The time is just about right for F1 fans in India to experience the thrills and fanfare of a Grand Prix. The 2017 Formula 1 season is nearing its midway mark and both Drivers’ and Constructors’ (team) Championships are wide open. While Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel is merely 12 points ahead of his nearest rival Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes, in team standings, Mercedes is just 8 points ahead of Ferrari. The next few races are scheduled to take place in Europe, Singapore and Malaysia, all places we love for reasons other than the races. Here’s a quick guide for those who are doing it for the first time.
Planning is everything
This will not only reduce cost but also enhance the experience. A Grand Prix is very different from any other sporting event, such as a cricket or football match, most definitely tennis. First, F1 race is an entertainment spectacle. Besides high-octane chasing by mean machines on the circuit (and we aren’t talking about the cars alone), with the crashing being part of the fever, there is always a high dose of glamour. Second, an F1 race is a 3-day affair—it always starts with practice sessions on a Friday, qualifying rounds to decide the grid composition on a Saturday, and then the final race on a Sunday.
Once you’ve picked the country you would like to experience the Grand Prix in, book your race ticket. Prices differ from circuit to circuit and, within a circuit, stand to stand, depending upon view and facilities. It is always safe to book race tickets on the venue’s official website, and in many cases, economical as well, because sometimes, there are discounts . More important is the fact that the circuit’s official site has the latest information about the race, related events and off-track entertainment programmes (Ariana Grande will perform in Singapore—at the race scheduled for September 15 to 17). It also has information about the circuit, which stand has what view, the range of accommodation, eating places, transport and parking facilities. For other news, check f1-fansite.com or the numerous blogs.
Ticketing booth
Circuits have 3-day packages and 1-day ticket options. Check for inclusions, such as free parking and a pit-lane walk, which gives you a chance to visit drivers’ pits and take a selfie there, sometimes with his car.
Carefully choose the stand. Racing circuits’ websites have details of the view from each, as well as nearby facilities such as parking, food and the bathroom. Depending on your budget, choose a stand from where you get the widest possible view of the track, so that you can watch cars overtake each other. Some stands have LED screens nearby, for a view of the race at different parts of the circuit.
Staying there
Book a flight to the nearest airport—it’s usually the least expensive way. Then, search for local transport—most circuits have buses plying from the city centre to the circuit and back, and some local trains too. Taxis are available, including Uber in some places, but they will cost you a bit, as most circuits are set away from the city centre.
You can find detailed route instructions online. Factor in road toll charges on certain routes leading to circuits such as Monza (race scheduled for September 1 to 3), which is 16 km north of Milan in Italy.For accommodation, it is perfectly reasonable to negotiate (yes, bargain). And while hotels are expensive at this time, it’s not impossible to find reasonably-priced accommodation.
Your accommodation and transport cost would depend on what kind of circuit you choose to go to—in a popular tourist destination such as Singapore or a capital city such as Baku, Azerbaijan (June 23 to 25), you will have to pay much more than at say, Sepang, which is a township on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, and where you may find accommodation for as little as ₹1,200.
Arriving in style
Now, to meet your favourite driver. The best way is to get to the autograph session where, if you are lucky, you may get a chance to take a selfie with him. Most circuits have Drivers Autograph sessions during the three-day race weekend. Get there early, because the queue is long.
Typically, drivers from different teams sit at a predetermined place in the circuit, for a sort of group signing session. The other way to see your favourite driver is to be present at promotional events that automobile companies organise with their drivers in attendance, a day or two before the race.
This information is usually out of the respective automobile companies’ websites. Or you can get in touch with the company’s PR or communications department before setting out.
Odds and ends
Do carry along earplugs—the roaring of F1 car engines is rather taxing. Earplugs are sometimes part of the race ticket, or can be bought at the circuit itself, an additional cost you may not want to bear. Check the weather—most circuits in Europe see rain during the race. So, carry along a raincoat or an umbrella, even if you’re under cover. Then, sit back and enjoy the day.
Askari H Zaidi is a media consultant and former Head of Communication, Buddh International Circuit
