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[mjustincredible]

Hi, iv been a big f1 fan for a number of years but have only been to silverstone a couple of times to see F1 live. My mates and I are looking at going to one of the european races for a long weekend yet are not sure where to go.

Any opinions / suggestions on ones that you have heard / or been to yourself that are good for spectators would be appreciated. ie. decent atmosphere, good f1 vilage, good accomodation or camping parks, places to go drinking in the evening, etc.

ps. we were looking at valencia(european gp) yet the race isnt known for being particularly interesting with minimal overtaking

[myownalias]

I've never been to either, but I would say Spa Francorchamps or Monza would be the best spectator races, you could go to Monaco if you have the £££s.

[What's Burning?]

This is coming from someone that's never been to a GP (but I'm correcting that this June!) but as an on site spectator, unless you're sitting in a top shelf grandstand you're probably not going to see much passing first hand anyway. I think you'd go for the experience to listen to see to walk around to people watch to do everything you can't do while watching it on TV, but if watching a GP live is like going to any other pro sports event, the best view is from your television.

So pick a location that you think you're going to have fun in, and enjoy it, since I can't imagine actually being able to see much live action anyway.

[lcemanDub]

This is coming from someone that's never been to a GP (but I'm correcting that this June!) but as an on site spectator, unless you're sitting in a top shelf grandstand you're probably not going to see much passing first hand anyway. I think you'd go for the experience to listen to see to walk around to people watch to do everything you can't do while watching it on TV, but if watching a GP live is like going to any other pro sports event, the best view is from your television.

So pick a location that you think you're going to have fun in, and enjoy it, since I can't imagine actually being able to see much live action anyway.

I have to agree. I was at the Canadian GP in 2007, overtaking or not...the experience is breathtaking. I am trying to put a trip together to get to the Belgian GP this summer *crosses fingers*. But really, anywhere you go will be amazing, you can't make a wrong choice, IMO.

[Hammer278]

If you're a Ferrari fan, there's only 1 answer you'll get more than your money's worth - Monza.

If you're a neutral fan, any will do as these guys mentioned....if you're Brit Silverstone is an obvious choice of course, due to the history of the track and atmosphere....I believe the fans there really know their racing since the track is used a lot for other series. They just refurbished the grandstands/pitlane paddock as well.

[nish2280]

If you're a Ferrari fan, there's only 1 answer you'll get more than your money's worth - Monza.

If you're a neutral fan, any will do as these guys mentioned....if you're Brit Silverstone is an obvious choice of course, due to the history of the track and atmosphere....I believe the fans there really know their racing since the track is used a lot for other series. They just refurbished the grandstands/pitlane paddock as well.

I agree with this. If you are a Mclaren fan then you should go to silverstone too.

Although you might want to visit Spa...because its Spa...

[Robert12010]

as you have been to silverstone, then probably spa and monza are the best bets

[Gaz]

Belgium

Spa

[bud]

Only Euro race ive attended has been Spa. Can compare but I doubt it could be beaten, the scenery of the Ardennes forest is just beautiful as a back drop to an immense track.

[Robert12010]

Only Euro race ive attended has been Spa. Can compare but I doubt it could be beaten, the scenery of the Ardennes forest is just beautiful as a back drop to an immense track.

just a quick question for you bud, did you go in a stand or general admission, because im thinking of going sometime in the near future and how easy is things like transport, hotels etc....

[bud]

we went General Admission, You have so many vantage points around the track that having a cosy seat day in day out is a waste of time. Hotels would be tough to find and expensive, As Spa or Franchorchamps are small towns. Most would camp at one of the many camp sites like is the case for most Euro races. There are bus rides from the camp sites to the track. Though i had a car as I drove over from London.

[RascasseRebel]

Yep, I would agree with Bud - general admission at Spa is great. Over the three days, we walked the entire circuit, which is quite a long way, but got some great photos along the way. You can always book a grandstand for one of the days if you prefer. We stayed in Liege and travelled to/from Spa each day. Very difficult to find any accommodation any closer, otherwise camping is the way to go....remember the infamous Spa weather though, it usually rains at some stage during the race weekend!

Otherwise, apart from Monaco of course, I would say Monza from personal experience. You can stay in Milan and have everything that has to offer and then jump on the train up to Monza each day, which is very easy. Usually one of the best atmospheres to be found at any circuit.......except the year I went! It was 2001 and we flew out on September 13th, two days after you know what. The Ferraris carried black nose cones, the Jordans had a stars and stripes on the chassis, a two minute silence in the pit lane prior to the first session, no champagne spraying, although it was Juan Pablo's first victory and the surprsingly large number of Columbians there quite rightly celebrated.

Have fun wherever you go!

[f1ea]

... not to mention Spa could soon be "legendary" as Formula Bernie's expansion plans seem to be more interested in racing for Crown kings and princes..........

[What's Burning?]

... not to mention Spa could soon be "legendary" as Formula Bernie's expansion plans seem to be more interested in racing for Crown kings and princes..........

Bernie would grant a GP of Afghanistan if they guaranteed him a brand new Tilkedrome and a ten year hosting contract.

[zurich_allan]

A shame it's not on the calender any more, because the French GP at Magny Cours was an excellent race to go to as a spectator. The facilities weren't great, not bad but not great. The weather wasn't always great either. What WAS great was that with a grandstand seat, you could see over a huge amount of the whole track, meaning it was possible to actually keep track of what was happening in the race, something that is very very difficult at many GP's.