Have you been to an F1 race?

Question

I'm stuck in Australia (only been to Melbourne). I would love to go to Monaco. Tell us about the tracks you've been to. Your favourites and not-so-favourites?

Answer 1

I've been to lots of Formula One races and to many of the tracks several times. Some are no longer on the F1 calendar.
Brands Hatch, Silverstone, Donington, Paul Ricard, Spa- Francorchamps, Zandvoort, Barcelona, Jerez, Estoril, Nürburgring, Monza, Imola, Monaco, Budapest, Mosport, Montreal, Watkins Glen, Detroit, Phoenix, Mexico City, Jacarapagua (Brazil), Adelaide, Kyalami.
Favourites: Brands Hatch, Spa-Francorchamps, Estoril, Adelaide.
Least favourite: Kyalami (I was mugged in South Africa - in Johannesburg and away from the circuit).

Answer 2

Three.

The first was Watkins Glen, 1964. Graham Hill beat John Surtees. Clark, Gurney, McLaren, and Brabham broke. Ritchy Ginther drove a 16 cylinder Honda that screamed to 4th. My friends and I were wandering around before the race and found ourselves in the pits. Things were a little more relaxed back then.

Next was Phoenix, 1990. I was seated at the critical curves and saw this right in front of me (Senna won):

"Senna slipped inside Alesi on lap 34, but he was shocked when the Tyrrell held the outside line on the exit and took the inside on the next turn! At the same point, one lap later, Senna pounced again, this time making sure he had the proper line through the short straight to the next turn to hold his new position."

Attendance was 15,000 which is why the race at Phoenix didn't last.

The last was Monza, 2000. The race was boring, Schumacher beat Hakinnnen, no one else was close. The cars sounded neat as they went by at close to 200 mph and many rpm. Unfortunately a marshall (Paolo Ghislimberti) was struck by a wheel from an accident and died. I didn't know that at the time. I had purchased (for a lot of money) a ticket right across the pits and was disappointed that the teams erected barriers so you couldn't see the pit stops. It was fun being with the Italian fans. After the race I joined the traditional mad rush onto the track. I then walked halfway around the track, going underneath the old banking. Very cool.

Best race? Phoenix, although the only flashy action is what was detailed above. The issue was in doubt for much of the race. Best overall experience? Monza, for many reasons. It's a carnival in an actual park and people are having a great time.

Favorite race seen, all time? A Trans-Am in Canada, circa 1970. Mark Donahue and Roger Penske beat some very good teams in Camaros and Mustangs with an American Motors Javelin. They did it with fantastic car preparation, the best pit stops and strategy and, above all else, genius driving skills that took my breath away, in an obviously inferior car.

Answer 3

I go to Indianapolis (US GP) every year and I highly recommend it as a fantastic venue. I've been to the Canada GP in Montreal twice. But that one is a royal pain to get in and out of - it's on an island with limited access.
I drove around the Monaco circuit several times as I was there about a week before the race, and the streets were all set up for race day. But alas, I didn't get to attend the race itself. It's a tight track though, as I drove around it I really marvelled at how the F1 guys could ever overtake there.

Answer 4

Yes been to several. The Long Beach Grand Prix street race is only about 10 miles away. The most memorable was certainly Mario Andretti Winning with Team Lotus on his way to becoming World Champion.

Answer 5

Been to Monaco, A1 Ring, Magny Cours, Silverstone, Spa, Monza, Brands Hatch (old days), Nurburg Ring (old days).

Sat at Monaco on the last corner, got covered in wheel rubber, grime, stink of xylene, geabox oil, etc. Only 3 metres from the cars. It was great.

Answer 6

its funny that i live in toronto, canada and have never been to an F1 race. As you may know, over the summer, there is a grand prix here. I've always wanted to go, but my parents and family arent really into formula one like me, except for my brother who kind of likes it

Answer 7

I live in Eastern Europe and so far I haven't been able to go to a race. But I expect to go to Hungaroring for the 2007 race.

Answer 8

yes Ive been to silverstone twice and i absolutely loved it it was amazing + if you get a weekend ticket there are so many other motorsports on like GP2.but i advise you to wear ear mufflers as the cars are extremely loud. and if you go to silverstone for any motorsport the best place to sit is down the main straight towards the final corners. loads of action amazing.

Answer 9

Me too, I have only been to Melbourne in 2003.

Answer 10

Sadly no, but my brothers used to go to races a lot and absolutely loved it. I did drive around Mount Panorama once!