Debate: Going to a race in 2008?
It may be many months until the start of the new season, but those thinking of going to one of the early races will already be getting their tickets and hotels sorted.
What race would most like to go to in 2008? Are you planning to visit either of the new additions to the calendar in Singapore or Valencia?
I usually end up going to the British Grand Prix and for the last two years have managed to fit in an extra trip to Istanbul and Monza (you can read about my experiences below).
I’ve always wanted to go to Monaco but it’s a bit too expensive for me. And having just bought a house I might not be able to afford much next year!
What race would you most like to go to? Are you going to one next year?
If you’re thinking of going to a race but haven’t picked one you can read other people’s experiences of the different circuits.
Photo: HondaRacingF1.com
More on the 2008 F1 calendar
milos said on 4th December 2007, 1:29
I somehow do not see this freeze to last for 10 years. Single tyre rule lasted a year, customer chassis idea not even 2 years. This 10 year engine freeze might be just an another PR exercise by Mosley and FIA. This will only be on table until they come with an answer to Keith’s question – What will happen after … But likely it will not be after 2019 but much earlier…
milos said on 4th December 2007, 1:30
… sorry for some reason my browser went on strike … the above comment should be for the “engine freeze” article
verasaki said on 4th December 2007, 4:13
Eric M: Where would you say is the best spot to watch the race from?
The best seats are, of course, across from the pits but they’re usually sold out by now and a lot of it is reserved for the package tour groups. Still you might get lucky if you have the price.
I’ve been to Canada several times and while you can never tell where the action will be I’d recommend the stands at the Senna corner (turn 3, I think). I’d try for the stands right at the corner but I think it was a gold ticket, pricey when I was there, but well worth a couple of weeks of eating ramen noodles. The second set of stands at exit of the turn aren’t bad, you can see them going into and coming out of the corner but, depending where you are in that stand the view can be a little obstructed.
The other best spots would probably be at the hairpin, but there is a stand between turns 7& 8 that’s pretty fun. The cars are pretty much heading straight at you.
I think almost all of the stands have a view of the vid screens now. My favourite stand (and the cheapest, actually) was after the hairpin. I noticed they don’t set one up there anymore. During quali and the race in ’96 since the stand was pretty much empty, you could move up to the top row and see them coming down towards the hairpin, then as they came down towards the straight. Not much action but, god! The sound you could hear before you saw them then every single shift and exhaust pop as they hit the hairpin and accelerated out of it!
Montreal really is a great city for a long weekend and it is dead easy to get to the track. You can take the metro, which is crowded but cheap and they move everyone through amazingly quickly. Or you can actually walk over the bridge. I walked back after one of the races because the metro was really crowed and once you get across the river it’s a nice little scenic walk. Or, you could roller blade, as I saw several people do.
Hope that helps
Sri said on 4th December 2007, 7:19
If and only if i could save some dough, then it would be Spa. For one, seeing the cars at full chat through the Eau-Rougue, it is an immense thrill(wish i could have a dab at it, like many others). I know it’s like a matter of a couple of seconds, but worth it.
Eric M. said on 4th December 2007, 7:32
Excellent advice, Verasaki. Thank you!
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine) said on 4th December 2007, 7:49
Eric here’s some more information from fans on going to the Canadian Grand Prix.
Sigmund said on 4th December 2007, 9:30
Since there is no race in Norway, the races I have been to has been places with cheap flights from Oslo. I have been at Istanbul 2006, Barcelona and Hungary 2007.
Next year me and the boys are going to Hockenheim, but plan to drive Nordschleife earlier that week. But since none of us have driven a race car, we are going to do it in a race rigged VW Polo 1.1, if it’s available and the track isn’t closed. Either way it’s going to be a great weekend.
Also the lady and I want to go to Valencia, but I’m not sure we can afford it this year. For me it would be great to watch a street race, and the lady wants to see Valencia.
Toby said on 4th December 2007, 21:04
I’ll be going to the Melbourne race (luckily I live there), then my wife and I are looking to go to Singapore. Two races in ’08 sounds great to me! I’ve got some unsolicited advice for anyone attending their first gp – Don’t sit at slow corners! What’s the use in going to see some of the fastest cars in the world, then watching them at 50-100 km/h?! Find a fast or fast-ish corner with views of entry and exit – you get the sense of speed, cornering and gear shifts. In Melbourne this is best achieved by going General Admission because you can get SO close to the cars between turn 5 and 6 (and at turn 6 exit)!!! I can’t wait!
Number 38 said on 5th December 2007, 15:31
I have been blessed with the opportunity to have actually RACED at 9 USGPs (Watkins Glen) and 2 Canadian GPs (Montreal), support races mind you, but my
Drivers armband had no exclusions and needless to say there’s nothing like living in the pits during the “big race”.
Today…….TV coverage (good or bad) beats the cost and limited viewing one gets with a ticket.
PinkPeril said on 7th December 2007, 1:22
Living in Melbourne, I go every year ! Last year we fulfilled a dream & went to Monaco. We went GA because of the prices for grandstand, but I would not do so again. The GA area in Monaco is on the side of a granite hill for starters ! Next time (if there is one) I’ll spend the $$$ for a seat. Having said that though, the amtosphere was amazing and it was a fantastic to be there, watching the most well known race live at the track.
We are heading off to Singapore next year for the first race there, and I can’t wait. Already booked flights, hotels etc – just waiting for the tickets to be on sale !
Sarhan said on 8th December 2007, 2:00
This year I only managed to go to Budapest for the Hungarian GP, pretty hot it was! people do go GA there if you cant go Gold4. though next hear I’m absolutely going to Valencia:-)
scott forsyth said on 15th January 2008, 16:44
I shall be attending the Canadian Grand Prix this year and shall be sitting in the gold seat area across from the pits…cant wait, has anyone else been to the canadian gp before or maybe going this year as i have never been to gp befoe and was wondering what the place and the atmosphere is like whiethe event is being held there.
Joyce said on 28th February 2008, 11:51
For my husband’s 40th, I am going to get him some tickets for Spa. Can someone advise what are the best tickets to go for? I have sort of narrowed it down to gold 2 or gold 3 (eau rouge). I believe that in gold 2 you can see the podium and the pits but what about gold 3?
Grateful for any advice!
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine) said on 28th February 2008, 11:57
Hi Joyce. You can find some more information about going to Spa-Francorchamps here: Circuit: Spa-Francorchamps
From the little map on the official site I’m pretty sure you can’t see the F1 pits from Gold 3, which from the look of it is halfway up Eau Rouge.
Excellent choice of race by the way. I went in 2000 and it was awesome. Enjoy the frites!
Journeyer said on 28th February 2008, 13:04
I’m going to my 1st ever live race this year – and it’s at Singapore! I had to fight tooth and nail to get those race tickets, but they’re worth it!!! :)
milos, PinkPeril, where will you guys sit? I’m sitting at the Marina Grandstand (not the Bay one with the tunnel).