Tell us about your experiences of visiting Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.
You may wish to include:
- When you visited the track
- Where you watched from
- How easy it was to get to
- How much of the track you could see
- What support races there were
- What you liked and didn’t like
- How much it cost and whether it was good value
Please use the reply box below to leave your comments.
Are you planning a trip to the 2010 Belgian Grand Prix? Chat with other F1 fans who are going to the race here: 2010 Belgian Grand Prix discussion
Hey Liz no problem- you can park here too- especially race day and if you decide you can’t face the drive to your digs then I am sure we can find you a spot in someone’s camper for the night! Just do what you think is right but stay in touch!
And another thing- Brussels is a great and beautiful city but it has the most dog poo in the world……
Guys, I’m really jealous watching your conversation and knowing I won’t be back at Spa this year!
We stayed in Maastricht for the race weekend in 2007. The drive in on Sat was no problem, and we were in the new little stand at the bus-stop chicane.
Sunday was a whole different story, however – it took us 3 hours to cover 4km on the motorway trying to get off at the right exit. Team mechanics were being sent out on pit scooters to come pick up staff and guests that were stuck in the traffic – and when we got to the end of the queue it turned out that it was all caused by 2 lanes becoming 1 – crazy!!!!!
That time we just made it into the village about 10 mins before race start and had to hare along to attempt to get to our stand in time – which we made just as they passed on the warm-up lap – close thing!
Andy,
i’ll give you a thrashing on the simulator if you want Ha Ha! If don’t win i’ll try and convince you the things faulty…
There is no dought that Hamilton is a fast driver, but some drivers have difficulty when they can’t communicate a way forward to the team, things like ‘it’s slow everywhere’ winds the team up. This is one of the reasons i support alonso, the car isn’t fast enough, but he works out a way to keep the car as far forward as he can until they come up some way to improve the car, fuelling light, less wing , long stints ect,this motivates the team and keeps the sponsers happy.In spain for example, alonso knew he couldn’t win, but fuelled light to keep the car near the front for the fans. Hamilton is used to the car being near the front,He started at the top of the old car’s development and now will it take some time to get the car working, should do well at monaco next week though, thinking top five. Tony and Deb
Good points Tony, here’s hoping!
Simulator challenge accepted, does your confidence spring from experience I wonder? If so I might have to call the handicappers in to even things up a bit, ha ha. We could maybe work out a points system based on bottles of Val-Dieu?
Andy
Carol & Andy:
Brilliant job on the campsite info! Thanks very much! Will be taking my dad to his 1st GP in 30 years (!) (Watkins Glen ‘79) and we are really looking forward to it. Looks like I’m going to follow your lead & set up shop @ the Elephant. Quick question, do they have tents set up or is it a must to bring your own camping gear? We are flying over from the States, so it would help not to have to bring along the tent, but is also no problem if we have too. I look forward to meeting everyone off Fanatic & def. downing a few fine belgian ales! Really, I can’t wait to see this legendary track. (1st up, Silverstone in just over a month!) Thanks for the help. Oh, so with all the different emails floating around, which seems to work best?
Hi Christopher,
not sure about pre-erected tents at the Elephant, the site we were on last year did have them but I’m sure Carol will know & reply to your question. If all else fails I can bring a 2 man tent with me in the caravan that you & your Dad are welcome to use for the weekend.
You are in for a treat at Spa, the atmosphere is fantastic!!
As for the best email address, it seems that Michael is still having problems with his ISP so I would suggest you call him on his cell phone just to be sure (it’s on his website)good luck.
Andy
Hi Carol, Andy, everyone
Following on from Christopher’s e-mail above I’m confused as to the best e-mail for the Elephant. I’ve tried the one from the website (bounced back), and all@the-elephant.de, but I’ve had no reply (maybe I’m just impatient!). Any other suggestions???
Cheers
Catherine
Catherine (& Christopher)
as an addition to Tony’s advice, it may be worth trying Michael’s mobile number which is +32 485 176 121. This is how I originally got in touch with him & then via the email address supplied above. Don’t forget the different time zones though as he might not be too happy with a call in the middle of the night.
Good luck, hope Michael has enough room for us all!!
Andy
Hi Catherine and Christopher, we got through on
f1_reservation@francorchamps-camping.com, Michael said his elephant site works but he’s going to change it soon anyway,so try that. Watkins glen christopher! that’s lucky, you can tell us all about it when you come over, I think andretti won there. Tony and Deb.
Hi all
this web addy works:
f1_reservation@francorchamps-camping.com
otherwise as for a few peeps mail me and I will ensure Michael responds.
carol.treurnicht@arcor.de
Also Michael has looked in here so he might in future too…..let me know if anyone has problems and we get it fixed.
@ Christopher
no they don’t have pre erected tents but if you want to join us for a good time then I have a good tent (depends how many of you are coming- I understand only you and Dad?- in which case i could bring mine along and a few home comforts for you- we are coming in a camper so can bring some things for you – think about what you need and post something- would be great to have you guys from over the water join us! We co9uld also book your space near to us and the rest on Wednesday so not far for you guys for food and beer…….
use better the direct site for the reservation:
http://fd8.formdesk.com/gerhardgaberinternational/form1
cu
Michael
Yeah guys- lets all club together to get Christopher and his dad over to us…….Ok we got offers of tents….I also got a huge inflatable mattress and could bring bed stuff too also those of us in campers can bring a couple of chairs etc and extra food and beer (Carol just upped the beer order…….)
Hi all, I’m good for the barbeque and we have an awning on the camper, so we’re alright for shelter- something to sit under for a break from the weather, hot or cold drinks ect, got lots of camping stuff thats on the van all the time, so should be able to help with most things. If your dad’s got any special requirements just mention it and we’ll bring it if we can.
Andy, I’m up for the challenge! I haven’t been on a simulator before,but….Carol will be jealous! we,ve got tickets to a renault show at silverstone, Should get some good Photos close-up of the R28 running!I’ll send you and carol some when i’ve got them (I think grosjean is going to do a couple of laps in it!)There’s also a simulator for me to practice on… so i’ll probably be rubbish. Tony and Deb.
Yes definetly, I’ll bring extra chairs etc, loads of room in the van, also got spare (clean) sleeping bags & stuff like that & will bring plenty of food over from Blighty (Bacon, Sausage & Black Pudding for Carol) & am travelling through France on the way so we will be stopping for some beers.
Hey Christopher, I make a mean Yorkshire Pud, have you tried it before? If not you & your Dad are in for a treat!!
Andy
tztztztz – bringing beer to Belgium! Same as if you go to swim and you take some water with you!
Ha Ha Michael,
I was just reading through the old comments & came across this one, your right, I will wait until I cross the border in to Belgium before buying my beer with a special one for our host!!
Andy
Oh no, Tony’s getting his eye in at Silverstone ready to whoop me!! I might do a Bernie & make some new rules up ha ha!!
Andy
Hi All
Thanks for all your help with the mails/phone numbers – I’ve tried all the e-mail addresses (the f1_reservation@francorchamps-camping.com is the one that bounced back, but will try again today). If still no luck I’ll try and call Michael tomorrow.
Tony – the Renault show sounds fun – is that at the formula renault weekend? Catherine
Catherine.
Yes it is, on the 4th july,going to be cars from all renault formulas there, so should be a treat! It’s between f1 races- a week after silverstone so might get nelson,who crashed this car in bahrain last month(on you tube)or Grosjean having a go. This is the car (R28)richard hammond tried to drive on ‘top gear’ so should be good to see it running close up.Tony and Deb.
Wow, I’m overwhelmed by the response! Carol, we would be more than happy to join you at the Elephant (won’t be able to bring the beer, but more than happy to pay our share;) Looks like we will be flying in to Brussels on Thursday morning, grabbing a rental car & heading out to the track! My Dad may appreciate the air mattress, I’d say it’s a safe bet it will go to use. As far as the tent, I have my own 2 man but it may be a huge help if you had an extra in the camper (I don’t want to trouble you at all). Seriously, I couldn’t be looking forward to this more! It sounds all the better because of the great people on here. @Tony: I was never lucky enough to attend a Watkins Glen GP (wasn’t born yet) but my Dad went to every one from ’73 to ’79 and saw some incredible races (winners included Peterson, Reuteman, Lauda, Hunt & Villeneuve!!) and also some terrible tragedies (Cevert). He can tell you some good stories about the BOG!!
Andy, I’m sure it’ll be a good competition,who ever wins!
Christopher, cool, your can dad tell us all about the turbo’s, it must have been amazing watching f1 when the cars were so quick, did he ever see the six wheel tyrell race? i’ve seen the car a few times but have never seen it running, only on display, can’t wait. Tony and deb
Hey Christopher and everyone
hey i am sure you guys will have a great time- we already ordered a bit extra beer and noted to bring the extra tent, double mattress, bed stuff and whatever…….we all need to catch up nearer the time as to who brings what but you guys coming all that way- welcome is all I can say! You’ll have a great time. I gotta catch up with Michael now as to what is happening with all your inquiries (sorry been tied up with my 50th party and now can get back to erm normal life!) Was a good bash but I need a couple of days to recover still……….
Hi Carol
Sounds like you celebrated your birthday in style! Hope you’ve recovered now… at least plenty of time before Spa and your next birthday celebrations! Thanks for looking into things with Michael – hopefully we’ll be booked soon!
Catherine
Hi Carol & everyone
I just wanted to say Hi. I was at spa last year (Silverstone the year before) and it was awesome. went with a tour company but hated having to leave at the end of each day with people in the pub or going off to BBQ’s, this year I’m camping and thankfully with help from Carol contacting Michael I should get a space booked soon. looks like a great bunch of people staying, would be great to catch up with you all. Rich
hi rich,
you’d better get booked soon, at this rate the place will be rammed! Look foreward to seeing you, who do you support? We already have renault, mercedes, red bull and ferrari covered!Ha Ha. See you there. Tony and Deb.
Hi Rich,
where were you positioned last year? We were right above Bus Stop on Blanchimont so saw some really good action (Lewis taking Kimi “illegally” etc).
As Tony says, welcome to the gang, as none of us have met before the first night & day will be filled with introductions etc over a few beers but it is surely going to be a memorable weekend for lots of reasons, just wish it was here now!!
Andy
Morning Guys.
I was half way up the long straight after Eau-rouge directly opposite a big screen. Got a great picture of Kimi passing Lewis along that straight early on. I’m Ferrari all the way. Hopefully get the place booked today/tomorrow. First time camping since I was a kid and I can’t wait for the race weekend. Rich
Chris,
you will be among friends at the campsite then as Carol’s partner & mate’s are Ferrari too. Our group will be shouting (quietly) for the Mclarens again.
Are you in the same place this year? We have booked Gold 8 at the end of the start/ finish straight.
Andy
Sorry Rich, typing too fast, I called you Chris there by mistake.
Andy
Hi Rich
Sounds like a Great place to have been – as a Kimi fan that early part of the race was my favourite (I enjoyed him overtaking Massa even more than Hamilton – how often do we see team mates racing like that at the moment!). Its a shame that with all that happened at the end of the race the way he drove at the beginning tends to have been forgotten…. We’re sat at Eau Rouge this year.
Finally managed to get through to Michael(thanks Carol)so should be all booked up tomorrow too….. Very excited, although we’re lucky enough to be going to Silverstone next month as well first!
Hoping to wrap up my Elephant reservation by the end of the day, I did receive a response from Michael on the email listed above. Just over 3 months to go!
Hi all,
end it there, I vote for the Monaco GP to be postponed forthwith & all points to be awarded as per the standings at the end of second practise!!
Hey Tony, good call on Lewis’ improved performance for this round, let’s hope it continues through the weekend!!
Andy
Rich
if you were there last year then you may just have sat next to me…………we also sit up on long straight in front of Tv screen……..did you see the huge bonfire the dutch guys made on the path up there to keep warm………??????? And were you anywhere near the crowds of Cabana Boys fans from Brazil? they just kept multiplying………amazing!
Hi to all
especially those who contacted me due to difficulties- I just got a response from Michael- I now have the booking form if anyone needs it and now his personal email addy (don’t want to publish it here) and all those sent to him should get a response in the next day or so…..if not yell please and I’ll try and sort it………can’t wait till end of August now but till then- enjoy Monaco!
Hi Carol I am trying to find the best way to book onto the elephant site. Can you please provide Michaels best email
Thank you in advance
ps Happy birthday for a few weeks ago!
Hi Carol
I am trying to book at the Elephant for the Saturday and Sunday for me and my son. Could you let me know Michaels email address. I have tried the others but had no reply,
Thanks
Paul
Carol
What a small world, we sat next to some guys from Honda. They explained anyone from back at the factory had to make their own way there, they don’t even get passes to the pits. I remember a huge group of people who had sleeping bags, BBQ’s and anything else you can imagine sitting along the top of the hill where the path was they had so much stuff.
Hi Andy
Yes I think we’ll end up in the same place this year, Last year on practice day we had a walk round the circuit and could not believe how good the pilot was in the yellow helicopter! at one point he we hovering at the height of the crowd about 20-30ft away. Practice looked good yesterday nice to the Ferrari’s and Mclaren improving
Hi Rich,
yeah the Chopper pilot was amazing!! Hope it’s the same one this year.
The improved performances are promising & make the rest of season even an even more exciting prospect (as long as Brawn don’t get too far ahead!!
Andy
Hi all
great to see Catherine is now sorted-Michael says he is planning a surprise …….just hope its not mud wrestling and that the weather is a little bit kinder to us this year than last………still good excuse to buy myself a Renault fleece (and a Ferrari one for the other half of course…….)
@ Rich- jeez what a story- we saw some Honda fans dressed as crusaders- got some super pics of them but I expect their faces will look a bit different this year!
Hi Carol,
I saw the Crusaders too & we got talking to them, they were from Hull which is where we all live too. Maybe they’ll come as White Knights this year with Virgin logo’s on their Shields :-}
Judging by last year on our site the mud wrestling started on the Monday when everyone tried to push their vans out of the field, so funny to watch (especially when you have a 4×4 ready to tow your own van out!!)
Andy
hi again! stop getting me excited- don’t want to peak too early!Andy, Rosberg should do well in Monaco and Hamilton might get a place. Piquet looking good but can’t string three fast sections in a row, I’m a bit concerned about the dip 50mtrs before the entrance to the tunnel, this looks worse than I remember so I suspect there’ll be some drama in the race! ook for Buemi improving as well although he’ll probably crash it. Not long now! Tony and Deb.
Tony,
tell me about it, I absolutely love Monaco, the whole event is fantastic, it’s like a film in it’s own right. It’s my 50th birthday in 3 years & I’ve asked my wife for the whole weekend there as my present, do you think I’ll get it? No me neither, I’ll probably get that kitchen I’ve always wanted….apparently!!
Andy
Hey Andy
Monaco certainly does have a flair of its own- my mum is from Hull and not that far from Costa del D…..
Do what we are doing- if we all win the pools then we celebrate Andy’s 50th in Monaco…….hey sounds like something to save up for or not?
@ Tony- Piquette looking good……..erm which wall or barrier he gonna hit this time? Lol!
Andy, they do trips there on the bus, my mum went there(but not when the racing’s on)so you’ll have to make f1 noises on the bus with the pensioners as you go round!
Carol, piquet will probably hit some-one at the chicane, shame really that his days are numbered, he’s got talent but he’s just a little out of his depth, grosjean should be in it soon, hopefully.
By the way, they have campsites at Monaco as well, maybe next year…. Tony and Deb
Hi Carol,
another coincidence, it’s uncanny!!
Would be great to have a massive party in Monaco for my 50th, we could set up a convoy of vans to travel across France with us! Looks like the kitchen might have to wait ha ha.:-)
Has Michael got enough room at the Elephant? It’s fast becoming THE place to be at Spa this year.
Andy
Well at least Piquette didn’t hit the barriers by himself this time………lol!
I am sure Michael has enough space (if not I am sure he will persuade a few neighbouring farmers to put their cows or whatever somewhere else…….-joke!)
As for Monaco- would love to go there but where on earth there can you get a decent view for an affordable price? They told us on TV today that a seat in the Rascasse cafe costs you €2500 (although lunch was actually included….indeed)!
Maybe Michael could invest some of the money he makes this year in a nice little hotel near Sainte Devote? Only joking Michael
Glad there will be enough room for everyone, perhaps we will have to think of a name for the gathering soon, I’m going to the V Festival in the UK the weekend before Spa & I think there will be more people at the Elephant!! How about ElephantFest?
Andy
I think the only affordable option is clinging onto the hillside for dearlife, and even that costs 70 Euros! Not for those with vertigo……
I felt a bit sorry for poor Nelson, but did find it amusing when interviewed on BBC he made some comment about young drivers making mistakes.
I was just happy to see Kimi back on the podium, although a couple steps higher would be even better.
Hi all,
We could call it ‘Trenchfoot’. Perhaps not..
Nelson was funny, he was probably happy it wasn’t his fault this time. I like the way he said he was set to finish in the points, at the time he was behind nak/bor in 12th place on the same fuel! I thought Hamilton did well in the race though- car’s much better,who came up with that ridiculous fuel strategy?
Alonso did well again (I always say that!)
Deb was gutted about vettel’s tyres- didn’t get that cheesy grin on the podium.
We could all club together and rent a small room with a balcony then just use it for the racing…
Tony and Deb
How about camping on the outskirts & hiring a small boat moored in the harbour?
Have to say I still haven’t seen much of yesterdays race as I was at work & just saw the odd bit on the internet. Sounds like the Brawns are slowly being hauled in by the other teams? From what I saw there were some strange tactics as Tony has already said.
Tony, you must be chuffed, apart from Jenson & Rubens, Alonso is the most consistent point scorer isn’t he? Think he’s scored points in 4 out of 6 so far.
Andy
Andy,
Don’t start me off about Alonso,This is why I think he’s the best! He makes the best of what he’s got, He knows he can’t win(yet) but uses strategy and skill to finish as high as possible, ( a metaphor for life perhaps…)all the drivers out there would win in the best car- no matter which one that is, but being consistant is what the team really wants, this is why Williams aren’t keen on Rosberg I think.I’ll bore you rigid with my Zen in spa!
Monaco is a tricky one to get too, but i’m sure we could work something out between us….
Tony and Deb.
Tony
I (as a Fonz fan) agree 100% but looks like he is getting frustrated at battling around the null points mark…..we’ll see what happens……..and which teams are still there 2010…….dunno about you peeps but I find the current “war” a bit worrying- still we remain optimistic and roll on Turkey (for a bit of fun and relaxation I am off to DTM this weekend………winks!)
Maybe we could pirate Mallya’s yacht!
Hi guys, great race weekend in monaco, finaly Ferrari are moving forward lets hope it continues (Obviously for ferrari fans) Poor old lewis talk about nothing can go right when you’re down. Alonso is a class act what ever way you look at it. Still trying to book my place (If there are any left) at the campsite, looks like my emails may have got through at last, tried calling Michael today but no answer.
Hey Rich
thought you got sorted- if still having probs then let me know Ok?
For anyone else having probs here is my addy
carol.treurnicht@arcor.de
If I can help I will.
Looks like we got a good bunch sorted already…….
We will probably be amongst the first there around midday on the Wednesday so I’ll be looking out for you guys!
Getting so excited now I will be impossible the next couple of months!
Has anyone tried to do a Spa trip in one day ?
I reckon you could leave London at 3am and be at the track by 11am. Leave Spa at 7pm, back in London by 1am.
Is this feasible ?
How is the traffic near the track ? I’ve experienced the comedy of parking @ Silverstone and that would definitely put me off the idea.
Pete,
don’t know if this is possible but one thing I do know is that you’ll miss Elephantfest, surely that is reason enough to go for the full weekend.
Andy
Pete
why go through all that stress- the whole fun is the build up over the days and the highlight of race day- arriving knackered and stressed and having to get back is not my idea of fun……….
And you pay the same if not more for a Sunday ticket that for a weekend job—–so I say take it all in and enjoy!
Ps for Rich and others still having problems- heard from Michael today and he confirms that peeps with hotmail addresses are being bounced for some reason- he changed something on the website and booking form but I don’t know if it works- maybe someone can try it and let me know……..
Off to watch footie now (for a change!)
Morning all.
At last I’m sorted, my reservation has been confirmed and I’ve just got to pay. Now I can chill and look forward to beers and bbq’s and racing of course.
Pete. I’ve driven to Belgium in a day before, I have an aunt out there, it’s not great mate we left at 4:00am and got home at 2:00 in the morning.
I’ve confirmed for the Elephant & made payment! Thanks for all the help, can’t wait to meet everyone in August.
@Pete: if you have the time, you should def. try to do all 3 days. Nothing like being at the track for the 1st Friday practice & having the first car come around! The build-up & excitement is fantastic leading up thru race day.
Hi all,
great news Chris, looking forward to meeting you & your Dad.
Getting the ball rolling, I have another blow up bed so that makes one for each of you with the one Carol has already offered. I will also bring 2 extra sleeping bags & pillows (no problem if they don’t get used as I have loads of space), I have a camping light & will also bring a small table & chairs. I’m sure you will not need cooking gear as you are more than welcome to have breakfast etc at my caravan as long as you like a good English Breakfast & Yorkshire Pudding (not together of course).
Do you think it will be worthwhile if you create a list of, a) what you need & b) what has been offered so that you can keep a track on it & we can make sure everything you need is provided?
Andy :~)
Christopher- fantastic news- look forward to seeing you there. We now just got to make a list as to who brings what so you guys have some comfort after coming all that way (Carol busily scribbling here…….)
I agree- you should take in the three days if you can- am trying to get hold of a sensible timetable so we know when the pitlane is open to us and when the drivers do their autograph sessions etc…..will see what I can dig up!
Hi all
Been reading your comments on last years race and camping experiences.Drove from West Wales and took my son there last year and absolutely loved it (gutted for Lewis). Camping however was a different matter we camped in Francorchamps centre in a LARGE campsite and did not sleep at all. German rock music playing full blast all night, briefly stopping between 5-6am! They were even cutting down the trees to put on the bonfire!
Interested in your comments on the Elephant campsite, sounds like a good place, , what entrance to the track is it near to, any ideas on cost? We’re definately going again this year best holiday ever. Come on Lewis!
Hi Simon
prices are fixed by the state and look like this:
Weekend camping package €135,00
Toilets €2 per person per day
Rubbish deposite €20.00 (if you leave no rubbish you get it back on departure)
shower €3.00 per shower and yes they are hot and clean.
And the site is smaller than the huge official sites and manned 24 hours so security is good there.
It is at the Eau rouge end of the track- the main chaotic campsites are at the far end- and yeah they are loud and just huge……..
The only drawback is being in Ster its a village with not much there- except the village pub we are commandeering for the duration but its a 20 minute walk to the entrance there- and a shuttle service is on if you want/need it. If you have fogotten your toothbruch or food or whatever the site peeps will go and get if for you as there are no shops there and as they close all the roads it is not easy to get out once you are in.
I love it- been there since 2005 and its like home for me- met great folks each year and had a great time- but you do get your shuteye too- if you want to!
Ps- please keep a little quiet if you a Lewis fan- the locals hate him and most of us would erm rather see someone else than him win……….
Andy and Christopher
what we need to do is the following:
1. Tent- think we got that sussed
2. Tables and chairs- think between us we got that sussed
3. Mattress and bedding- we got that sussed too
4. Food and drink- should also be ok- we all bring a bit extra and we should all not starve!We always share at the elephant anyways!
Important- when are you all arriving- we will be there Weds midday- so for those of us bringing stuff for others we need to make sure we are pretty near to each other- what the hell- when we get there I just tell Michael to reserve all around till you guys pitch up……
Christopher question- you guys got grandstand seats or going bronze like us? In which case I bring another two fold up seats for you on the track.
I also bring our 4 huge umbrellas (you will need one at somepoint guaranteed!)
If you need identification we are the small camper at the top of the site with the Ferrari and Renault flags (Renault probably at half mast……..)or just ask when you arrive for Carol……winks!
Christopher- I forgot to day- eating in the evening most of us grill so you more than welcome to join us for that——-and am sure the others will say the same.
The baker comes every morning so if you need bread or croissants then that is available too- for butter and something to put on them I am sure that between Andy and us we can sort you out! Its just fantastic you guys are coming all that way…….you won’t regret it.
We’ll make sure you have the best time!
Sorry if i am bubbling- I am just so excited and the atmosphere here is just great!
Hi Carol, Thanks for the reply,
Yeah your right… the locals are not keen on Lewis but we had some great banter at the bus stop chicane with Ferrari fans on Saturday quali. Thanks for the info, looks like we’ll give the Elephant a try! As we are planning to arrive on Thursday this year and aiming to get some sleep.
For anyone interested, a good alternative to Dover -> Calais is Dover -> Dunkirk,with Norfolkline Ferries, it cost £40 return, car and two people.
Enjoy the rest of the season. Hope we can make it to third quali in turkey, or at least Spa! Looks like Button’s got it in the bag, but Ferrari’s fortunes are changing.
All The Best,
Simon and Nicholas
Hi Simon,
that is the route we are taking, catching the 08:00 from Dover on the Wednesday morning.
I for one will be flying my Lewis flag high regardless, glad we now have another Mclaren fan joining us, I was srarting to feel like the silent minority with all the Renault & Ferrari peeps
Andy
Hey Simon
don’t take it to heart- I’m a committed Fonz fan but Ham is a great driver!
Try and make it to us- we got a good bunch buzzing here so far and am sure you’d love it!
If you got any probs getting booked then let me know (seems like I am Michaels agent now—-lol) and we look forward to seeing you.
Waht i love about Spa- apart from the great track-is the atmosphere because you get fans from all over and for all drivers and teams- what makes it special!
Good luck and hope to see you guys there!
I don’t mind you babbling Carol the more info the better, because we stayed outside spa last year, we didn’t really get to see what went on. Also good to know about the small things like no shop and the baker coming in the morning. Did you guys buy your food on the way down? Come on Ferrari you need to take it to Brawn now and start mixing it up!!!!!
I agree with Rich – the more info the better!
Carol -Can you not even drive out on the thursday/friday to a bigger town to buy stuff? That’s what we do at Silverstone – We’re in a tent so don’t have a fridge, only an icebox so are limited as to how much we can bring….
Looks like you guys have pretty much everything sorted for Christopher and his Dad now – we would offer to bring stuff, but our car is pretty much packed with all the camping gear for us….
Hey peeps
let me sort you all out.
Ster is a little village and not much chance to go anyt´where much once you are in- if you got tent and car then OK but those of us in campers are more or less stuck! Getting in and out is not a problem if you got a pass but because the roads get closed off it takes a while- so we don’t bother- if we get stuck or run out of something or like last year i forgot my toothbrush then just ask Michael- he and his crew will always help!
Catherine- what sort of icebox do you have? Is it one that is just a coolbox or one you run on battery/power? I also have one that runs on either/or so you are more than welcome to put your perishables in there and we can put it on our power supply….Don’t worry- just bring what you can and we will all muck in!
Our first year 2005 we were also in a tent and it p’d down all weekend- battery flat an now way to keep dry- our neughbours in a camper gave us shelter…..on last evening after race we all out of food so we pooled what we had- weirdest mixture of scrambled eggs and whatever……then we all left for the local pub (it was at least dry!) and had a great time. So all of you don’t worry- we all there to help each other have a great time!
But I will still talk to Michael and suggest he install a huge communal fridge…….
I also just talked to my partner- he just said we stuff our van full of everything and if anyone needs anything then they are welcome……..
Michael also said today that if Christopher and his dad are stuck even he has a tent for them………
Hey Chrisopher- looks like you guys can have a different tent each night!
Catherine- I will send you a mail ok?
hi all, Just got the new awning for our camper ( ivory and orange toyota with bull bar on front), so we should all be o.k for shelter and we have a fridge and cooker ect so no probs if you want to get dry.. I’m jealous of the Renault flag though carol!
Simon.
We we planning on dover/calais (same one as andy probably)but that might be worth a look, sounds like a good deal.. anyway, Lewis’s car is getting better- still can’t get enough heat into the tyres- but should be sorted by spa. Tony and Deb
Haha Tony- my Renault flag is fine (had to put something up to compete with all the reds around me……..) but my proudest posession is my huge Sauber Petronas brolly- lifesaver in 2005- it was huge and as the last year of the team before it became BMW they were being sold off cheap…….and we were desperate! Lol
Hi Guys
Thanks for the info Carol as always yo’re a star. I think we’ve decided to get a power coolbox and plug it in if, so at least we can bring some food with us. But hey lets be honest the rest of the room will be for drink. lets hope being a week earlier the sun’s shining (I know it’s a long shot). Think I need to get a Ferrari flag to put on the top of my Navara can’t be left out now can I!!!!!!
Hi all
Thanks for the invite to join you Carol, it would be great to meet up with all of you and have a few beers and a chinwag after a day at the track etc.We’ve been away all weekend so I’ve not had the chance to phone the Elephant yet,will try tomorrow. Nice to hear we’re not the only Mclaren fans going Andy, but i’ll wait for you to put up your flag first just in case!
We were hoping to go to Silverstone this year but Nicholas has got his GCSE’s on at the same time, as an alternative have decided to go to Festival of Speed on 5 July, anybody been before? have been told its really good and you can get close to the cars and drivers
Simon,
my flag will be flying high come what may!! Looking forward to meeting you guys.
Andy
Hi All
My friend and I are coming to Spa this year and we are booked into the “Elephant”. We will be there from Wednesday til Monday. We are from England (hampshire) and this is out first time to spa and cant wait!!!! So keep an eye out for a couple of english lads wearing brawn gear with brawn flags looking to meet up and party with everyone!!
Roll on August!
Welcome to the gang Ken!!
What route are you taking? We are catching the Dover ferry at 08:00 on the Wednesday morning, going to Dunkirk.
Andy
Hey guys,
Ive just received my grandstand weekend tickets and im getting really excited for the end of august.
One thing is concering me, we will be sleeping in Aachen and drive each day to the circuit, by reading on the traffic issues do you reckon on sunday it will be sufficient to leave Aachen at 9am ? or we should get up at like 6 or even 5 just to be sure we dont miss the race by sitting on the motorway. I have paid parcking spots aswell for the yellow area.
Hi Nicholas
We camped in the yellow parking/camping area last year, we were leaving for home after the race on the sunday so decided to pack our tent up and move the car closer to the exit for a quick getaway, we were at the parking area at 7.30am and it was already really busy then so at 9.00am it must have been manic, I’d say your taking a gamble leaving at 9.00, wouldn’t fancy listening to the race on the radio stuck on the motorway!
Simon