I figured I’d write a blog post about my experience at the British Grand Prix last Sunday, mainly to encourage any of you tittering about whether it’s worth going to see a F1 race live or not to actually go! I have a Sunday General Admission ticket for Silverstone, it will be my first time seeing a race in real life. Almost a reason to go a of itself. The post race concert at Silverstone has expanded to become more of a four day music festival, with well-known acts taking to the stage each day and a headline act on Thursday to get things started. Respect. Believe me when I say this is where it’s at. I contest both of these points. Silverstone has a very broad choice of general admission view with areas stretching all the way around the track. This is a ballsy sequence of corners and you’ll get to see an F1 car absolutely on the limit. We got there at 6am managed to stake out a position at the front in the concrete area at luffield (which btw I would recommend as a place to watch as the drs Zone has been on the preceding straight last two years, saw lots of overtaking) Thirdly, there is a great atmosphere among the crowd here. We opted to sit in an area after Stowe corner before the final chicane into the start/finish straight. The General Admission (GA) offer at Silverstone is pretty decent, and goes some way to justifying the high ticket price. Extra useful advice: Super-sub Istanbul stands in for cancelled Canadian GP, 2021 F1 Calendar drops Hanoi, adds Saudi GP night race, 2020 F1 Calendar takes shape: 4 Grand Prix abandoned, Imola, Algarve and Nürburgring confirmed, Time Travellers Guide to the Monaco Historic Grand Prix. If you’re driving, stick around for the after race concert and give the traditional Silverstone traffic jams a miss. 2 years ago, Check out Running into the new year https://t.co/vVMFBOMnsR Like with any sporting event, the atmosphere is really the killer thing you miss when just watching it on the telly, in your boxers, eating Pringles off your chest… or whatever. And the exit to Club is good, as you see the cars for a long time. Tune in to 87.7FM for Silverstone radio commentary, or listen to commentary by the BBC 5Live team available on 693 medium wave or on digital. Whatever your reasons, you can get in touch and get a response from a real, live human, You can get updates about this Grand Prix and others so you'll be the first to know when tickets go on sale, get Early Bird discounts and snap up the best seats. Not a lot can be done about Silverstone’s distance from the capital but much has been invested in the local traffic infrastructure and on site facilities since disastrous planning in 2012 meant many ticket holders didn’t even get to attend. General Admission allows you to roam the circuit, standing wherever you like to watch the races, providing that the Silverstone circuit allows access, such as green hills and gravel tracks. https://f1destinations.com/top-ten-general-admission-tickets-f1-circuits featured image: © Ronnie Macdonald | FLICKR. You can see a selection of photos I took during the race day here. Do you want to send me a poem about your cat? Two things I would suggest anyone to bring with them are camping chairs (you will not be happy without them) and a picnic. If you get there early, you can get a spot on a few small steps directly in front of the Luffield grandstand. Believe me when I say it’s 100% worth every penny it costs, hands down no questions asked. The general admission area is some distance from the track with viewing through the fence. There’s no damage to my knee, and with a bit of stretching to that area it should be fine! This is simply not true. You may choose to spend track sessions on your feet but you’ll be glad of it during the downtime. I would recommend paying the extra for grandstand as you do get a little more freedom with the roving grandstands on Friday and Saturday, whereas general admission it was just on the Friday. © Copyright The F1 Spectator 2014-2017. This time we tried general admission out, and whilst we loved the atmosphere it was hard being stuck in one place for most of the day, however it was the only way to secure a decent view. I may be a simple man, but watching Hamilton overtake someone during the lap, and then cheering him on as he went past is just something every British racing fan should do. Basically a petrol head’s wet dream – getting up close and drooling over hundreds of classic and new cars and motorcycles, then watching as they take to the track and take on the famous Goodwood hill climb course. Budget – General Admission Tickets. More tips on where to watch at Silverstone. Please remember that while a lot of care and painstaking research goes into each F1S guide, they are just that - a guide. You may choose to spend track sessions on your feet but you’ll be glad of it during the downtime. It’s also got the entrance to the pits, so you can see drivers diving off into there too. Do you want to add something you think other fans would benefit from? The acrobatic display team of the RAF has been an off-track entertainment staple since 1965, wowing the crowds with precision, close formation flying and blue white and red smoke trails to boot. All grandstand and General Admission tickets include roving access to grandstands on Friday and Saturday, with seats only reserved on race day. Checks seemed thorough but weren't ridiculous for entry. And if all those reasons weren’t enough to have you convinced, while we were there during the driver’s parade before the race, all the British drivers were interviewed on the grass just next to us! 1 / 8. I ran through the longest cycling tunnel in Britain – the Combe Down Tunnel – a 1 mile long tunnel on the now-closed Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway line. Drawbacks are the cost of tickets and the accessibility, though efforts have been made to address both of these. I'd like to know where you guys think the best place is to watch from for MotoGP. You really can’t help but get carried away with the crowd. The greatest events in British Motor Racing happen at Silverstone. 2 years ago, Check out The mind gives up before the body https://t.co/XLkNCwAw1z Also there is an FM station you can tune in to that provides live commentary, and if you don’t have an FM radio (like me) the commentary is broadcast over a tannoy system (or you can hire a FM radio on the day). General admission tickets and had no queue or issue getting in to Silverstone itself. Thanks When you’re done filling your lungs with the smell of burning motor oil you can enjoy tea and scones and all things an English summer festival represents in the gentile surroundings of Goodwood estate. The first race was hosted here in 1948 making our circuit 70 years old. Turns out you can’t just run a marathon without eating anything during the race, so I need to think about how I’m going to get about 400-500 calories during the race and practice that in my long runs from now on. The Silverstone bypass has dramatically eased traffic over the race weekend and the circuit’s rural location means parking is plentiful. Because it is such a large area, and on a bit of a hill, it’s reminiscent of Henman Hill at Wimbledon in terms of ambiance… so much energy and excitement even before the race! The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team take to the sky’s above the track an hour before take off and perform a truly breathtaking 30-minute show that you would usually pay lots of money to see at an air show. Good news from the physio! Try to catch the F1 cars at Maggotts/Becketts. So disappointed with the Lapland, not festive apart from some snow globes one with a bike in it! Scott Joslin. Find a good spot to watch. ' Formula 1, Superbikes, top touring cars or great bands – whatever you come to Silverstone for, we know you will enjoy! 'Club, the final corner, is a very different place to watch. Another full marathon week of training, but this time the long run was in Bath! Given Silverstone’s heritage, the atmosphere and the fact that it’s a brilliant race track to witness a Formula 1 car’s power, it has to be considered one of the must see Grand Prix of the season. Water butt with lights on. Walking tours are a great way to see a … The show takes place in the interior of the circuit and with the exception of the Thursday concert which requires an extra ticket, the shows are free to attend with your one day or weekend ticket. If I haven’t made my point clear by now, the take home message is this: If you love F1, go to Silverstone. There are loads of designated areas next to the track for General Admission ticket holders, including at the first corner and Luffield, so don’t think that they’re the rubbish bits either! o Cost – Silverstone is probably one of the most expensive races to go to in Formula One currently. Page 1 of 2 - Silverstone Advice - posted in Grand Prix Travelling Archive: I have a few questions for those who know silverstone well. Silverstone have really taken advantage of the public on this one, total waste of money, they even had some water butts piled on top of each other with some coloured lights shining. Some of the most popular general admission spots are outlined below but do take a walk around the circuit and see for yourself which areas you think have the best views. Silverstone was there at the very beginning and against all odds it’s still there now. The only price you pay is a tip at the end of the tour, but that’s optional. Away from the circuit, you may not be within easy reach of a buzzing international city but Silverstone’s festival like atmosphere leaves a lasting impression on many visitors and the after race party provides extra value for your troubles. Do you have any questions? up them. Is there something you think needs correcting? Once inside there is plenty of food and drink stalls around the track, some better priced than others, but that's more vendor discretion than on … 2 years ago, amping chairs (you will not be happy without them) and a. As Ben has said on a previous podcast, you can got to Spa with travel and accommodation, cheaper than a general admission ticket to Silverstone! Useful tips Seating view photos from seats at Silverstone Circuit, section General Admission. I would highly recommend this spot for a few reasons…. Silverstone scores really well at keeping visitors entertained away from the circuit. After Hamilton’s tyre exploded, there was an air of communal disappointment, but then when Hamilton’s car drove past us heading for the pits, we all cheered and spurred him on… and it was fantastic to be a part of that. I am heading to the British GP for the first time this year and I’m going on my own so every tip I find helps me out. I love hearing from you guys. It is a condition of admission to Silverstone Circuit and any SCL car parks that no animals are allowed within such areas, with the exception of registered assistance dogs whose attendance has been approved by SCL prior to the Event, and owners acknowledge that SCL personnel or their appointed contractor shall be entitled to enter any vehicle by whatever means necessary at the owner’s cost in … Silverstone Circuit is the Home of British Motorsport, based in Northamptonshire, hosting races such as the Formula 1 and MotoGP. If you’re in general admission bring a folding chair. • i would recommend up by hanger (bit of a trek though). 2 years ago, Check out I hope Skiing counts as cross-training https://t.co/f0K6aFjuOy You could win a pair of Sunday (race day) general admission tickets to the 2021 British Grand Prix at Silverstone, and a free LAP LAND opening night ticket for one car. This leads us to the second advantage: you’re free to roam. And there are a fair few British drivers to cheer on in F1 at the moment: Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, Paul Di resta and Max Chilton. General tips. General admission for the weekend is £195 per person but can easily become more expensive when booking better seats. Please refer to the answer below if you also require General Admission (GA) tickets for a child; a similar procedure is required. Believe me when I say it’s 100% worth every penny it costs, hands down no questions asked. Lastly, there’s plenty of action around this part of the track! About. o Interest – How much do you love Formula One and the support formulas? The drivers and teams have a great fondness for it too as for many it is effectively a home Grand Prix. In many cases, the GA areas are located directly in front of the grandstands. Only 7 weeks to go before the big marathon race day :/, Check out Too cold for that sort of thing https://t.co/hdal0MQ1Q5 F1, FORMULA ONE, FORMULA 1, FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, GRAND PRIX and related marks are trade marks of Formula One Licensing B.V. © Copyright The F1 Spectator 2014-2021. If you’re in general admission bring a folding chair. Actually going to see an F1 race gets a lot of flack because of how little you will supposedly see, and how loud it is. if you have a story, a question or just want to say hi, this is the bit you click on. If you are less set on a certain position though, you will still be able to get decent views of the circuit much later in the day. Video is here. Go. The F1 Spectator uses cookies to improve the user experience. Things change so it's important do your own due diligence and fact checking before attending a Grand Prix. It’s always a good chance to kick back and mingle with your fellow F1 fans and, if you’re driving, avoid the worst of the post Grand Prix traffic. General admission at Silverstone is free for children with an accompanying adult. I also finally get serious about nutrition for my long run. One thing not to worry about is ear protection, as earplugs are available at the track for free. All rights reserved. 2) FP3 is 10:00 and F1 Qualifying is 13:00 3) General Admission really is a “take your chances” kind of affair. A wider view from the high seats at the back of the stand is possible although from further away. There’s no shortage of decent grandstand views at Silverstone and General Admission shouldn’t be discounted for those on a budget. GA areas cover almost the whole circumference of the circuit and offer excellent vantage points at some of the best corners. Apparently the problems with my knee have been caused by a tight IT band on my left leg. This website is unofficial and is not associated in any way with the Formula One group of companies. Goodwood has been held since 1993 and is one of the foremost automotive festivals of it’s kind drawing over 100,000 visitors daily. However, it’s totally worth it because the tours are extremely informative, they don’t last more than a couple of hours, and they let you see a lot of the city. Just wanted to say thanks for the tips. So that’s reason #1, there’s lots of space for latecomers. Transfers to and from Silverstone on Saturday and Sunday; General admission viewing from the banks on Saturday and Sunday; Services of an experienced Travel Solutions tour manager . 2 years ago, Check out my first bike-to-run workout https://t.co/XaUMpoIArU Black Friday is upon us once again, and Silverstone are getting in the festive spirit with some great deals including a free BSB general admission ticket with every MotoGP ticket you buy. In the racing off-season, the track also offers driving experiences. All rights reserved. Any request must be made between 1 st March and by the deadline of 1 June 2020. If you want to be front row in prime general admission, spot you will need to be up pretty early – and have someone to reserve your position when you want to grab some food or go for a toilet break! General admission offers great value and with free entry for children its a good family day out that won’t break the bank. I started the F1 Spectator to inform and inspire other fans who are planning their F1 trip. I had a general admission ticket for the day, which means I wasn’t allowed in the grandstands, but I could go pretty much anywhere else. A statement from Silverstone says: “Grandstand tickets – available from as little as £5 more than race day general admission tickets – are still on sale for all three days. Many people will tell you that you’re better off staying at home and watching all the action on the telly, safe from the British climate with a nice commentary and no risk of missing anything. It’s just after the second DRS zone, so you’ll often see cars completing an overtaking move around Stowe, or setting themselves up for another shot along the start-finish straight. Tickets are available only by advance booking from the Goodwood website. See the view from your seat at Silverstone Circuit. There’s go-karts, a giant Scalectrix, cinema, Segways, face-painting, zorbing, all manner of games, as well as the usual array of food and merchandise stalls. We didn’t get to the track until about 9:30am on race day, which by all accounts is later than most people would suggest arriving. 1) Vale is the biggest General Admission area and is close to Club corner, the final corner, which is perfect for qualifying as drivers push at the end of the lap for pole position. With a general admission ticket you are free to walk the entire outside of the track … As lots of other websites suggest, getting to Silverstone at this time means all the really good spots have already gone… Luffield corner didn’t have space to breath by the time we got there. You can get to the steps at either side of the grandstand. However, the spot after Stowe corner has TONS of space for fans to lay out their camping chairs, with room to stretch your legs, so when we rolled up at 10:30am we had no trouble finding a space to set up shop. 2 / 8. before being able to approve any request, so a summary list of invited officials is provided to Silverstone for this purpose. While watching a Grand Prix is different to seeing a football or tennis match live, because you can’t see the whole circuit from where you are standing, at Silverstone there are plenty of large screens situated all over which show the same international live feed that Sky and the BBC get. Here’s some tips on where to stand: The exit to Copse is good – real impression of speed. And at the end of the race they open up the track at this spot so fans can head down to the podium to watch the ceremony. Hey, I'm Danny - just your regular F1 obsessed nut. I think there’s also a small walkway through the middle of the grandstand. I have just been there this weekend for the GT event, and loved the open paddock ( shame normal fans get no where near in F1 ) I have general admission tickets for this years F1. Food outlets are very expensive, so enjoy being outdoors and avoid the queues. The early sequence is flat out as they change direction. Where to watch the action at Silverstone. You will not be disappointed. (If In general admission) get there early on race day. The other way into Silverstone is by air - helicopter is the drivers’ preferred mode of transport and on race day the circuit becomes the UK's busiest airport. If there’s one thing more traditional than the traffic congestion at the British Grand Prix it’s the Red Arrows. And that doesn’t even include all the F1 teams based within 50 miles of the Silverstone circuit. Whatever silverstone charge for parking you can park at dadford farm campsite for £5 and it's about a 10 min walk to the club corner entrance. So with that good news I set about a full week of marathon training, including a 10km lunch run, an interval session, and my longest run so far: a 33km jaunt along the canal. These are the cheapest tickets for getting into Silverstone as you only gain access to the circuit and not any of the grandstands. Silverstone also has the added bonus of the Red Arrows air show. This was due to getting the Megabus service from London to Silverstone, which was such a great idea because it avoided the hassle of driving and was very painless and cheap. The first is budget. The entry to Becketts is also a special place, mental change of direction. Silverstone General Admission Tips. And there is no atmosphere like going to your home Grand Prix and cheering on all the British drivers with thousands of other people. on race day you will have to be up mega early to get the best places. I was there a few years ago and it was great. General admission tickets offer two advantages over any other passes. I have looked online for the best place to watch from, however there is so much talk of F1. I figured I’d write a blog post about my experience at the British Grand Prix last Sunday, mainly to encourage any of you tittering about whether it’s worth going to see a F1 race live or not to actually go! Secondly, there are three large TV screens in the area, so you’re pretty much guaranteed to see at least one of them to keep you up to date with the action. I saw a lot of action on Sunday, from cars running practically side-by-side during an overtake at 150mph, to the safety car, marshals cleaning debris off the track, drivers sauntering back to the pits with broken tyres… All right in front of my eyes.