Canadian F1 round (merged)

sudzy · 9 Feb 2003, 13:50 (Ref:501403)

Good day gentlemen. I am attending the Canadian F1 race and was wondering if anyone can tell me if general admission ticket holders are allowed to sit in reserved seats for Fri. and Sat. Thanks.

**Stephen Green** · 10 Feb 2003, 13:29 (Ref:502320)

May I suggest you ask this in the Formula 1 forum as you will get a much better response.

Welcome to ten-tenths! Enjoy the GP.

Jay · 12 Feb 2003, 04:20 (Ref:504036)

Unfortunately the answer to that is no. In recent years General Admission ticket holders have had very little to look at in the way of F1 cars, with last year being the worst with almost no place to see the cars at corners.

But, looking at the plans for next year, there are fewer grandstands so I'm optimistic that GA people might have a few better spots. Whatever the case, I'll be heading down with GA this year definately for Saturday and Friday if I can get it off. I just don't think F1 is worth the money for a grandstand seat, but if you do, I sat in grandstand 33 last year and it was quite good. 31 is pretty good too.

Anyway, the Ten-Tenthers always meet up on Saturday and head out for dinner somewhere, so if you could join us or just stop ny to say 'hi' that would be great.

Also, if you can come to the Cart race, I feel it's much greater value with fewer grandstands, some great GA spots and an open paddock! Won't find any of that in F1...

sudzy · 12 Feb 2003, 11:03 (Ref:504226)

Thanks for the invite,and if you can provide me with details as to which grandstand and how to find you,count me in. I've been to 2 USGPs and the GA people are allowed to sit where ever for Fri.and Sat. and I was hoping for the same.Oh well,it will be an experience worth the GA ticket price. I was told that the subway is the best means of transport to the Island. I'm staying at the University of Montreal and hope the subway isn't too confusing. I don't speak French. Thanks, Steve

Jay · 13 Feb 2003, 23:33 (Ref:505971)

Good to hear, check this forum in the weeks before the race, as we'll undoubtably be discussing the weekend...

University of Montreal? Do you mean McGill? That's pretty good for rez(I have a few friends there), and it's up a steep hill so you'll get your excersise.

I don't think GA is quite as good as it is for the USGP (or so I hear), but I think the atmosphere and beauty of the island more than makes up for it. There are plenty of GA places to view the cars as they brake or accelerate...just not many to view them through corners or chicanes.

Realistically, the Metro (subway) is the ONLY way to get to the track (unless you're media, staff or a participant). It's a good system though, modeled after the Moscow subway. The only slightly confusing thing is the Barri-UQAM station, where all of the lines meet. You'll undoubtably take one line to this station, then transfer to the Longueuil line which goes directly to the Grand Prix. It's not confusing going to the race (just follow the crowd wearing overpriced F1 gear), but getting on the right line back to your hotel can be confusing... make sure you not only get on the right line, but heading in the right direction.

sudzy · 14 Feb 2003, 02:43 (Ref:506054)

I got lucky today and had my GA ticket upgraded to a seat in section 33.Thanks for the advice.

Liz · 19 Feb 2003, 00:51 (Ref:511134)

Do come to the CART race though, if you can. A few of us met up there last year and it was great fun!

sudzy · 19 Feb 2003, 11:16 (Ref:511461)

I probably should attend atleast one CART race in my lifetime. It will have to be either Toronto,or Cleveland.They are the closest to me.I've always wanted to go to Mid Ohio. Actually I'm a retired racer myself.Not F1! Not 4 wheels or 2 wheels. I'm a retired sidecar racer. All of my track experience is on the track not spectating,so being a spectator is new to me. Any other Ontario F1 fans planning on attending the USGP as well? Any Ducati owners?

Jay · 19 Feb 2003, 16:06 (Ref:511669)

Well...Toronto's a great race to attend (I have since 1996), especially for spectators as there's lots of good GA spots. Although Cleveland might be interesting...you can see the entire track from your grandstand and the Cart race is at night!

The Other Chris · 22 Feb 2003, 02:51 (Ref:513887)

i got the gold seats #1(check the website) its right by the start/finish line. But my question is could anyone who has been to this race or a F1 grand prix in general share any insight as to how it would be like, what to bring or look for etc. Any reply would be great.

Liz · 22 Feb 2003, 03:23 (Ref:513893)

Check the Trackside Forum -- there's a thread there about it. I have been once (sat in the silvers) and liked it but it's on during Le Mans usually and there's no choice to be made between them!

Evilsenna · 22 Feb 2003, 16:39 (Ref:514194)

Sat in the bushes near the hairpin in 2001, I guess it will be a bit different for you!

I suggest you to bring protective solar cream, and good
running shoes, since you may have to walk alot

EERO · 22 Feb 2003, 17:09 (Ref:514207)

My wife and I are going again, hope to meet up with again Jay! And Liz, we'll have to talk toi the AOC about rescheduling LeMans!

Definitiely couint on the Metro to get to the track. Plan on arriving early and if you stay late, you'll avoid the maddness.

Wear very comfortable shows, its a long walk. Bring ear protection. I like the little yellow foam plugs but my wife wears ear muff protectors. This allows her to put the ear bud phones from her Walkman in her ear and the muffs over. By all means bring sunblock, a light waterproof parka, a Walkman. The PA system at the track isn't dso good but they broadcast on radio and its imperitive to listen to know what's going on. We bring our own bottled water and some snacks. Food at the track is expensive. I also wear layers so that depending on the conditions, I can be reasonabley comfortable. The first year, I wore shorst on race day and it got colder as the day went on and it started to rain...uggghhhh.
Good choice on stand 33. Its a good turn to watch and I think you made a good choice to forsake GA. Anyway, hope to see you all then.

Jay · 23 Feb 2003, 16:41 (Ref:514888)

Quote:

Originally posted by Evilsenna
Sat in the bushes near the hairpin in 2001, I guess it will be a bit different for you!

My kinda person!

It's all about getting GA, and sitting in the dirt with your camera. Unfortunately, they changed the track and you can no longer see much of it from that location

.

I'll probably just be getting GA this year, and spending the money I save on a ticket on a new camera lense... Trying to get this racing photography thing down...

But, yeah, 33 is a great place to watch from. Very challenging left-right turns. If there's not traction control guys go sliding all over there.

josvandeperre · 25 Feb 2003, 15:11 (Ref:517247)

I may have a spare double room for four nights (T/F/S/S) at the Laval Hilton @ CAD 215 PN - any takers ?

EERO · 27 Feb 2003, 23:47 (Ref:519840)

The subject has been raised about the Metro, and I cannot stress how easy it is. Its a five minute ride from Downtown, one stop from Berri-UQAM. You can purchase a three day pass for unlimited travel on the Metro for about $14.00 CDN at any ticket booth, its a bargain and very convenient.

josvandeperre · 1 May 2003, 12:15 (Ref:586151)

Its nearly time so lets bring this near the top - can anyone tell me if there's an easy way to get from the Laval Hilton to the track ?

Jay · 1 May 2003, 17:24 (Ref:586458)

Get to the closest metro station (Lots of transit info here: http://www.stm.info), and take it to Berri-UQAM station (see the metro map on that site) and take the yellow longueuil line to the track. It's pretty hard to miss, as they'll be people in F1 gear at every subway station in town...so as long as you see them you know you're heading in the right direction

.

So, who all is coming this year? Hopefully lots...it's a great event.

EERO · 2 May 2003, 02:10 (Ref:586916)

Beth and I will be there again! Thursday through Monday AM,

Hope to see you Jamie! (I"ve still got your cell programmed) Let's hope Mr David chimes in.

Jos, It would be great to meet you. We often get together for dinner on Saturday night. Last year Neil C stayed out by the Airport and I think he had to drive in-or at least to the last Metro Station on the line. Once you're in the city center , opt for the Metro-its really the only waty to the track.

EERO · 2 May 2003, 02:19 (Ref:586923)

Quote:

Originally posted by The Other Chris
i got the gold seats #1(check the website) its right by the start/finish line. But my question is could anyone who has been to this race or a F1 grand prix in general share any insight as to how it would be like, what to bring or look for etc. Any reply would be great.

Bring: comfortable walking shoes-its a hike from the Metro to the stands you're in.
A walkman-its impossible to hear the PA and there is a dedicated broadcast of the PA feed at the track to follow the action.

Earplugs-F1 cars if you've never heard one are louder and more shrill than you can imagine. It had been more than 20 years for me since I saw my last GP at Watkins Glen and the sound was like nothing I had ever heard. My wife pefers the ear muff style ear protectors and puts walkman earphone buds in her ears. I like the little yellow foam plugs and use conventional walkman earphones ove my ear.

Water- Its expensive at the track, I bring a liter bottle each day, judguing between weight & thirst.

Snacks; A few energy bars or snacks if you can manage it.

I bring a camera evey year, but the angles aren't great and its heavy, I rarely take it to the track race day.

Binoculars-low power. You're accross from the pits-keep the glasses trained on the Molson Girls!

Its very crowded-plan to arrive at the track early, be patient and leave after the crowd rushes the Metro. We usually hang out under a tree and relax, snooze, snack and have an easy time leaving.

Cash; for all the bling-bling

sirhc · 2 May 2003, 02:58 (Ref:586940)

EERO was thorough, but do not forget the sunscreen.
Sitting in bronze 34, with my back to the sun, the sunburn--unexpectedly--was rather severe.
As for transportation, I found driving to the track from the Laval area quite easy and parking was plentiful (a shipyard was used). I do not remember the exact route but the signs (follow the ones for the casino) were conspicuous and involved all major roadways. I used the metro the first day but found it too congested.

P.S.-Silver 22 this year--a much better vantage point.

Jay · 2 May 2003, 03:15 (Ref:586945)

Yeah, if you can find a place to park around the track, it's a pretty quick drive and the traffic isn't bad except for after the race. I'm not sure how close you can actually get to the track though without an accredited vehicle. But, don't do it unless you know of a place that you'll be able to park.

sirhc · 2 May 2003, 06:12 (Ref:586978)

Silver 15--my mistake.
Is anyone aware of which series will constitute the support races? Will it be the same FF/Can-am/FC?

EERO · 2 May 2003, 11:14 (Ref:587178)

Quote:

Originally posted by sirhc
EERO was thorough, but do not forget the sunscreen.

*Slaps head* DOH!

BTW we're in Silver 10, just beyond the Start at the entrance to the Senna Curves.

(I've been in 11 the last two years and down at the hairpin before that.)

Logrence · 2 May 2003, 11:51 (Ref:587212)

Quote:

Originally posted by EERO
By all means bring sunblock, a light waterproof parka, a Walkman.

I believe he was thorough enough!

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
(British TV) No Live Canadian Quali? (merged)	T0MAT01	Formula One	55	12 Jun 2005 22:26
Canadian GP - On Again? (merged)	Mark Mitchell	Formula One	42	19 Nov 2003 18:37
Canadian Grand Prix Dumped (merged)?	sgjb	Formula One	130	27 Aug 2003 14:11
F1 Results Prediction Competition - Round Eight, Canadian Grand Prix	R	Predictions Contest & Fun	85	14 Jun 2003 09:47
Predictions Competition, Round Eight, Canadian Grand Prix	R	Predictions Contest & Fun	79	8 Jun 2002 13:02