This is probably not the right place to post this message but nothing ventured, nothing gained! I took a trip to Silverstone yesterday to see the F1 boys testing their kit. As I had to drive 180 miles I had hoped to check out the best viewing spots for future reference but unfortunately the events stewards refused to let me take a walk down to Farm and Abbey to check out the stands in that area. In the past I have viewed the GP from various places on the circuit, including Stowe, Vale & Becketts, but I think the Woodcote grandstand is probably the best yet. Does anybody know how good the view is from Farm or Abbey? I realise it is too late for this years GP but I am hoping to book early for next year so any thoughts would be appreciated. It is a shame PCGB don't have a grandstand devoted to club members don't you think?!
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Silverstone Spectator
- Thread starter TRW40
- Start date
I was there too on friday, ( PCGB had about 60 cars together in the car park, were you one of us?) and paid the extra tenner for transfer into the pits and infield as well. To answer your question, Farm and Abbey are OK, like many places around the 'stadium area', but the best place IMO is the infield stand at Priory. As you know, Bridge is taken at about 160, and then they brake hard for Priory left hander. You get to see the drivers quite close up drifting thru here, and then on thru Brooklands, Luffield, Woodcote etc before shooting off down the straight.
I've been going to the british GP for about 20 years now, only missed 1 in that time, but unfortunately I think it isn't anywhere near as good as it used to be. I just hate with a passion the ABS, traction control (that popping and clacking noise that interupts the 15,000 rpm scream), auto boxes, tyre regs, etc.., so maybe save your money, and treat yourself to one of the Thoroughbred GP races, where they really fight for control of the car, or any other non computer controlled sports car race.
As we drive sports cars, we all understand the philosophy of quick driving, like late braking, straightening the corner as much as poss, late entry, clip apex, power out etc.., but for F1 the rules are completely different. Early entry (so no more late lunges down the inside), brake into the apex and don't worry 'cause the ABS and traction control will stop the car swopping ends as it would in any other car, then power out hard, and again the same things will prevent oversteer and wheelspin unless you are much too heavy with the right boot. And we wonder why theres no overtaking, its due to the elimination of driver mistakes by the computers. (sorry I'm ranting, but Bernie and co. have ruined this sport and made piles of money in return. How much for the pleasure of watching from a stand? £150? £200). I'm lucky enough to have been invited to a box for the last 5 years or I wouldn't go anymore. The only thing missing from Grand Prix races are maybe the acrobats and parading elephants at the start, with maybe a few clowns and trapeze artists. Engines down to V8 soon, and for safety reasons 70 mph speed limits, no tailgating, and indicators fitted.
I certainly enjoy going to Le Mans a lot more, much more.
I've been going to the british GP for about 20 years now, only missed 1 in that time, but unfortunately I think it isn't anywhere near as good as it used to be. I just hate with a passion the ABS, traction control (that popping and clacking noise that interupts the 15,000 rpm scream), auto boxes, tyre regs, etc.., so maybe save your money, and treat yourself to one of the Thoroughbred GP races, where they really fight for control of the car, or any other non computer controlled sports car race.
As we drive sports cars, we all understand the philosophy of quick driving, like late braking, straightening the corner as much as poss, late entry, clip apex, power out etc.., but for F1 the rules are completely different. Early entry (so no more late lunges down the inside), brake into the apex and don't worry 'cause the ABS and traction control will stop the car swopping ends as it would in any other car, then power out hard, and again the same things will prevent oversteer and wheelspin unless you are much too heavy with the right boot. And we wonder why theres no overtaking, its due to the elimination of driver mistakes by the computers. (sorry I'm ranting, but Bernie and co. have ruined this sport and made piles of money in return. How much for the pleasure of watching from a stand? £150? £200). I'm lucky enough to have been invited to a box for the last 5 years or I wouldn't go anymore. The only thing missing from Grand Prix races are maybe the acrobats and parading elephants at the start, with maybe a few clowns and trapeze artists. Engines down to V8 soon, and for safety reasons 70 mph speed limits, no tailgating, and indicators fitted.
I certainly enjoy going to Le Mans a lot more, much more.
There were a few Porches near me but I was not among the 60 you mention. Presumably I missed the PCGB arrangements - do you visit Silverstone regularly as a group? I did not pay the £10 to get to the infield as I was told that this was not accessible to Jo Public until 1 pm. I had to get back to Devon so left during the lunch break. I don't recall seeing tickets on offer for the infield stand at Priory - are they normally available to the public?
I agree wholeheartedly about the loss of excitement at the Grand Prix. I much prefer to see the cars dicing as they enter the chicane at Thruxton but I do still enjoy the fix from the awesome power and sound of the F1 cars. One ingredient which seemed to be missing on Friday was the exhaust smell I remember as boy but I m not sure whether there were just not enough cars or if the cars simply run more cleanly. I also have fond memories of the GP at Brands Hatch, where there seemed to be greater potential for overtaking.
I haven't been the Grand Prix for a few years now mainly due to the commitment of a young family, but my oldest boy is now 11 and I can see an opportunity to revive the experiences I shared with my father - albeit that I would not pay £120 (or whatever it is) to stand in the enclosure behind a six foot Austaralian without a view having driven for five hours - not such a fond memory! I appreciate that you don't now face the problem of buying tickets but do you have any tips - I used to buy tickets soon after they were released but I noticed you can join the Silverstone Racing Club for £95 per annum. Clearly I am too far from Silverstone to enjoy many of the benefits but I wouldn't mind spending the money it offered facilites which made the Grand Prix day more enjoyable.
I agree wholeheartedly about the loss of excitement at the Grand Prix. I much prefer to see the cars dicing as they enter the chicane at Thruxton but I do still enjoy the fix from the awesome power and sound of the F1 cars. One ingredient which seemed to be missing on Friday was the exhaust smell I remember as boy but I m not sure whether there were just not enough cars or if the cars simply run more cleanly. I also have fond memories of the GP at Brands Hatch, where there seemed to be greater potential for overtaking.
I haven't been the Grand Prix for a few years now mainly due to the commitment of a young family, but my oldest boy is now 11 and I can see an opportunity to revive the experiences I shared with my father - albeit that I would not pay £120 (or whatever it is) to stand in the enclosure behind a six foot Austaralian without a view having driven for five hours - not such a fond memory! I appreciate that you don't now face the problem of buying tickets but do you have any tips - I used to buy tickets soon after they were released but I noticed you can join the Silverstone Racing Club for £95 per annum. Clearly I am too far from Silverstone to enjoy many of the benefits but I wouldn't mind spending the money it offered facilites which made the Grand Prix day more enjoyable.
Posts made and opinions expressed are those of the individual forum members
Use of the Forum is subject to the Terms and Conditions
Disclaimer
The opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily those of the Club, who shall have no liability in respect of them or the accuracy of the content. The Club assumes no responsibility for any effects arising from errors or omissions.
Porsche Club Great Britain gives no warranties, guarantees or assurances and makes no representations or recommendations regarding any goods or services advertised on this site. It is the responsibility of visitors to satisfy themselves that goods and/or services supplied by any advertiser are bona fide and in no instance can the Porsche Club Great Britain be held responsible.
When responding to advertisements please ensure that you satisfy yourself of any applicable call charges on numbers not prefixed by usual "landline" STD Codes. Information can be obtained from the operator or the white pages. Before giving out ANY information regarding cars, or any other items for sale, please satisfy yourself that any potential purchaser is bona fide.
Directors of the Board of Porsche Club GB, Club Office Staff, Register Secretaries and Regional Organisers are often requested by Club members to provide information on matters connected with their cars and other matters referred to in the Club Rules. Such information, advice and assistance provided by such persons is given in good faith and is based on the personal experience and knowledge of the individual concerned.
Neither Porsche Club GB, nor any of the aforementioned, shall be under any liability in respect of any such information, advice or assistance given to members. Members are advised to consult qualified specialists for information, advice and assistance on matters connected with their cars at all times.
