31 replies to this topic

[philhitchings]

I wondered now that we have had all the races this year where exactly people went (if they went at all) to see the F1 races? and what they thought of the weekend?

I can't post this as a vote as it has more than 10 possibilities, so it is just for interest. I am also keen to know why and whether you would recomend the circuit/event.

I went to barcelona this year, as we couldn't go back to Spa so that was the race that fitted into our (me and my Brother in law) schedules. We had a fantastic weekend camped about 15 minutes drive from the circuit (even on race day!).

We got Great seats in Grandstand H and saw loads of action all the pit entries during race. I even got pics of JV blow up long distance and Mika stall V. close from friday. As well as a couple of crashes. Had a great time and it was a cheap weekend, Jack Daniels at £8 a bottle he he. It also worked out cheaper than Silverstone flights, seats, car hire, and camping included!!

I would go there again definately.............

What about you all??

[bira]

I went to five races this year:

Canada: the best nightlife (;) ), the best location. The track is very easily accessible from the city center and via public transportation, making it quite unique on the calendar. Not too expensive there either. However, it's a bit too hot and there's too much walking to the good seats Had Great company though!

Hockenheim: hrmmm.... let's skip that one. My personal experience isn't very telling.

Hungary: Budapest racing

Spa: yes! yes! yes! Great, great track; always a great race. Love the place, love the atmosphere. Don't care that it's bloody big and you need to find parking (although I got lucky this year), and don't mind that the choice is either a hotel an hour's drive away. It's worth every bloody minute.

Monza: Simply the best venue in my opinion although the race doesn't always promise to be interesting. This year the event maybe shouldn't have taken place - it wasn't a happy weekend. But it's still my #1 choice among the European races, with Spa a very close 2nd. Do them both if you can - that's how I usually do it!

[jetsetjim]

I hope you didn't visit the infamous "Pepsi Bar" when you were in Budapest, Bira..!!

[philhitchings]

In the words of Monty Python

You....... lucky.... lucky.... lucky.... lucky.... lucky ....lucky ...lucky.... lucky ....lucky .....lucky ....lucky...................

why Monza? I think Spa is much better

[Smooth]

I only made Spa and Indy. Next year will be Canada, and Suzuka as well.

[Berner]

We did our usual 3: Australia, which in my mind has the best combination of weather/city/track; Montreal, which is my former hometown, so always a great vacation (try the ferry you metro heads!); and USA which is a great event stuck in a lousy location but worth the trip. All in all, a great 2001. Now, only 135? days until Melly-burn.

[F1Rulz]

Montreal and Indy. Both excellent races/venues in their own way. Was considering 3 next year including Austrailia but I think we're gonna do some research/planning and go in 2003. Need a relaxing vacation in the spring. Don't know about the rest of you but going to a GP is work to some degree. Could somebody ask Bernie to make the morning warm up an hour later on Sunday

[SennasCat]

Went to Melbourne for the qualifying (and caught Melbourne international Motor Show while I was down there and also saw Deep Purple play on Saturday afternoon. Jumped on a plane and went home to watch all of the race in comfort.

Wish we had decent coverage - Australia is only race with qualifying coverage, and only the South American race live. Rest delayed by degrees - even Suzuka was 30 mins delayed

[Bex37]

This year was the first year I missed the Melbourne GP

I haven't been to any other GPs; the plane fare from Australia to any other country is a problem when you have a mortgage, a non-working wife and kids to support. I usually drive the company car from Sydney to Melbourne (10 hrs each way - free petrol), so I pay no plane fare for the Australian GP. I usually arrive on the Thursday afternoon and leave on the Monday. I like to see all of the motorsport including the supports.

[Bex37]

Spa ......... :drool:

[Lipp]

I went to Spa this year on company cards... I was jumping with joy for weeks before AND after the party. Realy terrific seats as well...

[daz]

I went to the GP in Melbourne and Im going again next year to.

[Warnie]

Melbourne & Spa

Melbourne was very well organised, easy to get to and a great summer atmosphere around the track. A great start race for the season.

Spa was very different yet stil great. Sat right at the entrance to the Bus Stop chicane so we saw a bit of action. Apart from the racing the most spectacular aspect is the scenary which is awesome.
We stayed in Malmedy which was only a short drive from the track but without your own transport was a big problem. After trying to hitchhike for an hour and a half my mate and I had to beg two German guys stopped at a service station (and heading to the track) to give us a lift. Very difficult to do when we didn't speak German and they very little English.

[fifi]

went to Silverstone and Spa

was an organised coach thingy for Silverstone, sat in the pit straight grandstand on the Sunday directly opposite Mikas pit garage and could also see into the ferrari and Williams pits, was general admission on the Sat and sat at Copse for 1 practice and luffield for 2nd and watched Q/F from Club

swent with friends to Spa, stayed at a campsite near Stavelot and walked to the circuit every day, which was a killed
friday watched 1st practice from Stavelot and nearly **** myself when Jacques walked passed
2nd practice was from Blanchimont, could get really close to the track if u went down the hill, was a really good day xcept it started chucking it down with rain

Sat we were at Pouhon all day, right across from the tv screens and made q/f very much more exciting

Sun we were at the exit to Eau Rouge which was v.good as well
although next year i am most definetley gtting grandstand tickets from wherever i go, coz im lazy and cant be arsed walking for ages to find a decent spot to sit

races next year - not sure for definite yet, but Silverstone will be a must,
possible Austria (its the weekend of my b/day) or Spain, and maybe Monza

[philhitchings]

blanchimont is great isn't it fifi. Was your site near the river? If it was we stayed there last year too. good site I thought.

Silverstone??

Spain

[MarkC]

Went to 4...well 3 races and a test session in February!

Test at Silverstone....unbelievable...better than all 6 races I've been to together! Of course it helped I had a photographers pass, so I could go anywhere.

Spain....great place. Nice circuit, even if it's not in Barcelona.

Montreal...fabulous. Excellent city, brilliant circuit, great weather.

Spa...awesome circuit. Huge!! Weather the usual, unpredictable.

Mark
www.markcapilitan.8m.com

[Punisher6]

I went downstairs and watched every GP and qualifying. My seat was great, I never got wet or cold and the food was a bargain!! Ok, that was a bit pathetic, but I do plan on going to Canada and USGP next year, I've started saving since the day after Suzuka.

[IAM]

USGP was the only one this year, but had a great time.

Next year I'm going to Malaya, definitely the US again and maybe Canda.

Ian

[boost]

Been to 2 so far, going expand that next year

Melbourne - great event! Been to all Melb GP's, some of the best support races to keep you entertained. Fantastic access to even general admission holders! Well organised.

Malaysia - Fantastic venue, lame ass access. Nearly missed the start on Sun and i left 3 hours ago from the city, traffic was backed up for kilometers and you where crawling along. Made it with about 2 min to spare. I really like Sepang but they really need to look at Melb in how to run a gp, the support races where horrible, staff rude, and conditions strict. From certain points of the track you practically see half the circuit, instead of a corner or straight.

Hopeing next year to see the back to back weekend race Spain and Germany i think it is.

[Gemini]

Originally posted by bira



Hungary: Budapest racing

I also went to Hungaroring this year and I agree with bira about city, racing was not special, but as a Ferrari fan I enjoyed the outcome anyway...

[bira]

Originally posted by philhitchings
why Monza? I think Spa is much better

Because I think Belgium is a boring country, and Spa-Francorchamps doesn't offer much in the ex-curricular GP activity - certainly not as much as the Italian Lombardia region (whether you are staying near the lakes or in Milano) has to offer.

When people ask me which GP to go to, I assume they also want to take into consideration the nightlife, the food, the lodging pricing and comfort, etc. And, I think that as a weekend, Monza takes the crown, but like I said - Spa comes a close 2nd.

[nichotj]

Only Silverstone this year, but it was good. I had 2 free Paddock Club tickets for the whole weekend as guests of.....












wait for it..



Ferrari!

Absolutely great. Over lunch, Rubens comes and gives his comments on qualifying and on Sunday, Michael and Jean Todt gave us a small talk. Lots of free gifts, food and drink was excellent. We also saw almost all of the other drivers as well, visiting their tents.

I had the same deal last year, but that was at the USGP which was also fantastic.

Tim

[philhitchings]

I get your point but I go to camp and take most of my entertainment with me booze, food and music The company is already there along with my brother in law so I don't need much more.

Mind you you have certainly whetted my appetite for Italy one time at least.;)

[Andy]

Canada. That's all. It's the only race I've been to 'cause I happen to live in Montreal! I've been to almost every Canadian GP for about the last 10 years (this year I made it with a little help from bira and theD2JBug!;) ) Those of you in and around Europe are so much luckier as there are many more races within reasonable reach of you $$-wise. I hope to do the USGP in the next year or two then maybe plan a European trip which will coincide with 1 or 2 races over there!

So, IMO, Montreal is definately the best race to go to!! The nightlife, the Poutine and the Atlas Party make it all worthwhile!! ;)

[AJF Racing]

Originally posted by Andy

So, IMO, Montreal is definately the best race to go to!! The nightlife, the Poutine and the Atlas Party make it all worthwhile!! ;)

Did someone say poutine?

Mmmmm . . . poutine.

Try it. You'll love it.

Les Quebecois don't realize how lucky they are to have such easy access to poutine. For most of us, it's make it yourself or do without.

Andy, any suggestions on the best place to get poutine for my next trip?

And the racing in Montreal isn't bad, either.

AJF

[philhitchings]

pardon the ignorance bur wtf is poutine???

[fifi]

Originally posted by philhitchings
blanchimont is great isn't it fifi. Was your site near the river? If it was we stayed there last year too. good site I thought.

Silverstone??

Spain

the site we stayed at was called Eau Rouge camp site, was pretty good IMO but if we were going back this year i think we would try and get somewhere nearere Francorchamps, mainly coz im a lazy arse and cant be bothered walking far

[Andy]

Originally posted by philhitchings
pardon the ignorance bur wtf is poutine???

Oh man, you are missing one of life's true treats! Poutine, also known as "Heart-Attack in a bowl" is the following:

Poutine
A great meal to bulk up on for your winter hibernation!

Ingredients

8 large potatoes
400 mL of cheese curds
500 ML of gravy
*note: All the measurements are estimated. What ever you have available is fine!

The Directions
First cut the potatoes into long narrow strips. (You know, like french fries!) Then place then into your deep fryer for 8 minutes. If you do not have a deep fryer your CRAZY!!! Well, no need to cry, all you have to do is boil some oil on the stove. Place the potatoes in when the oil is boiling for 8 minutes. Don't burn yourself! Then place the potatoes into a big fancy bole or plate. Now RIGHT AWAY place the cheese curds on top. Now, RIGHT AWAY place the gravy on. You can get any of the home made gravy kits, or actually cook a turkey. Now you have to wait. This is the hard part. The smell is filling your nose. You can taste it in your mouth as we speak! Well, after 2 minutes you can eat! Yummmmm!!!

As for the Best poutine in Montreal? I highly recommend any "La Belle Province" restaurants, thier's is A-1, had it for lunch yesterday!;) 2nd best would be at a "Lafleurs" restaurant. Poutine is great, you can actually feel your arteries clogging as you eat it!

[UMSLtifosi]

Had tickets to Indy, but had to give them up because I had to fly to England to start school the monday following the race. Oh well, my dad and brother said it was fun. Hoping to go next year along with Imola.

UMSLtifosi

[Mr Melvin]

Went to my first GP's ever this year. France and Britain. Both were excellent, but France was slightly better.

Hopefully next year it'll be Spa and France. No to Britain.

[skip]

Imola
Montreal
Indy

[Irvine`s Love Child]

Went to Monaco this year and had a fantastic time. It was more of a pilgrimage I suppose than anything else. For me, watching the Monaco GP was my first memory of watching Formula 1 on telly.

The atmosphere is great, you`re cheek by jowl with the teams and the pits. I don`t suppose the racing`s much to write home about but it wasn`t about that for me.

The sound, the sense of theatre in the location, the drinks, the weather, the women

You don`t get an idea of how narrow the track is till you walk down the start finish straight down to the funnel at St. Devote. It`s insane.

The grandstand seat prices are pretty insane too but if it`s a once in a lifetime deal - go for it

Next year we`ll probably go to either Imola or Monza. I wouldn`t mind going to Hungary but can`t see me getting time off work in the summer.