142 replies to this topic

[Langers]

Hi all,

I require a bit of advice about which grandstand to sit in this year.

The three left avaliable are: Vale, club and Farm. I sat in vale last year so will probably not sit there again. I've never sat at club before so that is an option. However, this is the part I was hoping you could help with, I don't really know much about the Farm grandstand, I can vaugley remember it from last year, but I could be thinking of somewhere totally different.

I was wondering if anyone knew what the view was like from the farm grandstand, or if anyone has any pictures, that would be ideal!

Farm does sound good with views of Abbey and the new pit lane/exit but I vaugley remember it being quite far back, if i'm thinking of the right one.

Thanks for any advice!

[Langers]

Sorry to bump so quicky, I know its rude, but I need to make a decision soon, any advice greatley recieved.

[condor]

I did Club last year for the MotoGP but the big screen had moved further over and more to the benefit of Vale.
I think you'd be dissapointed with Farm.
Out of the 3, I'd check the big screen positionings first ( as you won't want to miss any action) and likely go Vale 1st, Club 2nd and Farm last.

[dank]

I find it absolutely amazing that Silverstone don't have the foresight to actually put a decent map of the circuit up on their website and indicate where all the available grandstands are.

That aside... Grandstand at Vale is quite a distance from the track, Farm isn't what it used to be since the layout changed, so, by process of elimination I'd go for Club.

[Suzy]

Club should be nice given that the Becketts grandstands have quite understandably sold out (the most awesome view of the track of all now with the new layout of the circuit). At Club you should see quite a bit of the pitstops too assuming that the new building is definitely ready in time.

Come to think of it I've not seen the whereabouts of the Farm grandstand; in theory the F1 teams will be using the new pit and paddock (the gruesome oversized skateboard park in my opinion) so there's a possibility of a new Pit Straight and the grandstands are definitely there.

I was at the circuit at the weekend as usual and lots of new grandstands were being erected so it's possible that they've not finalised the exact location of each one yet. I'll have a look this Saturday and see what stage it's at too and try and get pictures of the potential views. Silverstone looks a bit odd at the moment as all of the Luffield grandstands have been dismantled.

[philhitchings]

If I read this right Club should give views of entry to the pits and possible the back of the grid?

[Suzy]

You should be able to - I'll pop down there on Saturday and get a few pictures. There's a Historic Sports Car Club race meeting taking place.

As Flickr has now changed its hosting guidelines I can't show you a view from Club corner taken last October to give you some idea of what you should see. But the link is: http://www.flickr.co...57625109379330/

[Langers]

Thank you all very much for advice.

Decided on Club, can't wait!

[philhitchings]

That looks great!!!

[Suzy]

There's a lot of big and new grandstands*. There is a brand new grandstand at Club corner. It's massive and really rather smart. There are new grandstands along the new Pit Straight. Another grandstand is being built in the Arena area. Nothing at Luffield yet (that looks so odd without the grandstands).

The new pits and paddock and garages should be ready very soon. Certainly there's a track day scheduled for Saturday 18 June 2011 which will use them and I heard mutterings yesterday about a grand opening of some sort tomorrow and Bernie may be present. The other thing is that the new pitlane looks like an underground car park - the prat perches on the pitwall are about 12 feet about the actual pitlane itself.

^{I originally wrote "I saw loads of enormous erections at Silverstone yesterday" but realised that might be misinterpreted.}

Edited by Suzy, 16 May 2011 - 13:16.

[Clatter]

Bet there will be a lot of disappointed people when they find there is no GA at Club anymore.

[Suzy]

There's barely any room for marshals/media at Club anymore, let alone the fans. But there is going to be a kind-of terrace for fans on the infield and it looks as if that will offer some pretty interesting viewing.

Anyway, this was the view from Club on Sunday (trackside admittedly but you'll be higher up in the grandstand):

[chrisblades85]

Bet there will be a lot of disappointed people when they find there is no GA at Club anymore.

Me! My favourite place to watch the actual race.

Not sure where I'm going to go now. Maybe Copse, but went there in 09 and maybe as we were late, saw nothing and was next to a bin. We were in the same place on the Saturday. Where my mate, who is in this picture Tipsy and made it in the national press, as well. The best bit though, was when he fell off the chair, the whole stand behind cheered. Never laughed so much before

[BullHead]

Suzy, what is that stand we can see at the bottom of the straight? Does it affect the Beckett's view?

[Clatter]

Me! My favourite place to watch the actual race.

Not sure where I'm going to go now. Maybe Copse, but went there in 09 and maybe as we were late, saw nothing and was next to a bin. We were in the same place on the Saturday. Where my mate, who is in this picture Tipsy and made it in the national press, as well. The best bit though, was when he fell off the chair, the whole stand behind cheered. Never laughed so much before

The area in front of the Club Chicane might be a better bet, but like all GA you do need to get up early for the prime spots.

[philhitchings]

Suzy, what is that stand we can see at the bottom of the straight? Does it affect the Beckett's view?

IIRC it's the other side of the old Farm turn and was the BRDC's grandstand, thouhg that may have changed now it's a turn 1 stand.

[Suzy]

IIRC it's the other side of the old Farm turn and was the BRDC's grandstand, thouhg that may have changed now it's a turn 1 stand.

That's correct. The BRDC had 2 granstands: that one and the one next to the BRDC Clubhouse. I think it will offer quite an interesting view but I've not had a chance to get in there and investigate it properly; on the old circuit it used to provide a lovely view of Abbey.

[MinT]

Bet there will be a lot of disappointed people when they find there is no GA at Club anymore.

My GP tickets arrived today and judging by the enclosed circuit map, if accurate - there is no GA at all between Vale and Luffield.

[AlanK]

My GP tickets arrived today and judging by the enclosed circuit map, if accurate - there is no GA at all between Vale and Luffield.

Incorrect. There is GA on the pit straight infront of the new Abbey stand and viewing on the infield section at Brooklands at the end of the Wellington straight.

[MinT]

Incorrect. There is GA on the pit straight infront of the new Abbey stand and viewing on the infield section at Brooklands at the end of the Wellington straight.

So there might be - but not according to the circuit map - GA areas are clearly shown in orange - nothing on the pit straight - which was my point "incorrect" or not

[AlanK]

So there might be - but not according to the circuit map - GA areas are clearly shown in orange - nothing on the pit straight - which was my point "incorrect" or not

Very true. Not impressed with that map at all. Its very vague. The old maps used to show where the big screens would be aswell. However the Silverstoone website and feedback ( facebook/twitter ) has improved ten fold in recent months. What you should be able to do is click on the map at any given point and see what acess there is and the view you will get.

[chdphd]

Has anyone tried booking a ticket via the website? I get to the "Parking Options" screen and am given no options and when I try to continue, I get a "No car parking details have been entered" error. I've tried Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, Google Chrome and Opera.

I'll try by phone tomorrow. Or write a letter

Edited by chdphd, 28 May 2011 - 22:28.

[Clatter]

Has anyone tried booking a ticket via the website? I get to the "Parking Options" screen and am given no options and when I try to continue, I get a "No car parking details have been entered" error. I've tried Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, Google Chrome and Opera.

I'll try by phone tomorrow. Or write a letter

I book via the website each year and have never had a problem with it. Booked earlier in the year and tickets arrived this week. Of course something might have changed and a bug introduced.

Edited by Clatter, 29 May 2011 - 20:55.

[MarkLaw]

Has anyone tried booking a ticket via the website? I get to the "Parking Options" screen and am given no options and when I try to continue, I get a "No car parking details have been entered" error. I've tried Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, Google Chrome and Opera.

I'll try by phone tomorrow. Or write a letter

Are you using a Mac? Some websites don't work properly with Macs (though I would be surprised if this one wasn't compatible). Maybe it was just a glitch on the site?

[chdphd]

I'm a PC user. I've just tried again today at work where there are fewer ad-blockers etc installed and still no joy.

I only want a general admission ticket for Friday. Maybe there's no need to book car parking for that, but it should say that and not just create a dead end.

[chdphd]

I tried again and there is a message about free parking on Friday on the first page. Don't the developers know that user don't read instructions?! Best to have no dropdown box than one with no options which generates an error.

edit: So I get to the registration form bit and it just doesn't submit even though I have filled in all the details. I tried Firefox and Internet Explorer. So I try the phone. I've now been on hold for over 15 minutes...

Edited by chdphd, 31 May 2011 - 15:48.

[MarkLaw]

did you ever manage to get through on the phone, or are you still on hold? The thing that infuriates me is that websites often don't work - but they don't put enough people on the phones anymore as they have a website, hence a ten hour wait on the phone whilst one person tries to deal with all the people who couldn't get tickets on the internet.

[chdphd]

I ended up phoning them first thing in the morning and was told it would save me £2.50 if I use the website instead. She tried it and said it was working...

Anyhoo, I've got my Friday-only ticket ordered and was delighted to find out that it allows roaming grandstand access.

I haven't been to Silverstone for a couple of years, so it'll be interesting to see how much access there is. Hopefully I can get near the paddock entrance at the end of the day and do some paparazzing again.

By the way people, do the helicopter flight if you can, it's well worth it: http://www.heliairsi....aspx?id=506623

Edited by chdphd, 08 June 2011 - 15:35.

[dank]

I wouldn't get your hopes up about getting anywhere near the new paddock. It's literally miles away from the boundaries of where the public are allowed up to.

Best place to sit: Becketts.

[chdphd]

Shame.

Yes, I'll sit at Becketts for one of the F1 sessions and maybe the grandstand opposite the pit exit for the other.

[LookButDontStare]

Ive been to Silverstone for last four years but does anyone know if you can go to the circuit on thursday and do they put anything on there.its just that every other track seems to have fans meeting drivers and have signing sessions on thursdays.

[Bauble]

I see a lot of criticism of Silverstone on this topic, probably justified, but in their defence they are spending millions on the circuit and it all takes time. The management have laid on a lot of 'extras' for the fans over the weekend, stunts, planes, music etc, however, work on the infrastructure is not yet complete, so while it is disappointing, things are improving all the time. I am sure by next year you will see a massive improvement. I think you will find that spectator viewing is a major priority for Silverstone and you may well be suprised as some of the terraces give fantastic views. Between Stowe and Club is well worth a look.

I have no connection with the circuit, so this is not an official defence, just the view of a regular attendee.

bauble.

Edited by Bauble, 09 June 2011 - 19:03.

[chdphd]

Ive been to Silverstone for last four years but does anyone know if you can go to the circuit on thursday and do they put anything on there.its just that every other track seems to have fans meeting drivers and have signing sessions on thursdays.

I just called Silverstone reception and no, there nothing on Thursday for fans.

[zepunishment]

I just called Silverstone reception and no, there nothing on Thursday for fans.

what is the score with signing sessions over the weekend?

[Murraytastic]

We've got roving grandstand tickets for Saturday, which haven't arrived yet (and so I don't yet have the grandstand access map that comes with them). Last year we had the same tickets and IIRC we couldn't access platinum grandstands with them, but we could access gold, silver and bronze. Looking at the Silverstone website, they have changed all the grandstand ratings and many of the gold are now platinum, and the minimum rating is now silver not bronze. I'm wondering if anyone knows whether you can sit in the platinum grandstands with the roving ticket this year? I'm really hoping we can sit at Becketts again.

[Clatter]

We've got roving grandstand tickets for Saturday, which haven't arrived yet (and so I don't yet have the grandstand access map that comes with them). Last year we had the same tickets and IIRC we couldn't access platinum grandstands with them, but we could access gold, silver and bronze. Looking at the Silverstone website, they have changed all the grandstand ratings and many of the gold are now platinum, and the minimum rating is now silver not bronze. I'm wondering if anyone knows whether you can sit in the platinum grandstands with the roving ticket this year? I'm really hoping we can sit at Becketts again.

The only stand we couldn't get into last year was the Club Silverstone end of Becketts. Don't think you will have any issues with the rest of the Becketts stand.

[chrisblades85]

Sorry about this post, but I'm on mi phone and pissed. Sad I know. But can't wait for it.

[chrisblades85]

Sorry about this post, but I'm on mi phone and pissed. Sad I know. But can't wait for it.

[Murraytastic]

The only stand we couldn't get into last year was the Club Silverstone end of Becketts. Don't think you will have any issues with the rest of the Becketts stand.

Thanks, Clatter.

[Murdoch]

Amyone know if you can walk round the track and then down the put lane on Thursday?

[dank]

Neither, I'm afraid.

[chdphd]

Q: Can I get in to the Pit and or Paddock area?
A: There is no access to the centre of the circuit during this event.

http://www.silversto...sh-Grand-Prix1/ - click the FAQs tab.

[Murdoch]

Neither, I'm afraid.

Cheers Dank,

I'm going to abort plans to take Thursday off work then. I'll just head down on Thursday evening now.

[Rob29]

http://www.silversto...sh-Grand-Prix1/ - click the FAQs tab.

Clearly no reason to end my boycott of Silverstone since 1988 Also note 3 nearest rail stations mentioned but no means of getting to circuit! Please move British GP to civilisation?

[Crazy Ninja]

http://www.silversto...sh-Grand-Prix1/ Timetable for the weekend.

Cant wait to go to my first GP Any tips where is best to view on Sat and Sun for those with GA? I plan on wondering around as most of the track as possible on Fri
to just take as much in as possible and maybe get an idea of where to sit the rest of the weekend.

[dank]

Might be of interest: Surviving the British Grand Prix.

[Clatter]

Clearly no reason to end my boycott of Silverstone since 1988 Also note 3 nearest rail stations mentioned but no means of getting to circuit! Please move British GP to civilisation?

I rather think your boycott has gone unnoticed.

I note that there is a bus service mentioned.

Stagecoach will be providing a Grand Prix bus service to and from Northampton train station on all days of the event.

Megabus.com will be operating a Sunday only Grand Prix service from Milton Keynes train station.

Edited by Clatter, 22 June 2011 - 16:42.

[AlanK]

Clearly no reason to end my boycott of Silverstone since 1988 Also note 3 nearest rail stations mentioned but no means of getting to circuit! Please move British GP to civilisation?

Why the boycott?
I was there in 1988. Things have changed radically since then.
As for near civilisation? 20 minutes from the M40. Half an hour a way from Birmingham or Oxford. Northampton and Milton Keynes even closer.
Whats the problem?

[chdphd]

No car?

[Clatter]

No car?

Trains, buses, taxi's? It's really not that difficult. And if it were any closer to "civilisation" then they would be suffering the same problems that places like Brands Hatch are suffering having to appease the recently moved in.