142 replies to this topic

[chrisblades85]

were you wearing yellow?

No. Blades shirt on. None of us had yellow.

[BullHead]

The toilets in the club silverstone area were ok.

[WonderboyF1]

So a question to anyone who attended last year, im looking into going this year for the full weekend. Narrowed my choice down to either Farm Curve or Woodcote B, both Gold grandstands and currently going at £285 for the weekend, what would you guys say im better sitting at?

[dank]

You'll see the cars on track for longer at Woodcote, as they won't be going full pelt.

Just make sure you sit in various other locations throughout the weekend though.

Edited by dank, 06 January 2012 - 14:23.

[WonderboyF1]

Yeah we definitely will be moving about over the Friday and Saturday.

So its either Woodcote - Watch them struggle for traction and hit on the acceleration then power off down the straight

or

Farm curve - First corner action, great buzz at start of the race and get to see cars coming out the pitlane.

Decisions decisions, Its win win really i guess its not a bad choice to have.

[dank]

Think I'd be inclined to go for Farm, although, is that a covered grandstand these days?

[WonderboyF1]

So first you said Woodcote and now your saying Farm? Your not helping with my dilemma here dank!! As far as im aware Farm is not a covered grandstand, though im really not bothered about that at all, im not even adding that into the equation. Are you going this year?

[dank]

I should have elaborated on what I meant by Woodcote, but I couldn't be bothered to edit my post for a second time! The whole point of going to a grand prix is to see the cars going at speed, so I would go for Farm.

Highly doubtful I'll be attending this year (or in the near future) as I find Silverstone to be one of the least spectator friendly circuits. But that's just me. Grumpy guts.

[OwenC93]

Might as well use this thread.

Looking at my First GP tickets, Silverstone raceday is ~£200 once you get the park and ride etc. Would you say the silver tickets are worth it? If not I might just go on a Friday, is it possible to get decent seats on a Friday still because then I might consider it and save up for better seats next year perhaps.

[dank]

In previous years it has been free to park at Silverstone on Friday, so none of this park and ride business.

Friday general admission tickets allow you to rove around the grandstands as well, so you can sit where you like (head to Becketts).

[MortenF1]

Plan on getting tickets for Becketts, for the F1-weekend - can one also watch the action on a giant screen from there?

[zepunishment]

Plan on getting tickets for Becketts, for the F1-weekend - can one also watch the action on a giant screen from there?

We've gone for becketts this year, not sure on the screen but with the amount of track on offer I'm not too concerned regarding a screen. Surprised Becketts is still on sale whereas other areas have sold out, perhaps people want to be closer to the new pit straight?

[OwenC93]

Plan on getting tickets for Becketts, for the F1-weekend - can one also watch the action on a giant screen from there?

You can check it out on the silverstone website.

[MinT]

There is (usually) a big screen opposite the stand. Note especially viewable if you happen to be seated at the wrong end though.

Although they have obvisouly been tweaking things over the last couple of years so in 2012 its anyones guess.

Edited by MinT, 31 January 2012 - 19:06.

[chdphd]

I took this last year from Becketts. The screen is quite far away, so take binoculars or use your camera zoom.


Adrian Sutil in the Force India at Becketts by chdphd, on Flickr

[chrisblades85]

CHDPHD, we must of sat right near you on the Friday. We were right on the back row probably just to the right of you. Bloody windy up there that day.

[MortenF1]

thanks everyone!

[zepunishment]

Can anyone advise as to what the best time is to turn up on Saturday morning if you want to sit opposite the pits for qualifying? We're at Becketts for Sunday and want to roam about on Friday.

[Clatter]

Can anyone advise as to what the best time is to turn up on Saturday morning if you want to sit opposite the pits for qualifying? We're at Becketts for Sunday and want to roam about on Friday.

I normally sit at Becketts on the Saturday and find getting there just before FP best and then stay there. The stand does empty out a bit after the session ends, but is normally full again well before Q starts. I would expect the Pit Straight stands to be similar.

[Murraytastic]

Can anyone advise as to what the best time is to turn up on Saturday morning if you want to sit opposite the pits for qualifying? We're at Becketts for Sunday and want to roam about on Friday.

I would say well before the start of FP3. We only just got in to the pit straight grandstand at 9/9:30ish (can't remember precise time) on Saturday last year, and that was at the far end opposite the podium, rather than the end opposite the garages. Not many people seemed to leave their seats between FP3 and qualifying. In 2010 we were at Becketts for qualifying and the competition for seats was not as fierce as on the pit straight.

[zepunishment]

I would say well before the start of FP3. We only just got in to the pit straight grandstand at 9/9:30ish (can't remember precise time) on Saturday last year, and that was at the far end opposite the podium, rather than the end opposite the garages. Not many people seemed to leave their seats between FP3 and qualifying. In 2010 we were at Becketts for qualifying and the competition for seats was not as fierce as on the pit straight.

Thanks to both of the above Going by what you've said will probably get there for about 830 and go for the far end of the granstand so we can see them coming around club and look into the backmarkers garages. I think a lot of people will still be drawn to the other end

[MinT]

Last year there were a number of seats at the far end of the pit straight grandstand (opposite pit entry) just as quali was starting - I know because we got 2 of em !

[Murraytastic]

Thanks to both of the above Going by what you've said will probably get there for about 830 and go for the far end of the granstand so we can see them coming around club and look into the backmarkers garages. I think a lot of people will still be drawn to the other end

I thought it was a great spot. Track wise we could see almost all the way down to Stowe, being able to just see past the end of the Silverstone Wing. We had a good view of the Virgin and HRT garages, and were directly opposite the weighing and scrutineering area which made for some good photo opportunities (including quali top 3). As an added bonus we were in just the right place for the GP2 start and podium. We may try for the same place this year - might see you there!

[TimRTC]

Too late to get any seated tickets. Where is good for photography (got a 300mm lens) on the general admission areas?

What time do people recommend arriving and can you park nearby?

[dank]

With its intrusive fencing, massive run-off areas, and naff all elevation, Silverstone sucks when it comes to photography.

If you're doing general admission you'll need to arrive as early as possible, especially on race day as people are known to waddle through the turnstyles when the gates open up at 4/5am to grab a decent spot.

You can park at Silverstone on Friday for free, Saturday and Sunday will cost you a small fortune, or you can go to one of the park and rides nearby.

Edited by dank, 27 April 2012 - 19:13.

[TimRTC]

Did anyone travel with Megabus last year? Wondering about that as an option to avoid having to drive overnight, what were the costs like and did they get to the circuit at a reasonable time?

[zepunishment]

Too late to get any seated tickets. Where is good for photography (got a 300mm lens) on the general admission areas?

What time do people recommend arriving and can you park nearby?

If you could go for 3 days I'd say village uncovered seats are good with about 300mm, otherwise if you're looking at GA maybe a spot on the bank by the bridge that runs over Wellington straight. You'd have to be there EARLY and rush to the spot most likely though.

[TimRTC]

Would love to go for three days, but can't get the time off work.

I will be there for the MotoGP so got a chance to scout out some good spots. How do the crowds compare for the two events? Is it possible to leave buying the F1 tickets until mid-June or are even the GAs likely to sell out?

Thanks for all the help/advice thus far.

[RobertoLarcos]

Too late to get any seated tickets. Where is good for photography (got a 300mm lens) on the general admission areas?

Looks like there's still some grandstand tickets available on the official Silverstone site. Even if you do end up with GA, you'll be able to sit in the grandstands for Friday practice (at least this was the case last year).

As others have stated, Silverstone isn't great for photography. Generally you'll be far away from the action - even 300mm may be too short.

Last year I shot from the following GA areas:

Luffield - there's a raised platform which allows you to shoot over the fence. You can also get very close to the cars on the exit and shoot through the fence.

Exit of Becketts - you get pretty close to the cars here. Again you'll have to shoot through the fence.

Stowe - the GA section is elevated so you can shoot over the top of the fence.

Vale - you can either pan on the inside as they brake or get some shots over the fence on the exit.

I would post some pictures but I managed to get horrendously drunk on all three days (damn those Pimms tents and their pitchers!) and as a result I'm not sure they're good enough to post!

Hope everyone that is going this year has a great time

[zepunishment]

Would love to go for three days, but can't get the time off work.

I will be there for the MotoGP so got a chance to scout out some good spots. How do the crowds compare for the two events? Is it possible to leave buying the F1 tickets until mid-June or are even the GAs likely to sell out?

Thanks for all the help/advice thus far.

The left/right at Vale is ok for shooting over the fence as the cars face you head on, as far as focal length goes I can't remember if I had a teleconverter on but you should be ok, perhaps you could rent one to be on the safe side? usually aren't too much. Last year I bought GA around that time but if the british drivers are doing well (which may well be the case) it'll likely sell out sooner.

[Stanmayes349]

hello, like a few people here, this years Silverstone 2012 grand prix will be my first. (3 Day General Admission tickets)

It look slike the general concensus is do your home work and scout the track on the fri/saturday and get there early doors on Sun. Although it seems this year they have made some changes to the track lay out so there's better general admission viewing. Any idea as to where this will be? I.e. they have moved fences etc.

Theres plenty of advice as to where to go, although is there any advice as to places to avoid? I.e. over crowding/view obscured/no action etc?

Many thanks people.

Here's hoping for a Maclaren 1/2 (Button 1st hopefully

[TimRTC]

I am in the process of wrangling Friday as my day off so I hope to be at the circuit for the free practice session, although I will be at the BSB at Oulton Park on Sunday itself (look out for the lone person in a Santa-Pod raceway jacket/t-shirt (depending on the weather) and do come and say hi!).

Been to Silverstone twice in recent weeks (Blancpain and MotoGP) with roving grandstand tickets. The big new International Pit grandstand is well worth aiming for on a roving day as you get a direct view into the pit garages and provided you are above the front couple of rows, you can even get some good shots above the debris fence with a long camera lens. For qualifying/free practice days try and get as far to the right of the grandstand as possible (although I imagine even on a Friday this will be very busy) as you can get a nice long view of the cars coming down through Vale. For general watching, the Stowe grandstands offer a good long view and are absolutely huge if you don't like to be crowded in.

[Clatter]

hello, like a few people here, this years Silverstone 2012 grand prix will be my first. (3 Day General Admission tickets)

It look slike the general concensus is do your home work and scout the track on the fri/saturday and get there early doors on Sun. Although it seems this year they have made some changes to the track lay out so there's better general admission viewing. Any idea as to where this will be? I.e. they have moved fences etc.

Theres plenty of advice as to where to go, although is there any advice as to places to avoid? I.e. over crowding/view obscured/no action etc?

Many thanks people.

Here's hoping for a Maclaren 1/2 (Button 1st hopefully

Scout it out for yourself as one persons bad spot is another's place to be. I doubt you will be able to avoid overcrowding in the best spots and getting there early is the key to having an unobstructed view.

[JonathanProc]

Hello, I have a question about camping at the Woodlands campsite - What is the situation like regarding getting your pitch? Is it simply the case that the first people to arrive will get to setup wherever they want (as long as it's in the correct section, i.e. lively/quiet) and then the last to arrive will have to take the remaining spot? Or are you allocated a certain pitch?

[dank]

I would aim to get to Silverstone for 90 mins before FP1 on Friday morning. You will only encounter traffic once you reach the circuit as the entrances to the fields (for parking) act as a massive bottleneck.

The park and ride scheme is no quicker than driving to the circuit to be honest as there are no designated bus lanes to the venue. The buses are fairly frequent both ways, but allow an hour to arrive on Saturday and slightly longer on Sunday morning.

[chdphd]

I arrived last year on Friday at about 8:30, but didn't get into the circuit until about 9:30 due to badly organised entrance gates. Parking was OK, but the queuing was messy.

[TimRTC]

Well I am definitely going to be at the Friday FP day, driving down from Yorkshire to a Northampton Premier Inn. What time do the car parks open?

Is it worth trying to get into the International Grandstands (assuming that is included in the roving tickets) or will that be heaving?

[chrisblades85]

The stands should be ok if you don't turn up just as a session starts. Maybe allow Half hour?

[Clatter]

Well I am definitely going to be at the Friday FP day, driving down from Yorkshire to a Northampton Premier Inn. What time do the car parks open?

Is it worth trying to get into the International Grandstands (assuming that is included in the roving tickets) or will that be heaving?

You won't have any problems getting into the stands on Friday.

[TimRTC]

Cheers for the info. I am one of those sad lot happy to 'camp' on the stands to get a good place, get in first thing and stay in the seats all day. Will probably aim for the International straight for the first session then move around for the second session to get some variation.

[dank]

The grandstand opposite The Wing isn't all that to be honest. Head for the best seats in the house: Becketts.

[chrisblades85]

The grandstand opposite The Wing isn't all that to be honest. Head for the best seats in the house: Becketts.

Without a doubt.