The logic of Silverstone

[ukaskew]

Has anyone sussed out Silverstone from a spectators perspective, particularly the new infield when the full International Circuit is being used?

I've been previously and the point where there is the security checkpoint to allow vehicles into the new paddock at Aintree (the thin section between both sides of the track if you turn right after the second bridge) has only been open to vehicles before, so a bus trip was required to access the paddock. I've then found out that others have got through to that area no problem.

However, at WEC this weekend it was more open than I've seen it, meaning you could walk around to the paddock, with the bonus of some rather excellent shooting spots between Aintree and Village (areas with large fence gaps, photography windows etc). There were loads of 'No Spectating, Prohibited Area' signs on the debris fencing (there were no barriers stopping you go right up the fence, unlike the rest of the circuit) but everyone was ignoring them and nobody seemed vaguely bothered.

I mainly ask because although it's clearly temporary, there were some great spots and it kind of made Silverstone into somewhere worth the journey a bit more often. Predictably nobody at the circuit really knew what the situation was , but I got the impression that officially it's just a walkway to the paddock, and not actually somewhere to stop and spectate.

 

[99hjhm]

On a similar note, I was at an event on the national circuit last weekend and was told to move by a marshal for standing to close to a fence on the Wellington straight, I had to laugh as this fence was behind another fence. Very confused my brother took one step back and sarcastically asked if that was OK and she replied yes!! It would have been impossible to police at a big event.

I was also threatened with removal from the circuit a few years ago when I somehow apparently got trackside at Copse corner (There is a small spectator section where you can get quite close to the fence behind another handrail.) I was a bit confused, only had a point and shoot camera so it wouldn't have been much of an advantage to do so anyway even if it was possible. Hate the place.

 

[ranksy99]

Has anyone sussed out Silverstone from a spectators perspective, particularly the new infield when the full International Circuit is being used?

I've been previously and the point where there is the security checkpoint to allow vehicles into the new paddock at Aintree (the thin section between both sides of the track if you turn right after the second bridge) has only been open to vehicles before, so a bus trip was required to access the paddock. I've then found out that others have got through to that area no problem.

However, at WEC this weekend it was more open than I've seen it, meaning you could walk around to the paddock, with the bonus of some rather excellent shooting spots between Aintree and Village (areas with large fence gaps, photography windows etc). There were loads of 'No Spectating, Prohibited Area' signs on the debris fencing (there were no barriers stopping you go right up the fence, unlike the rest of the circuit) but everyone was ignoring them and nobody seemed vaguely bothered.

Think that it really does depend upon the event.

Like at F1 this pinch point would be the limit of public access whereas this weekend yes you could both walk and bus through this point onto the Wing.

It's also the first time that I've seen the catch fencing screened off and marshalls/stewards actively removing people from shooting through the TV camera slots in the fence at this position. Makes no sense other than to prevent a build up of people at this photographic vantage point as media were not restricted at this location

Logic - what's that??