Spa circuit in Belgium - who has been?

[jejeje]

I'm going to Antwerp again for a training course from the 8th of september so me and a colleague bought tickets for the Formula 1 race at the Spa circuit on the 7th.

Anyone in here been to that event before? I was mostly thinking of what were good spots for bringing the 70-200 (and 2x extender). We have general admission tickets.

I'm also pondering wheather we should go by train and taxi the "last mile" or if we should rent a car. It will be a daytrip from Antwerp that sunday. I guess there could be issues with parking and serious delays if we were to rent a car and drive.

Would be very happy if anyone has any pointers at all.

[manipula]

I've only been to Spa briefly at the end of the day where a track day was taking place. At the time used to the average UK circuit I was taken back by how isolated the access is to the place. I have no experience of the F1 event there but if it's anything like a Silverstone day, then I'd expect either a taxi or a car ride to be fairly likely to result in traffic into and out of the venue, so in short, leave LOTS of time.

Utterly, totally stunning place though, and standing at the bottom of Eau Rouge and looking up it and realising how steep it actually is will stay with me for a VERY long time. You're gonna love it. :)

[jejeje]

Thanks. Yeah, I think it'll be awesome. I guess we'll be going by train, and just leave alot of time for walking. I assume we won't be the only ones so we'll just follow that Ferrari jacket and we'll be fine ;)

[andrewc]

I went about 10 years ago. It was wet. We watched from the bus stop for the qualifying but for the race we watched from Pouhon.

You need to bag your space early and guard it! Too many people on race day.

We walked the circuit afterwards, and Eau Rouge is very very steep.

[Lowner]

You are going to the best circuit in Europe in my view. I did not say the world because I've not flown to any far flung F1 races. General Admission is better than a grandstand for Photography at Spa.

Pouhon (inside the track), already mentioned, is a great corner to shoot from with a general admission ticket , the grass bank looks down onto the sweeping left hander, but as already said, you will need to be early and guard your chosen spot against all comers. Everyone will be standing in your lap if you don't. Rivage is also good, but the banks are much steeper and it's farther to walk. I'd imagine that the Bus Stop would be very crowded with limited options and La Source is always good for major accidents on lap 1.

It always was a difficult circuit to get into, with just a single road down from the village centre and they usually open up the track after the race to ease the problem on the way out. Look out for bits of F1 bodywork lying in the grass. When we were there a while ago, some proud soul was carrying a broken nose/wing assembly. How he was intending to get it home heaven knows.

Do make sure you see Eau Rouge. On TV it looks flat. It's not!

[manipula]

You are going to the best circuit in Europe in my view.

Come on now! ;) Just the small matter of that little circuit in the Eiffel mountains... :p

[Sorarse]

The last time I went was many years ago, to watch a 24hr bike race. At that time the pits and start line were on the downhill section to Eau Rouge. Not sure when they changed the pits around and put the start line on the approach to the hairpin. Goes to show how long ago it was.

Anyway, from those vague memories the hairpin stands out as a great place for taking photos, as the racers are going slower there, and it's an overtaking opportunity.

HTH

[Lowner]

"Come on now! Just the small matter of that little circuit in the Eiffel mountains... "

I camped there with my wife one race weekend - Never again, it was frightening.

[jejeje]

Thanks to everyone for the input. I really look forward to going. Hopefully I will be able to post some decent results on POTN after the race.

[Lowner]

"Anyway, from those vague memories the hairpin stands out as a great place for taking photos, as the racers are going slower there, and it's an overtaking opportunity".

More of an oportunity to have a major accident, but you are right, as long as you can find a good spot.

[jejeje]

The result (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=566097) from Spa.

[cwphoto]

The last time I went was many years ago, to watch a 24hr bike race. At that time the pits and start line were on the downhill section to Eau Rouge. Not sure when they changed the pits around and put the start line on the approach to the hairpin. Goes to show how long ago it was.

They still exist as far as I know, and are in use for everything except F1.