85 replies to this topic

[OO7]

I'll be going to Silverstone on Sunday with a general admissions ticket and this will be the first Grand Prix I've attended.   Does anyone have any suggestions on places to view (I was thinking somewhere along the Maggots-Becketts sequence), things to bring etc?

 

Cheers

Edited by OO7, 06 July 2016 - 19:05.

[Nathan]

My tip for Silverstone, choose your cabs wisely..

[Takis1]

I'll be going to Silverstone on Sunday with a general admissions ticket and this will be the first Grand Prix I've attended. Does anyone have any suggestions on places to view (I was thinking somewhere along the Maggots-Becketts sequence), things to bring etc?

Cheers

Only advice I can give since this is your first GP, is do not forget your earplugs. I further wish you a nice day and I am jealous.
I hope your first GP will be a great one worth remembering.

[TomNokoe]

I'll be going to Silverstone on Sunday with a general admissions ticket and this will be the first Grand Prix I've attended. Does anyone have any suggestions on places to view (I was thinking somewhere along the Maggots-Becketts sequence), things to bring etc?

Cheers

Get there early. Like stupid early. Last year was my first GP. I arrived 20 mins before the GP3 race and it was already very busy.

I got a coach to Milton Keynes Parkway and then a public bus into MK, and then circuit-provided bus to the circuit. These buses bypass all the traffic on entry, which saves shedloads of time.


Perhaps take a picnic blanket and foldup chairs to mark your territory if you want to pop off to the toilet or for some food.

Edited by TomNokoe, 06 July 2016 - 19:10.

[GrumpyYoungMan]

I'll be going to Silverstone on Sunday with a general admissions ticket and this will be the first Grand Prix I've attended. Does anyone have any suggestions on places to view (I was thinking somewhere along the Maggots-Becketts sequence), things to bring etc?

Cheers

Are you going to the test as well?

[Jordan44]

Last year I was within half an hour of the circuit at Towcester park and ride last year at around 8:30am. Arrived at the circuit for 10:30... so yeah.. leave plenty of time especially if you are using park and ride. The access roads are always horrendous, and you ideally want to get there to see the GP2 race.

[monolulu]

I'll be going to Silverstone on Sunday with a general admissions ticket and this will be the first Grand Prix I've attended.   Does anyone have any suggestions on places to view (I was thinking somewhere along the Maggots-Becketts sequence), things to bring etc?
 
Cheers

Get there very early. Maggots - Becketts will be great! Make sure you have waterproof clothing. Enjoy I will

[OO7]

Only advice I can give since this is your first GP, is do not forget your earplugs. I further wish you a nice day and I am jealous.
I hope your first GP will be a great one worth remembering.

Thanks Takis1.

 

Get there early. Like stupid early. Last year was my first GP. I arrived 20 mins before the GP3 race and it was already very busy.

I got a coach to Milton Keynes Parkway and then a public bus into MK, and then circuit-provided bus to the circuit. These buses bypass all the traffic on entry, which saves shedloads of time.


Perhaps take a picnic blanket and foldup chairs to mark your territory if you want to pop off to the toilet or for some food.

Tom we're planning to get there around 04:30 in the morning.  Including admin fees parking is £60, so I need to check (and hope) that the car park on race day doesn't have relatively late opening time.  The folding chairs have been checked and picnic have been checked.

[OO7]

Are you going to the test as well?

No, unfortunately not GYM.  I'd completely forgotten about it to tell you the truth.

[sennafan24]

I'll be going to Silverstone on Sunday 

We can expect a repeat of this then 

 

 

 

Seriously, have a good time bud. 

[OO7]

Last year I was within half an hour of the circuit at Towcester park and ride last year at around 8:30am. Arrived at the circuit for 10:30... so yeah.. leave plenty of time especially if you are using park and ride. The access roads are always horrendous, and you ideally want to get there to see the GP2 race.

I'm checking out Park and Ride now.  My brother is driving so is dealing with that end, but I hadn't heard of it.

[GrumpyYoungMan]

No, unfortunately not GYM. I'd completely forgotten about it to tell you the truth.

Still time no?

[TomNokoe]

Thanks Takis1.

Tom we're planning to get there around 04:30 in the morning. Including admin fees parking is £60, so I need to check (and hope) that the car park on race day doesn't have relatively late opening time. The folding chairs have been checked and picnic have been checked.

4:30!

Fair play, enjoy the sunrise.

[yasushi888]

Including admin fees parking is £60

 

 

 

[OO7]

Get there very early. Maggots - Becketts will be great! Make sure you have waterproof clothing. Enjoy I will

Thanks monolulu.  Maggots - Becketts or I was also thinking about Stowe if available.

 

BTW, I hope you have a great time also.

Edited by OO7, 06 July 2016 - 20:22.

[mistareno]

I'll be going to Silverstone on Sunday with a general admissions ticket and this will be the first Grand Prix I've attended.   Does anyone have any suggestions on places to view (I was thinking somewhere along the Maggots-Becketts sequence), things to bring etc?

 

Cheers

 

Gum Boots...

[OO7]

4:30!

Fair play, enjoy the sunrise.

I know it's early Tom, but I don't wanna miss a thing!   

 

A thing of beauty:

Edited by OO7, 06 July 2016 - 19:49.

[djparky]

Get there early and keep an eye on the weather forecast, it's an airfield so is very exposed if it rains

[OO7]

We can expect a repeat of this then 

 

 

 

Seriously, have a good time bud. 

Cheers SF.

 

Close, but I'll be dressed in a black ninja outfit with a professors cap, throwing shuriken stars at Nico's tyres.

Edited by OO7, 06 July 2016 - 19:59.

[OO7]

Gum Boots...

Can the general admin areas get that bad?

[GoldenColt]

Get there early. Like stupid early.

 

The early bird catches the worm so to speak.

 

/Insider

 

All the best and have a great time, OO7.

Edited by GoldenColt, 06 July 2016 - 19:57.

[OO7]

The early bird catches the worm so to speak.

 

/Insider

 

All the best and have a great time, OO7.

Thanks G.C.  I'll be on the look out for birds specially for you.

[Jerem]

Do not use the portaloos.

[OO7]

Where are the best viewing areas?

[OO7]

Do not use the portaloos.

Adult nappies.........................................check.

[crooky369]

Slightly off topic but I couldn't see it's own thread....

 

Does anyone know the on the day ticket prices for the team test at Silverstone next week?

 

I know they're £10 if you prebook them but as I live so near I think it's probably worth paying the extra if they're say £15 just in case it rains.

[GrumpyYoungMan]

Slightly off topic but I couldn't see it's own thread....

Does anyone know the on the day ticket prices for the team test at Silverstone next week?

I know they're £10 if you prebook them but as I live so near I think it's probably worth paying the extra if they're say £15 just in case it rains.

I paid £36 for 2 days including 2 pit walks. (£35 plus £1 booking fee)

[Clatter]

Thanks Takis1.

Tom we're planning to get there around 04:30 in the morning. Including admin fees parking is £60, so I need to check (and hope) that the car park on race day doesn't have relatively late opening time. The folding chairs have been checked and picnic have been checked.

Car parks are open all hours so you won't have any issues there. The queue for GA starts quite early, most people have sussed the exact spot they want and will get there as quickly as possible to bag it.

[ExFlagMan]

Used to be that the spectator gates opened at 06:00 - most of the best spectator areas where probably full by about 06:10 - the sight and sound of the rush for spots on the 'Mansell Mania' banking at Club was something to behold.

 

If you can get there then the outside of Copse is pretty cool - the change of direction is quite spectacular.

Maggots/Beckets is quite good but there did not seem to a great deal of GA banking when I was there.

Not sure if there is much GA banking at Stowe, as it always had massive grandstands round the outside.

 

Have a good time

[TomNokoe]

Where are the best viewing areas?

The banking opposite the pit entry has elevation, which helps, but ridiculously busy.

There's also a small patch on the outside of Woodcote which has great head-on views.

Edited by TomNokoe, 06 July 2016 - 20:56.

[OO7]

Used to be that the spectator gates opened at 06:00 - most of the best spectator areas where probably full by about 06:10 - the sight and sound of the rush for spots on the 'Mansell Mania' banking at Club was something to behold.

 

If you can get there then the outside of Copse is pretty cool - the change of direction is quite spectacular.

Maggots/Beckets is quite good but there did not seem to a great deal of GA banking when I was there.

Not sure if there is much GA banking at Stowe, as it always had massive grandstands round the outside.

 

Have a good time

Thank ExFlagMan.  That was my only issue with the Becketts area.  I've seen a couple of videos and there isn't much of a vantage point by the fencing, so I'm not sure how much can be seen between Becketts and Copse from there.

Edited by OO7, 06 July 2016 - 21:21.

[OO7]

The banking opposite the pit entry has elevation, which helps, but ridiculously busy.

There's also a small patch on the outside of Woodcote which has great head-on views.

Do you mean the area just to the left of the Stowe grandstand?

[jonpollak]

Have fun and take pics!! Bring your own food too as you don't want to eat what's on offer there.

[Cosworth-Daz]

My only advise is bring your own food and toilet paper.

I've been going by motorcycle for the last 4 years.. No traffick for me...

[TomNokoe]

Do you mean the area just to the left of the Stowe grandstand?

The area is directly below the Vale grandstand.

From Google:

Short video

https://youtu.be/yWSlrGgtq0w

This is towards the bottom of the incline, you have to be very tall to have good views so low down.

It's a relatively spacious area, good overtaking spot, and has a massive TV plopped right infront of it. Also not too far away from the gate they open at chequered flag.

Edited by TomNokoe, 06 July 2016 - 21:26.

[GrumpyYoungMan]

Have fun and take pics!! Bring your own food too as you don't want to eat what's on offer there.

Why's that? Poor quality? Expensive? Or both?

Will anywhere be open on the test days?

[Cosworth-Daz]

You may need to re-mortgage to buy lunch ;)

[geordiecraig101]

Just a few things from me:

• Take your own food and drink as the stall prices will be horrific.
• Make sure your have good footwear on, sum thing like walking boots or safety boots as you will doing a lot more walking than you think.
• Even if the weather forecast looks good, take an extra jumper as if the wind gets up it can get chilly fast.
• Get there as early as you can. As others have said the prime areas will go fast.
• If you don't have one, get the over ear radio so you can listen to the commentary to keep tabs on whats going on.
• There will be prime times when everyone wants to get up and go to the toilet (i.e after every race) so try n beet the cues and go bit early if you need to.
• Take a bin bag or 2 with you. If the ground is damp then you can use them to sit on and not get a wet arse!

Apart from that lot, just enjoy your self and take in the atmosphere. hope that helps.

[Clatter]

Why's that? Poor quality? Expensive? Or both?

Will anywhere be open on the test days?

Expense mainly, but it's not that good either. As it's right after the GP you may find some of the concessions open, but I wouldn't bank on it. Safer to take your own refreshments.

[muramasa]

　

basically attending race is same as going trekking in terms of equipment

[chunder27]

Flog your ticket outside to a tout and go and watch something better!  lol

[Wifey]

my first two years where general admission, you dont need to bet there at 4:30 gates dont open untill 6 i think, if you get there about 7/8am you will be able to get right up to the fence at any corner, beckets gets very busy tho!!!! however the fence is right on entry to the corner next to the grandstand and the entry speed in something to behold so i suggest you first time should be there or the exit of club or stowe.

 

take a chair and food as a burger and pint will cost a tenner. 

 

taker a thick coat it can get very cold has it is a open air field and is very windy,

 

take water proofs just in case.

 

other fans are good to talk to its not like football all fans of teams and drivers get on and have a good time.

[Riverside]

I'll be going to Silverstone on Sunday with a general admissions ticket and this will be the first Grand Prix I've attended.   

 

 

Wow,  your first?  Cool!    Enjoy!  

[Fonzey]

I'll be there too camping though so no parking concerns!

Although not my first GP, it's my first British one. Anyone know if we can take beer into the circuit?

[OO7]

my first two years where general admission, you dont need to bet there at 4:30 gates dont open untill 6 i think, if you get there about 7/8am you will be able to get right up to the fence at any corner, beckets gets very busy tho!!!! however the fence is right on entry to the corner next to the grandstand and the entry speed in something to behold so i suggest you first time should be there or the exit of club or stowe.

 

take a chair and food as a burger and pint will cost a tenner. 

 

taker a thick coat it can get very cold has it is a open air field and is very windy,

 

take water proofs just in case.

 

other fans are good to talk to its not like football all fans of teams and drivers get on and have a good time.

Thanks Wifey.

 

I've been talking about Becketts, but I actually meant Chapel, the exit onto the Hanger Straight.  I would Ideally like a view (head-on) of the cars going through the whole Maggots - Becketts complex.

[OO7]

Still time no?

Unfortunately no time GYM.

[Exb]

Park & ride tickets are now off sale, so if you don't already have tickets that's not an option. Car parks open approx 1/2 an hour before gates (so 5.30 Sunday) they are not open all night! However people do queue to get into the circuit all night so they can get a good spot
Don't buy ear plugs - if you need some the Race Makers hand them out for free.
Beckets is amazing but very limited space (you need to be right by the fence really) Luffield area great for photos and Vale great for getting to the podium at the end. Food is not too bad, fairly decent choice but it is very expensive as you would expect at any event, I would take my own if I had to pay for it. You can take your own alcohol in but NO GLASS BOTTLES. A chair is a must for general admission at Silverstone unless you don't mind standing or sitting on stoney ground. There are driver appearances on the stage after the race, don't know who yet though.

[OO7]

Just a few things from me:

• Take your own food and drink as the stall prices will be horrific.
• Make sure your have good footwear on, sum thing like walking boots or safety boots as you will doing a lot more walking than you think.
• Even if the weather forecast looks good, take an extra jumper as if the wind gets up it can get chilly fast.
• Get there as early as you can. As others have said the prime areas will go fast.
• If you don't have one, get the over ear radio so you can listen to the commentary to keep tabs on whats going on.
• There will be prime times when everyone wants to get up and go to the toilet (i.e after every race) so try n beet the cues and go bit early if you need to.
• Take a bin bag or 2 with you. If the ground is damp then you can use them to sit on and not get a wet arse!

Apart from that lot, just enjoy your self and take in the atmosphere. hope that helps.

Thanks for the tips geordiecraig, particularly the radio.

[Exb]

I'll be there too camping though so no parking concerns!

Although not my first GP, it's my first British one. Anyone know if we can take beer into the circuit?

Yes, but no glass bottles ;)

[Fonzey]

Yes, but no glass bottles ;)

 

Nice, cheers. Campsite doesn't allow glass either so we're all tinnied up for the weekend. Very classy 

 

Can't wait, my GP adventures so far have all been comfy hotels in fancy foreign cities... except Spa, I swear that village doesn't even realise a GP is going on!