I am after a bit of advice from those in the know please!

 

Where is the best place to watch the racing at Silverstone. Unfortunately I am not privileged enough to afford the posh grand stand tickets and have to slum it, camping and finding a spot of grass to sit my ass on.

 

If any of you have been to Silverstone, any advice would be great.

Good to hear your going..they need all the support that they can get this year!

 

Silverstones new layout has been improved again this year for spectators (go by there interactive map on the website to get your bearings,) but this is my two penneth worth as have attended the last three years (been 10 times in total) and got a good feel on where we like to watch.

 

International Pit Straight:

The new starting grid for the race has little general spectating because of the large stands, but go to Abbey (early) for the first bend (flat out) which also gives view of the pit exit.

 

Farm:

The new complex has the cars braking hard for potential overtaking (sat there last year and saw Zero overtakes) personaly don't bother the casr are close up but the action's not.

 

Wellington Straight:

First of the DRS Zones and they have opened up both sides for standing spectators, very quick but limited on space.

 

Luffield:

Great Viewing, Cars brake after wellington, usualy good overtaking and a few off's, good vantage point but get there early as it gets busy .

 

Woodcote:

Fast exit from Luffield onto National Straight, plenty of viewing although a little tight on space in front of Grandstands.

 

National Straight

Flat out, but don't see much of the race, blink and the cars are gone

 

Copse.

Elevated general spectating, mind blowing speed of the cars through this right hander, often close quarters.

 

Maggots, Beckets Complex:

Want to see what seperates a Grand Prix car from any other race series, watch the direction change as the come up from Copse and set up for the Hangar straight, go to the end of the complex and there is an excellent bank, where you can get as low as the cars, or view higher up and catch other parts of the circuit as well.

 

Hangar straight:

The new and second DRS zone for the race, should of had this last year! could well be awesome, cars overtaking approaching 200mph, you can view the whole length of Hangar straight and watch them exit Becketts and turn in for Stowe.

 

Stowe and Vale:

This year these for me are going to be the hotpsot for action, Stowe is fast wide and straight of the back of Hangar, if the cars are using DRS this is where they will be looking to pass or at least get along side for Vale, good open viewing areas here. (if your camping at Woodlands, this is the nearest to you)

 

Vale:

Watched from here two years ago, saw so much action, including Hamiltons last corner lunge on Massa, Vale is the last fast section before the slow Club corner, its wide viewing with a large spectator area as the Grandstands are set back, you can get very close to the cars and see the entry to the Pit lane.

 

For my money Vale and Stowe are your best bet, followed by Luffield, the crowds in these areas are electric and the longest periods of cars in view. Silverstone has made a lot of effort to provide better spectator zones with more raised banks and there is a large TV screen in view wherever you are. Don't forget the live concert after the race which is excellent and the Guiness Bar (several of them) if it takes your fancy. Take a chair or a cool box and get your spot early...as I say if your going for the weekend, walk the circuit during practice and gauge the best areas.

 

Have a great one, Steve

My friend, wow now that's what I call a comprehensive reply!!! Thank you very much a massive help and insight, just what we needed Steve. Many thanks again, Tony.

Your Welcome.. have a great time