Spa 2013 F1 help

[riu]

I will be going to the 2013 F1 at Spa, i am wanting to start booking hotel, ferry etc.
I have just been looking at tickets for the weekend, from a photography point of view which are the best options, general, stands etc. I intend to go all three days. Also i have lens that are 10-20, 17-85,70-200 and 400mm, will these suffice (not been to a race before)

regards
Steve

 

[art20031980]

Hi Steve

I've been to Spa twice now and it's a fantastic circuit, you don't appreciate from the tv just how hilly the circuit is until you get there.

We usually drive from the UK to Brussels and stay there for the weekend, and just drive to Spa on the Sunday, but if you're going all 3 days you'll probably want to stay closer as its a 90min drive from Brussels.

We prefer grandstand seats but they are considerably dearer than general admission. The problem is with general admission, unless you get there early, the most popular spots can get very crowded. I've seen some places at least 10 people deep, which makes it difficult to get the shot you're after.

It's not so much of a problem on Fri/Sat but Sun does get very busy.

It's a fantastic circuit though, and if it rains it can get very exciting on track!

 

[riu]

Cheers Andrew
I will be driving across. Would like to get decent shots before Sunday, then enjoy the raceday, so grandstand seats look the best bet.
regards
Steve

 

[art20031980]

It's actually not a bad drive, we usually go through the tunnel and its only something like 30mins. Then a couple of hours from Calais to Brussels, if that.

I'm hoping to go myself next year if I can round up a couple of friends!

 

[coolcat]

Hi,
Great track Spa.
Can't wait to go back again myself.
Last time I went was for sat qualifying and sun race.
Drive down to the channel tunnel, off at Calais then straight to Spa.
You end up parking in various Farmers fields that are opened up for parking and then there is a bus shuttle service to the race track.
Last time we stayed overnight in Aachen in Germany which is about half an hour from the circuit.
Much more choice of Hotels available just over the border than what was on offer in Belgium.
If your planning on taking lots of photos I would suggest going for General admission and not bother with Grandstands, cheaper that way as well!
But as previously mentioned you do need to stake your part of the catch fence early.
Just remember Spa is a massive circuit and if you want to get to different locations plan it in advance.
I was mainly round Eau Rouge and the paddock area for qualifying and for race day I was near what was the Bus Stop.
Different parts of the circuit have different car parking areas.
Make sure you carry wet weather gear as when I went in 2010 'Lewis won that one' it chucked it down towards the end of the race and although it was August it was freezing cold !
I would thin your Lenses will more than cover you for shooting options.
Enjoy your trip, it's a great circuit.