F1 German GP

[Bob's Orange]

Got a weekend ticket for the German GP at the Nurburgring this weekend.

Not a massive F1 fan but figured I should go as its just down the road.

Anyone been to Grand Prix before? Is 3 days of cars going round and round going to be boring?

[SuggWillSugg MBE]

I went to silverstone last year for my birthday present and fucking loved it!

We camped, which was horrible. But everything on track was awesome.

It depends on where you're sat, but it didn't get boring for me, as theres always a car in front of you because during the race the field gets so spread out.

Also, there's tv screens all around so you can watch them to keep track.

Aslo all the promo stands are pretty cool, simulators etc.

Obviously Germany might be different, but I would assume it's basically the same idea.

[Batch]

Again only ever been to Silverstone but....

Fridays are usually good because they are quiet, so you can look round stuff. The F1 action is a bit hit and miss but that doesn't matter.

Can't say if you'll find 3 days too much, but there is usually much more going on throughout the day both on the track and off it. You usually get better racing from the support races

My advice is usually take a radio, in ear headphones and noise defenders to put over the top so you can hear the radio  as following the race is difficult otherwise. But that all depends on whether there is radio commentary at the track and how good your German is! Depending on how close to the track you may need the noise defenders or earplugs because the F1 cars are somewhat noisy.

[Bob's Orange]

Thanks guys.

I noticed from the lineup that there is actually F2, Porsche Cup and mini Cup races as well so looks like there is plenty going on apart from the F1.

Batch, my German (apart from being able to order beer) is non existant so hopefully there might be an English radio option! I have heard about the ear protectors but was a bit sceptical, sounds like they are pretty important!

It looks like it is going to be raining all weekend, which I guess will make the racing more exciting!

[ghanimah]

I went to my first F1 at Silverstone this year and loved it. Batch is spot on especially re: earplugs, they are essential. Aside from the radio I found following twitter on my phone to be useful as well particularly the updates on the #f1 and #bbcf1 threads.

[Bob's Orange]

Just looked on the map and I am sitting in T8 which looks to be on a hairpin bend and opposite a big screen.

Hopefully the beer and food at the place isn't ridiculously overpriced!

[Batch]

Just looked on the map and I am sitting in T8 which looks to be on a hairpin bend and opposite a big screen.

I always found the Silverstone screens hard to read unless you were exactly directly opposite it (or had binoculars). Still not the same as having commentary though.

You could always hire a kangaroo TV set at silly euros (might as well watch it at home then though!).

Hopefully the beer and food at the place isn't ridiculously overpriced!

You do realise this is F1. Bernie Ecclestone's F1. Nothing is cheap. Merchandise nor food. At Silverstone they usually have an  F1 village at the camp site outside the circuit - which has some retail outlets. You might want to see if there is a German equivalent as it a bit cheaper for a souvenir, though clearly some of the stuff is 'last years stock'.

[ghanimah]

I found the beer and food prices pretty reasonable, considering the captive audience. The beer was not that much more than my local. The hot dogs were cheaper than the ones at Swindon (and better)

[Langers]

Turn 8 will be a good place to be sat.

Don't know what it's like at Nurburgring, but at Silverstone this year, you never went more than 30 mins without there being some track action. It's good that your opposite a scree, otherwise you have absolutley no clue what is going on, even if you can't make it out fully, you will still get a good idea of whats happening.

When I first went, I was of the opinion that ear plugs would be pointless and one of the best things is the noise, the noise is immense but after having it for a long period, they are definatley a good idea.

You will love it, very jealous!

[Benzel]

There's loads more than just the F1.. If my trip to Silverstone is anything to go by.

There'll probably be a Porsche race, there was also an vintage F1 car race... loads from different era's and also a dude doing motorcycle stunts.

[Langers]

Yeh, you will have GP2, GP3, Prosche supercup and whatever else they put on specifically for the German GP.

[@MacPhlea]

Just looked on the map and I am sitting in T8 which looks to be on a hairpin bend and opposite a big screen.

Hopefully the beer and food at the place isn't ridiculously overpriced!

It's only overpriced at Silverstone - went to Monaco a couple of years back - the beer was 3 euros and a hotdog was 2 Euros!  Had a great time, you'll love it.

[Batch]

It's only overpriced at Silverstone - went to Monaco a couple of years back - the beer was 3 euros and a hotdog was 2 Euros!  Had a great time, you'll love it.

Bloody hell, that's cheaper than normal Monaco prices on a non-GP weekend

As a matter of interest, where did you stay, and where did you watch from. Would quite like to do Monaco once, but assumed staying anywhere near would be lethally expensive and impossible to book.

[Bob's Orange]

Thanks all for the feedback. Off to Nurburg now until Sunday. First beer in a couple of hours!

[Iffy's Onion Bhaji]

Really would like to go to Silverstone one day. How do you actually get tickets for the F1 races?