza, Jerez, Hockenhiem, Nurburgring, Monte, Melbourne, Le mans, Osteriechring, and A1, all are better than silverstone (all except monte, a lot cheaper, even with weaker british pound, do the math) you might have to walk a distance from coach/car park especially Spa, and que for toilets but there is great viewing and all at general admission (except Monte), 'the feedback you get' so you havn't been yourself then

Originally posted by Suzy


Plastic seats - well I'm afraid that the circuit doesn't have the budget to offer plush armchairs to every single spectator who wants one. Besides, the seating is the same at most circuits - plastic. Even the "posh" circuits have plastic seats.

Well they didn't have to install any seats did they, people were quiet happy viewing from the grass banking using a general admission ticket, obviously not good enough for money grabbers.

Originally posted by Suzy

Lastly, Silverstone are not in the habit of "stitching up" spectators. Spectators are essential to the ongoing success of Silverstone as a motor racing circuit. There's something going on at the circuit almost every single weekend between March and November. One glance at my calendar tells me that, between 28 March and 01 November, there are only two weekends this year where there are no events (13-14 June and 05-06 September) but there may be events slotted into those gaps. Driving away the spectators would be the death knell for Silverstone. Going bankrupt is not on their agenda (unlike some other circuits around the world). Yes, things can be improved but that's the case with everything in life. They will never be able to please anybody.

Of course they are, they're like the government, they try and squeeze every single penny they can out of everyone, before 'the general paying public' say enough's enough. But there always to many muppets with more money than sense.

Originally posted by Suzy

Going bankrupt is not on their agenda

Gutted

[BrawnsBrain]

It would be more acceptable for Silverstone to be money grabbers (let's face it, with the £18 million race fee they HAVE to be), if we actually got something in return rather than basically some temporary scaffolding.

Mind you when I am sitting in said scaffolding watching an F1 race unfold, I am not complaining or even thinking about it that much. But we could have it so much better.

It's a bit like going into a grubby Tesco metro or using a dirty cash machine - you know these people are rich and huge, yet the customer is treated with utter contempt when it comes to some facilities.

[Scorg]

Originally posted by mikejaeger


Been to Spa, Barcelona, Monza, Jerez, Hockenhiem, Nurburgring, Monte, Melbourne, Le mans, Osteriechring, and A1, all are better than silverstone (all except monte, a lot cheaper, even with weaker british pound, do the math) you might have to walk a distance from coach/car park especially Spa, and que for toilets but there is great viewing and all at general admission (except Monte), 'the feedback you get' so you havn't been yourself then

Now I went to the Nurburgring in 2002 and have been to Silverstone for the race in 2004 and for testing in 2008.
Now what I recall of the Nurburgring is based on 2002, so I don't know if it has changed since then.
But at the time There is no on site facilities or things to do like there is at Silverstone. At the ring the merchandising trucks the teams bring all park in the main carpark. There was a couple of bratwurst and beer stands and I don't remember any toilets around those areas. Only toilets I could remember were back in the camping sites. There might have been portoloo's somewhere or a toilet block near the museum, but I cant remember if there was.
Now I was in the Silver 5a section where it was advertised as seated. But this seated was concrete and if you wanted something comfy, you had to pay extra for a foam seat. Considering this had already cost €220. That was a bit off putting.

Now at Silverstone, There is always something going on within the track and the concerts held in the evenings. There was always Toilet buildings around, no portoloo's around the track. You were generally free to roam the track which you couldn't do at the Ring, as once you left your seating area you were on the main road basically. They have a mini chemist if required. Free earplugs given out at the track on F1 race weekend (I don't remember seeing that at the Ring).

[Knowlesy]

Originally posted by mikejaeger


Doesn't suprise me, that's the sought of thing silverstone do isn't it!!!!!!!!
They lay awake at night, thinking of how to stitch up spectators like you!
We're talking about the same firm that put's in the cheapest of cheap plastic seating on concrete, over a grass area so it can charge twice as much.
Charges for an F1 testing day, and muppets pay up!! so they're encouraged to do it again, MUPPETS
I personally ecstatic that silverstone lost the gp, they don't deserve it.

If there's no brit gp next year, go to belgium, spain or italy, it's so much better you'll wondered why you ever bothered with crappy british toshbitality

Hi Bernie.

[LezDix]

Hi Bernie.

A while back I searched and searched for info on the new Vale Granstand and this thread was alll I could find. I wrote to silverstone and just got a cut and paste from the add. All I asked was "which side of the Vale marquee was it? Club or Stowe?
I too bit the bullet and bought a Vale Granstand seat (3 actually).
Anyhoo, the reason for this post somewat later, The Vale Grandstand is now on the silverstone website map and yes it seems to be on the bit where general admission fans used to sit, between the Vale Hostility tent and Stowe

http://www.silversto...it_info_map.pdf

[christoff]

Grandstands have always been and will always be on a supply and demand basis. Barcelona used to have huge amounts of grass banks with superb views from campsa down the back straight, but since that Alonso chap started doing quite well these have been replaced with grandstands and sightscreens.

I guess its easy to forget that the circuits are run as a business, what would you do if you were the owner and all the grandstand tickets sold out, would you build more or do nothing. Surely a seat is a seat, does it matter if the grandstand is temporary (thus allowing it's removal for other events) or permanent?

If you're that bothered, take an inflatable cushion!

[MLC]

...between the Vale Hostility tent...

Is that a deliberate misspelling?! I have been invited to the Vale Restaurant for the GP. Now you have me worried.

As for grass embankments, at least Silverstone still has some. I wasn't impressed with Turkey's GA facilities in 2006. If you were lucky you could find a patch of soft dirt to sit on, otherwise it was a pile of rocks. And you had to leave the circuit gates to actually get to one of the poorly stocked concession stands.

[BullHead]

I'm gonna be in Pit Straight 'A' stand on the Sunday. Is that any good anyone? Never been before, thought I'd better catch the last Silverstone event.

[Clatter]

I'm gonna be in Pit Straight 'A' stand on the Sunday. Is that any good anyone? Never been before, thought I'd better catch the last Silverstone event.

I was in that stand a few years ago. It's great for the build up and the start, but after that it's not a great place to actually watch the race from as you only get to see the cars for a few seconds each lap, and no real action happens down the straight. Having said that, this is a personal view as I do know people that go there every year.

Are you there for the whole weekend? If so make good use of your roving ticket and watch the action from as many different places as you can. It's surprising how moving just a few yards from a spot can give you a totally different perspective.

[BullHead]

I was in that stand a few years ago. It's great for the build up and the start, but after that it's not a great place to actually watch the race from as you only get to see the cars for a few seconds each lap, and no real action happens down the straight. Having said that, this is a personal view as I do know people that go there every year.

Are you there for the whole weekend? If so make good use of your roving ticket and watch the action from as many different places as you can. It's surprising how moving just a few yards from a spot can give you a totally different perspective.

Cheers for that. Yeah I've got weekend ticket, so me and my son are gonna do some walking about over the Sat/Sun. Looking forward to it. Hope it's dry and bright (unlike when we're watching on the telly)

[Clatter]

Cheers for that. Yeah I've got weekend ticket, so me and my son are gonna do some walking about over the Sat/Sun. Looking forward to it. Hope it's dry and bright (unlike when we're watching on the telly)

I'm hoping it's dry as well. It's not really that much fun sitting in the rain.

I'm there for Friday as well. Stowe C for the race. Usually do Luffield C for qualifying. Rest of the time we are all over the place.

[BullHead]

I'm hoping it's dry as well. It's not really that much fun sitting in the rain.

I'm there for Friday as well. Stowe C for the race. Usually do Luffield C for qualifying. Rest of the time we are all over the place.

Cool. Luffield C for Qualifying... that makes sense. Is there a lot of jostling around to get the best places? They should have a Forum Posters tent that would be fun, no?...

[Direct Drive]

Vale? VALE?
Is that actually a name for a corner at Silverstone?
Where the hell is it?

[Clatter]

Cool. Luffield C for Qualifying... that makes sense. Is there a lot of jostling around to get the best places? They should have a Forum Posters tent that would be fun, no?...

We have had an Atlas meet and greet in the past on the Friday, just needs someone to organise it.

There's no problem during the practise session and support events, but don't leave it until the last minute for Q as the best stands will be full once Q starts. Last year was busier than most because of the Hamilton effect, with Button doing well and being the last at Silverstone it might be busier still.

[Clatter]

Vale? VALE?
Is that actually a name for a corner at Silverstone?
Where the hell is it?

It's the short straight between Stowe and Club.

[Madras]

Vale? VALE?
Is that actually a name for a corner at Silverstone?
Where the hell is it?

I always thought it was the straight between Stowe and Club but apparently it's the first part of Club. Maybe they changed it.

Edited by Madras, 12 June 2009 - 20:48.

[Direct Drive]

That straight didn't used to be short nor have an odd name. It used to be a flat stick breath of the flat stick corners that came next.
Damn all the history.

[Madras]

According to this it's not a corner: http://www.silversto...hi_corners.html

[Madras]

That straight didn't used to be short nor have an odd name. It used to be a flat stick breath of the flat stick corners that came next.
Damn all the history.

Things change. I think the circuit is more interesting now than it used to me.

[LezDix]

The Vale (be it the straight or the corner) has always been a good vantage point for passing in the lower formulas. I like this end of the circuit.
The BGP has always been a trade off for spectators, the atmosphere of the build-up and the finish around the pit straight vs the racing and spectacle elswhere.
My preference in the past has been for Woodcote B (pref near the back), but that has got sooo expensive. When vale came up, covered (I know I'm a wimp) at Gold prices I thought give it a go.

Getting excited and nervous now in equal measure. See you all there I think only seats at Farm are left now, so a good show for the last (FIA) F1 race at Silverstone.