Where to sit at the Circuit de Catalunya

April 28, 2009 8:06 AM

Does anyone have any experience with attending a Formula 1 race? I have the opportunity to go to the Spanish GP race and am wondering if its worth doubling the cost to get seats in one of the grandstands as opposed to General Admission in one of the paddocks? More concerned with the viewing experience then comfort.

If anyone has a specific reccomendation for which grandstand to pick (taking price into account of course) that would be even better.

posted by JPD to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (11 answers total)

Can't speak to the Spanish Grand Prix specifically.

But, in general, I think G.A. is great for longer races or longer race days that give you time to move around and view the track from couple different locations.

My impression (just from watching on TV) is that Formula 1 races are shorter duration and you might want to find a prime viewing location and stay there.
posted by OilPull at 8:24 AM on April 28, 2009

Usually, there are support races that run prior to the F1 race, so it's more of a day-long event. YMMV.

As to whether you should buy GA tickets or go for the grandstands depends completely on the course. These guys might be able to give you a better idea about seats at Catalunya.
posted by Thorzdad at 8:35 AM on April 28, 2009

Not sure about F1, but NASCAR usually prices the higher seats in the grandstands at a premium because you can view more of the track. I have sat in lower seats at the start finish line, and basically all I saw was a blur of cars as they raced past. The best seats are higher in the stands with a view of at least on of the turns, and the pits. Have fun and bring ear protection.
posted by Gungho at 8:41 AM on April 28, 2009

I've never been to a F1 GP in person, but from watching past Spanish GP races on TV, I'd love to view the race where the heaviest braking and most passing occurs - at the end of the main straight. Perhaps this grandstand or this.
posted by jaimev at 8:42 AM on April 28, 2009

I went to the first USGP they held in Indianapolis. If the premium seats give you a full view of the track, they're worth it. If not, just take a seat that lets you see the video monitors.

And 2nding earplugs.
posted by hwyengr at 8:58 AM on April 28, 2009

Many years ago I went to a (I think) Formula 3000 (basically it was a step or two down from formula 1). On the practice day it was good to wander around at least part of the circuit to see the cars at different bends etc.

On the race day a friend clued us in that there was a spot between two of the stands were you could get almost as good a view.

To be honest I found the support races to more interesting and exciting than the main event... loads of people just turned up for the big race and I thought they had missed out.

There were people handing out free ear plugs round the track. You really needed them, I'd bring your own to be sure.
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 9:56 AM on April 28, 2009

Get grandstand seats. I've done both GA and grandstand tickets at the Canadian GP, and I had much more fun in the stands than I did watching behind a fence. Except for the time when Button came flying into the fence just 20 or so feet from my face. That was cool. But other than that, grandstand tickets generally let you do both the GA areas AND your assigned stand seats, so it's the best of both worlds. GP tickets are not something to skimp on, so get decent seats and have a blast.
posted by Geckwoistmeinauto at 10:06 AM on April 28, 2009

Spanish grand prix, best spots to watch action will be near turns 7,9,3,4,1.
posted by stratastar at 1:05 PM on April 28, 2009

I went GA to the Melb GP a few years ago and it was awful! Couldn't see a thing. The angle was too low etc etc

If you can afford the stands, get them.
posted by micklaw at 1:52 AM on April 29, 2009

Bear in mind that if you choose General Admission you will probably need to hustle to get a good spot and you will then be stuck there. You wouldn't easily be able to leave track side to get food or go to the bathroom etc without losing your position.

If the stands offer a view of the start/finish line then, even if the finish was not exceedingly tight, you would still get the excitement of the start of the race.
posted by urban greeting at 4:01 AM on April 29, 2009

I have been to the USGP twice (Indianapolis). (I think) you can walk around the GA areas with a grandstand ticket there (I don't remember having to pay separately for that, but it was a few years ago, I could be wrong). The grandstands definitely have a better view, your view in most of the GA areas is obstructed by the safety fence and support personnel/equipment. You can see more of the particular corner/section of track from the grandstands, and you have a better perception of speed and acceleration. You get what you pay for as far as the view. You can still enjoy the Ferrari challenge or Formula Mazda or whatever pre-F1 races there are from the GA areas (again, if that is how the ticketing works there).

Seriously, get grandstand seats, in a popular overtaking zone, which was turn 1 in the USGP. It's at least (makes thinking face) 27x better in person than on TV.
posted by kenbennedy at 6:12 AM on April 29, 2009