My wife (they don't come any better) decided we'll be going to Spa this year for my birthday. As we've never been to europe, and never been to an F1 race before, any advice on travel/logistics and the race weekend itself would be very much appreciated.
We'll be coming in from the US at least a week before the race, and plan attend practice and qualifying. She's found a nice, small inn in Brussels where we plan to stay much of the time -- she couldn't find lodging in or near Spa, and we want to see Brussels and a some of the rest of Belgium/Holland/Lux. while we're there, so Brussels seems like a good base. (We'll probably see some of France on the front end of the trip.)
The first specific question: If we stay in Brussels for the race weekend, how hard is it going to be getting back and forth to the track? If we drive, how bad will traffic be on Sunday, and how long should we allow to get there? Is the inter-city train system a workable option? If so, how do you reliably get from the station to the track? If Brussels just isn't practical, does anyone have an alternate suggestion that isn't already booked-up?
Second: What are the must-see events/sessions for the race weekend, in particular the supporting series? I haven't seen a detailed schedule other than for the F1 sessions. By the way, we have grandstand seats between Les Combs and Rivage, which look to be pretty good, and I guess we'll spend Sunday there. We'll obviously want to roam around some, too. I assume that on Friday and Saturday it should be no problem to hang around (and possibly sit) at Eau Rouge, but correct me if I'm wrong. Where else would be interesting?
Third, general tourist-type stuff: As I mentioned, we'll probably hit Paris, etc. for several days, and then head to Brussels. There, we're likely to explore the city and surrounding countyside -- we of course have some travel guides that list the castles, churches etc., but if anyone has opinions on architectural sites that shouldn't be missed, I like to hear them. Also, we plan to vist some the significant WWII sites and museums, so any suggestions there would be welcomed.
Thanks in advance
Going to Spa . . . could use some advice
Started by
MFG
, May 18 2002 16:45
3 replies to this topic
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#2
Racing for Suomi
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Posted 28 May 2002 - 17:30
Hey,
I think it will be very difficult to get to the circuit from Brussels if you don't have a car.
The only alternative is the train, but that will take you ages, and i think the closest train stops in Verviers, which is about 15 km from the circuit.
The traffic by car is not a big problem, it will take appr. 2 hours to get to Spa from Brussels by car.
The seats at Les Combes are fine, that's the nicest place of the circuit. Eau Rouge is very spectacular to drive, but not to look at, it bores you very quickly... (my opinion) Another place were you have to go is the Busstop chicane, it's very nice, but you have to get there early to get a good place.
Other places to see in Belgium??? Antwerpen and Brugge maybe, but for the rest???
I think it will be very difficult to get to the circuit from Brussels if you don't have a car.
The only alternative is the train, but that will take you ages, and i think the closest train stops in Verviers, which is about 15 km from the circuit.
The traffic by car is not a big problem, it will take appr. 2 hours to get to Spa from Brussels by car.
The seats at Les Combes are fine, that's the nicest place of the circuit. Eau Rouge is very spectacular to drive, but not to look at, it bores you very quickly... (my opinion) Another place were you have to go is the Busstop chicane, it's very nice, but you have to get there early to get a good place.
Other places to see in Belgium??? Antwerpen and Brugge maybe, but for the rest???
#3
tmottone
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- Joined: May 02
New Member
Posted 30 May 2002 - 20:08
The first specific question: If we stay in Brussels for the race weekend, how hard is it going to be getting back and forth to the track? If we drive, how bad will traffic be on Sunday, and how long should we allow to get there? Is the inter-city train system a workable option? If so, how do you reliably get from the station to the track? If Brussels just isn't practical, does anyone have an alternate suggestion that isn't already booked-up?
I don't know about the traffic on highways, but you could take the train from Brussels to Spa (there's a change of train somewhere along the route), check www.b-rail.be for more info. I did that last year, took maybe 3 hours total. From Spa you can take a cab (expensive) or a bus (very cheap). I'm sure Brussels is best, since Spa and other nearby villages are full. The city of Spa have a site at www.spa-info.be - you could email them about the bus timetables from Spa to Francorchamps.
Second: What are the must-see events/sessions for the race weekend, in particular the supporting series? I haven't seen a detailed schedule other than for the F1 sessions. By the way, we have grandstand seats between Les Combs and Rivage, which look to be pretty good, and I guess we'll spend Sunday there. We'll obviously want to roam around some, too. I assume that on Friday and Saturday it should be no problem to hang around (and possibly sit) at Eau Rouge, but correct me if I'm wrong. Where else would be interesting?
The F3000 race on Saturday should be interesting (other F3000 events like practise and qualifying won't be must-sees). I don't think you'll be able to sit in other grandstands, at least during the F1 events, but after them the Silver 1 grandstand would offer a good view. You could also go to the Bus Stop on Friday (it'll be full on Saturday). The track has a site at http://www.spa-francorchamps.be/
Lastly, I've got many shots from around the Spa-Francorchamps track on my site at http://www.teemu.net/
Hope this helps,
Teemu.
#4
Nomad
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Posted 30 May 2002 - 21:00
The nearest train station is Spa 8km away. When I camped I took the train there on the Thursday and its unbearably slow (and I am a non-car person).
The bus service over the GP is patchy and from some directions stopped a long way from the circuit. It's ok for going home but I wouldn't rely on it to get you there for the morning sessions.
If you choose to travel by train and then take a taxi make sure you book well in advance (days). Spa and Francorchamps are real country areas so there aren't that many companies.
If you drive then on Friday and Saturday the traffic into the Les Combes entrance isn't too bad since the spread of times people arrive and there is plenty of parking. I'm not sure about the parking at the Francorchamps entry especially if you arrive later in the day.
Liege is a lot closer than Brussels.
Both years I have been the only supporting events have been the F3000 and the Porshe Supercup.
I recommend going to the Bus Stop Chicane for the F3000 practice/qualifying, esp. if its wet. The F3000 drivers have a lot of problems with it which is entertaining. Also most people don't stay for this session so there is enough room.
Rivage is good for photos on Friday, It isn't crowded and the cars slow here. The bank is steep so you can position yourself above the fence line. Walk down the mud track and stand at the corner entry.
Pouchon has a big screen due to the grandstand there but the general view is just as good. The only really good view of Eau Rouge is from the grandstands there. The are a few points at the top where the fence sort of indents and you can see the cars shoot over the crest.
Its a good idea to explore the 'back' area of the track away from the pit end. Most of that area is blocked to those without the appropriate grandstand tickets.
Check out the merchandising in Francorchamps its' much better that the official stuff and the place buzzes at night with all the campers.
General tourist stuff.
Brussels isn't the best Belgium city, Bruges is a bit touristy but still nice. Ghent and Antwerp were better. Cologne is just over the border from Liege and has a nice cathedral. Of course you could sample the delights of Amsterdam!!!
If you have time go to Berlin and do a walking tour, it just has so much history and is definitely a unique city.
Out of town, well Spa is in the pictureque Ardennes. You have Flanders for WWI history.
I best stop ranting !!
The bus service over the GP is patchy and from some directions stopped a long way from the circuit. It's ok for going home but I wouldn't rely on it to get you there for the morning sessions.
If you choose to travel by train and then take a taxi make sure you book well in advance (days). Spa and Francorchamps are real country areas so there aren't that many companies.
If you drive then on Friday and Saturday the traffic into the Les Combes entrance isn't too bad since the spread of times people arrive and there is plenty of parking. I'm not sure about the parking at the Francorchamps entry especially if you arrive later in the day.
Liege is a lot closer than Brussels.
Both years I have been the only supporting events have been the F3000 and the Porshe Supercup.
I recommend going to the Bus Stop Chicane for the F3000 practice/qualifying, esp. if its wet. The F3000 drivers have a lot of problems with it which is entertaining. Also most people don't stay for this session so there is enough room.
Rivage is good for photos on Friday, It isn't crowded and the cars slow here. The bank is steep so you can position yourself above the fence line. Walk down the mud track and stand at the corner entry.
Pouchon has a big screen due to the grandstand there but the general view is just as good. The only really good view of Eau Rouge is from the grandstands there. The are a few points at the top where the fence sort of indents and you can see the cars shoot over the crest.
Its a good idea to explore the 'back' area of the track away from the pit end. Most of that area is blocked to those without the appropriate grandstand tickets.
Check out the merchandising in Francorchamps its' much better that the official stuff and the place buzzes at night with all the campers.
General tourist stuff.
Brussels isn't the best Belgium city, Bruges is a bit touristy but still nice. Ghent and Antwerp were better. Cologne is just over the border from Liege and has a nice cathedral. Of course you could sample the delights of Amsterdam!!!
If you have time go to Berlin and do a walking tour, it just has so much history and is definitely a unique city.
Out of town, well Spa is in the pictureque Ardennes. You have Flanders for WWI history.
I best stop ranting !!
