This area is for people who are attending or planning to attend the 2010 Canadian Grand Prix
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Use the comments below to share your thoughts on the race, where on the track you intend to watch from, how you’ll get to the track and more.
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2010 Canadian Grand Prix
- Read feedback from other F1 fans who’ve been to this track: Circuit Gilles Villeneuve – spectators’ experiences
- More information on this track: Circuit Gilles Villeneuve
savageblues said on 1st February 2010, 0:44
This will be my first CGP. I went with tickets in Section 33 for economy, proximity to the Metro, adjacent trees/shade, fair viewing. Any of the downtown hotels are nice, but way too expensive at this point. I’m staying at a southshore campground (Camping Alouette) on hwy#20. Should be a 20 min drive to U.Sherbrooke Metro station one stop away from Drapeu/C.Villeneuve.
JGP said on 1st February 2010, 7:42
Headed to CGP for second time (2008 was our first) … does anyone know about the Pit Walks? When? Admission cost, if any? Has anyone sat in Grandstands 1 or 2? Thanks.
gpfan said on 5th February 2010, 20:06
O.k. Here is my two cents. My first visit was in 1982. I watched Riccardo Paletti die. Every year, I swapped spots. I would alternate Grandstand seating with G.A. attendance.
There are positives to both. When I booked Grandstand, I generally did it a year in advance, with a view to getting seats near pit-in, as high up as possible. Also, I enjoyed the hairpin Grandstands.
The drawbacks to these? Well, through-out the race and qualies, some drunken, shirtless French-Canadian will be standing and screaming at the top of his lungs during the entire event. If you like standing to see over or around him, then, good on you. Also, sorry about your luck if it happens to be rainy. The afore-mentioned locals don’t sport hats and macs. No. They pop open the brollies. All the standing in the world will not allow one to see the action.
For General Admission, there are also good and bad. The good is the price. If one attends very early and gets the chosen spot, then life is sweet. The bad? The Italians from Toronto that show at around 10 am and try to squeeze in or take over one’s vantage point through any physical or violent means possible. Good luck if you need to go for a slash or scoff, ect. Also, off-shore visitors (non North Americans) try to take liberties. On more than one occasion I seriously debated smacking a Japanese, south European, or eastern European tourist.
The plus side? The roving bands of American race fans that take their racing and eating seriously. They call it ‘tail-gating’. ‘Tillie’ hats and rain-gear for them. No umbrellas. And, their preparedness and generosity with the food and drinks is legendary. On too many occasions to re-count, I have left for a pee-break only to find an interloper attempting to squeeze into my spot. Every time, groups of Americans have made it clear that that continued behaviour would not be very British, nor healthy.
Canadian Grand Prix attendees are the rudest people with whom I have ever dealt.
Copse is the best place at Silverstone, and BGP fans are almost as much fun as the Detroit, Long Beach, and Indy fans I have met.
FYI? I am not American, and have worked as a marshall, extrication, and removal (crane at pit-in) in Montreal. It is a race I love so much that I prefer to attend, rather than work.
Hope this helps. AND, please take my generalisations seriously. After twenty attendances as a spectator, everything I have said has held to form. Even the American marshalls were great guys, whereas the local marshalls …..
gpfan said on 5th February 2010, 20:17
Sorry. Meant Club, not Copse, for Silverstone. Enjoy CGV any that attend.
I’ll be the old guy with the hat and nap-sack.
vince said on 6th February 2010, 10:35
gpfan, I think that is the best comment to any post I have ever read.
I live in Ontario, Canada but always went to the USGP instead of Montreal. For reasons being the price of the trip is a whole lot cheaper (so I hear) then Montreal. Although now that isn’t possible. We did grandstand seating once and then every other year got general admission and had a blast. Seeing as Indy had tons of space and open grassy areas to have a good vantage point in general admission.
That and the people I had ever met were great fun. Montreal I am a little skeptical about. Like Britain they are our France. I don’t have to say anymore about that. You know what I mean.
I won’t buy grandstand seating for reasons you pointed out. You are stuck there the whole race most likely with a bunch of idiots.
I am still on the fence about going as I highly doubt it will live up to my USGP experiences. But I have friends who want to go see F1 for the first time, it may be worth it in that sense.
Cheers.
gpfan said on 6th February 2010, 21:47
Sadly, Vince, I am happy you agree with my post. I should hate to think
that some 26 or 27 visits were an anomaly on my part, as far as my experiences went.
I have come to the conclusion that regulars (those with multiple visits)
should set the VCR and get GA tickets.
There is still a lot to be said for Grandstand seating just for the bragging rights and the experience.
Vince? I understood your coded message! LOL
Wout said on 6th February 2010, 17:04
I would like to be a marshall for this race. Do you know how i would get in contact with the correct people to volunteer?
Any help is appreciated.
gpfan said on 6th February 2010, 22:01
Hello, Wout. Marshalling for such a big race as a Formula One event is done on a volunteer basis and the participants are selected through seniority.
If you have never marshalled before, you may not be allowed to work this event.
To marshall, one must join a (usually) local club. Every time you work at the track it is called an event. Events may include Qualies (Saturday), practice, or test days. Also, different disciplines are included. Bikes, cars, whatever.
The marshalls then acquire the official license (in my day, it was 20 events). Then through seniority, or nepotism they move up to flagging, communications, corner leader, and the rest.
Many events are very accommodating and grateful for the marshalls. An event such as an F1 race, mind is so over-subscribed with volunteers, that the organisers take the most experienced and no longer provide perks such as lodging, guest passes, food, drink and the like.
If you are already a track official, you may know this. If you are not, you should contact SCCA in America, or CRCA in Ontario. I forget the name of the Quebec club. Anywhere else in Canada, contact ASN-FIA.
Hope this helped.
KiddyGal said on 6th February 2010, 18:10
We have a facebook group for people who are actually going to the Grand Prix. Feel free to join.
It’s called: “going to the canadian grand prix 2010″
Grom said on 18th February 2010, 19:10
Just pulled the triger on Montreal. I got Grand 12 – sec 2, TT. Are these any good? It looks like they are to the right, but row TT souds like very high up.
Sahir said on 17th March 2010, 4:41
Hi Grom,
As per my knowledge, the good sections of Grandstand 12 are 5,6 and 7. In 11, sections 1,2 and 3 are really good but they dont have any seats available in that. So, be happy on what you have got. I will be in section 4.
C you there
Sahir said on 20th March 2010, 2:18
Hi Grom,
Just so you know, i called admission.com today and they have some good seats in Tribune 11(section 3) and Tribune 12(section 6). You can try your luck.
Thanks
Eastman said on 20th February 2010, 3:08
I’ll be at the GP in June.
Staying downtown if anyone is interested in grabbing a brew. I’ve booked seats in Grand Stand 1 across from pitout for all three days.
Really looking forward to it.
Guberman said on 24th February 2010, 21:56
I am from the U.S. and planning on heading to Montreal for a bachelor party. I’ve never been to a Grand Prix race and we choose Montreal because of the party atmosphere that goes along with this weekend. Could someone let me know if basically everyone attends the race and parties at night, or its more like a Superbowl atmosphere in the sense that the majority of people don’t have tickets and party while the actual race is going on. Thanks.
Matt said on 25th February 2010, 2:41
We are trying to purchase F1 Canada grandstand tickets on the formula1.com website and need clarification. If we were to purchase a “weekend grandstand” ticket does that mean the ticket is good for Friday 6/11/10, Sat 6/12/10 AND Sunday 6/13/10? I ask because the site is confusing and it states “weekend grandstand” but there is a drop down box that states Fri 6/11/10. Hope this makes sense.
Joe Tanto said on 25th February 2010, 21:11
Through Admission.com $225/$395/$495 prices for 3 day grandstand ticket.
I can’t see a box dropping down stating Fri 6/11/10 ?
The drop down on Admission.com says 3 days ( 3 jours ).
If the price is less than above, thats a flag the seats will be single days. So far as I know all grandstand tickets through Admission.com are 3 days.
Seems some grandstands are only available for individual seats now.
Joe Tanto said on 25th February 2010, 21:20
Sorry, I meant to add, I can see that the drop down on formula1.com only states the Friday but comparing the prices they must be 3 day tickets.
It states in the formula1.com small print that single day tickets are only available for general admission.
slowhand said on 10th March 2010, 17:36
Have purchased tickets for race weekend in Tribune 33 section 1 row R. Does anyone know if this is a lower or higher row ? Also will be staying in hotel in Longueuil. Is there a “best way” of getting from hotel to track ? Thanks for any info- I think we are in for a fantastic season.
Aarif said on 10th March 2010, 17:54
I am not sure about the rows but for transport from Longueuil to the track you can use the subway, there is Station Longueuil-Université de Sherbrooke there according to google map, and hop off at Station Jean-Drapeau and walk to the track as most if not all the spectators will be doing.
slowhand said on 11th March 2010, 0:14
Aarif – Thank you for the info. Will follow your instructions. Thanks again
Sahir said on 17th March 2010, 4:25
Hi Slowhand,
After making couple of calls to the box office and reading some comments on different websites. I would say, the lower rows start with double letters like AA, BB…..and at the middle of the section single letter rows start like A,B,C…..I am not sure about section 33 but in section 11 and 12, the rows go like this. I have booked my seats in Grandstand 12 section 4, i know this is not very great but we are open to exchange our seats with a better one unless we have received our ticket in the mail. Your best bet is to call box office. Take Care
slowhand said on 18th March 2010, 16:17
Sahir – Thanks for the info – their systems seems to be the opposite of that used at Indy for the USGP. By the way I have photos taken at the Canadian GP in 1979 and 1980 – was able to land photo passes back in the pre Bernie days. If anyone is interested let me know and I will try to post some shots. This is one great web site and the knowledge level and politeness of the users is outstanding !!
Alessandra said on 15th March 2010, 20:23
I just bought the tickets through the formula1.com website for the grandstand 33. All I get are vouchers to be exchanged for the ticket in the actual race. No information on the seats whatsoever. Does that mean I will only be able to know my seats at the day of the exchange? I find that very disturbing. What if I need to sell them? Any views would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Aarif said on 15th March 2010, 20:28
Perhaps give the circuit a call
http://www.circuitgillesvilleneuve.ca/contact-us.html
514-350-0000
And see if they can help you.
Sahir said on 17th March 2010, 4:31
Hi Alessandra,
I do agree with Aarif but you can also try contacting formula1.com(through email or phone) coz in your case this is your source website. I am not sure, what is their policy regarding seats and tickets. Best of Luck.
alister said on 12th April 2010, 1:49
Beware of the reseller that F1 directs you to. WWTE sells the grandstand “tickets” but you end up with a voucher, no assigned seats and no customer support. I presume there will be tickets issued at the venue but also fear they will be the worst seats as the official GP Canada reservations (not mentioned on F1′s site) are selling the assigned seats.
WWTE says all non refundable and claim ignorance of how the system works!! STAY AWAY
eric said on 17th March 2010, 15:57
Hi guys,
Does anyone know if it’s possible to buy grandstand tickets just for race day? If not is it possible to sell the Fri and Sat grandstand tickets to some one if we don’t use them?
Like_Budda said on 20th March 2010, 3:41
Hey, does anyone know much about the Montreal track rules?
As in , can you bring in backpacks? food? coolers? etc
I’m not cheap, but I have to eat constantly (and dont want to miss any of the action) and I wouldnt mind bringing in some beers that I like (dont care for typical “event swill”) Is anything like this permitted?
THANKS
L.B.
Karen said on 18th April 2010, 3:37
I just read this on the track info page; looks like a cooler is okay just as long as it fits under your seat.
http://www.circuitgillesvilleneuve.ca/race-site.html
F1 Rabid Chucky said on 25th March 2010, 21:53
Like_Budda
I have always brought a pack with food and craft brews and have never encountered a problem. Of course there has been a year off but I think it will be the same. Having said that I used to bring rum and fruit juices to the Indy Toronto with no problem. Then one year off and the Andretti Gestapo took over. Now there you are not even allowed to bring food or water. They also threaten on their website that if you try to bring in alcohol you may be charged. But Montreal is a lot more laid back than Toronto.
Like_Budda said on 27th March 2010, 4:28
Chucky
Thanks for the heads up
We’ll plan to bring in some of our own stuff in limited quantities on the first day and adjust accordingly.
I know what you mean about Indy. I’ve attended the Edmonton race numerous times and they check EVERY bag going into the grounds. But at least they let you bring your own water. (or be faced paying $6 a bottle once inside) Again, I’m not cheap, but I get upset when loyal fans are so blatently taken advantage of.
CANT WAIT FOR MONTREAL!!
LB.
andy said on 29th March 2010, 3:58
so much great info, thanks, but I only have one question – definately can only afford general admission, and as it’s my first GP, I will do just about anything to have a ‘near amazing’ experience –
How early can/should I be at the track and is it all open access around it to just walk about and find a good spot(I realize it’ll be with stuff in tow)?
thanks for any advice,
p.s. booked a double room (private) for 3nts at the Residences UQAM today at CAD$82.00/nt.
Abdul said on 29th March 2010, 14:38
Hey Andy, I am planning on getting GA ticket as well but only for race day and also getting room at UQAM. I have heard from admission.com that the good general admission area is between stands 22 and 24 I think. Let me know if we can meetup and go together.
Marlene said on 30th April 2010, 21:33
I think you will have an amazing experience. Canada was my first grand prix, and I fell in love with it then. The racing itself is amazing, but the city is so fun also. Very glamorous and lots going on, all race centered. Ferraris parked on the streets, etc. I’ve only sat in the stands, but there are people standing at different places all around the track. I would come early as possible. There are tons and tons of people trying to get on and off the island via the subway, so expect to wait and be really tight with everybody else. I would be as mobile as possible, maybe wheels on whatever you have to bring, and as much as possible in a backpack because you have to walk a long way and it’s a bumpy path in parts. Bring lots of sunscreen, h20, a big hat, etc. Also, if you can afford it, the kangaroo tv systems are awesome. You can follow your favorite driver in car and get all the stats, etc. Have fun. I can’t wait!