2010 Australian F1 GP

[TCR]

Hey guys,

I'm seriously considering making my first trip to this event next year. Can anyone give me any tips on best viewing spot, best accommodation, getting to and from the track, must do's whilst there etc?

I've been a bit reluctant to attend street circuits before becuase of the usual lack of visibility and action you get to see, so I'd prefer a grandstand seat with a view of a big screen if possible?

Thanks.

[Razor]

Originally Posted by TCR

I've been a bit reluctant to attend street circuits before becuase of the usual lack of visibility and action you get to see, so I'd prefer a grandstand seat with a view of a big screen if possible?

Unless you want to see nothing and like standing all day long

[TCR]

Not really my idea of a good weekend, especially when it'll cost the best part of 3-4K. If it's not possible to get a decent grandstand seat with a screen to see the rest of the action, I may as well stay at home and watch it on my 106" screen

[Silver 3]

Try the Brabham stand inside at turn 1. You need a seat as far to the left(looking at track) from about 4 -12 rows up(the end seat is best) .This is one of the places where the cars are in view for the longest time.Also has big screens visible( ie not with the sun shining on them ) you can see and hear.
Corner itself is action spot.
I know the area very well and when GP first came to Albert Park I checked every stand for best view --advice still applies

[johnh875]

There should be something online that shows where the grandstands and big screens are - most of the stands have them. The only place I've watched from is pit straight which is not bad - no direct view of track action but you can see what is going on with pitstops, race start, podium etc. The sun can be brutal, but I don't think other stands would be any better.

For accom, anywhere in the inner suburbs would be ok, your GP ticket allows travel on public transport. I haven't stayed in hotels here but I don't know of any terrible ones to avoid. There is a Skybus that goes from the airport to the CBD, the taxi trip would be $$$.

Depending on how much before the race you are here, there are lead-up events at Federation Square opposite Flinders St Station, or in Lygon St. That is also one of the great places to go and eat, or the St Kilda area.

[stoned pony]

I'd make sure there is going to be a race first!

[TCR]

Thanks guys, I'm checking out the track map now.

Silver, do you mean the end of the Brabham stnad closest to the pit area? It looks as though you'd actually have your back to the cars as they come down the straight, and then be able to see them through turns 1 and 2, does that sound right?

Can't seem to see which grandstands are under cover, any idea?

stoned pony, I'm just getting organised for when/if they confirm the event. To be honest I'd be going to the event to see the GT racing as much as the F1 cars so I'd like to know they were confirmed as well before committing.

Cheers.

[JackN]

Hello. I went there last year so let me give you a few details!

Firstly, its fantastic and you should go!

I had a general admission ticket which for £80 was excellent value. You can stand and watch at any corner on the track pretty much. But, I was out there as part of a gap year trip so I was doing things on the cheap. If you were to go in a grandstand, I would say defintley pit straight or turn 1. Out the back end of the track there are all sorts of tents selling cool F1 memorabilia, that sort of thing, and its a really fantastic atmosphere. Value for money (and weather wise) it really puts Silverstone to shame. There is an excellent range of food and drink inside the circuit, all of which is reasonably priced, about £3 a pint from what i remember. Certainly cheaper than 12€ a pint at Valencia!!!!

http://www.olembia.com.au/

I stayed there. Pleasant little backpackers which had nice clean rooms, good toileteries and was a 5minute walk from the track, 5 mins from the beach, and a 10minute tram ride to the city centre. Plus, they dont raise their prices on GP weekend which is always good! Cost about £25 a night roughly. From the airport there is a cheap skybus to the main train station, and from there you can get trams or whatever to your destination. Taxi's actually werent that expensive, cost me £8 to get from the train station to the track, so nothing like a rip off.

As for Melbourne itself, its an awesome city. Defintley go up the Rialto Tower to get a good view of the city. Erm, the State Library is cool as well (jesus Im 19 and i think Librarys are cool )

I think ive covered everything! Any questions just ask.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/9209079...7616070523475/

There are the pics of my trip. Im the lanky one in the Hamilton hat who always seems to end up looking a bit gay...

EDIT: A few videos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeUGa...eature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkZTY...e=channel_page
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3oSN...eature=channel

[BenM]

Ive been to Melbourne for the GP 8 times so I will give you my thoughts.

Grandstands- I have sat at Fangio, Shumacher, Clark and another one at turn 14 which was not there this year. I am pretty sure that all of them had big screens except for that last one. Previously we have had tickets where you had a different stand each day. These tickets are limited and if you dont get in early you wont get one (like us this year). I dont know if they are doing it again next year but it would be worth looking into it (But dont take our tickets).
The Fangio stand is great for pre-race activities and watching pitstops but for everything else it is no good. The cars wizz past you at very high speed and you dont really get to see much. If you decided to go there make sure you spend a bit of time walking around the track watching from different spots. Any of the other stands I mentioned are good for viewing. Even though I havent been in the stands at turns 1 & 2 im pretty sure they would be good as well. There are no covered grandstands.

Price- I thought it was expensive until I went to the Spanish GP the other month, OUCH!

Access to the track- I have only stayed in town and cought the Tram but its so easy and quick I really couldnt suggest anything else.

Must do's- As I said before, walk around, watch from different spots, check out the support categories and just soak up the atmosphere.

2009- http://www.flickr.com/photos/8050015...7616275980596/

2008- http://www.flickr.com/photos/8050015...7604332064262/

Hope this helps

[Silver 3]

Originally Posted by TCR

Thanks guys, I'm checking out the track map now.

Silver, do you mean the end of the Brabham stnad closest to the pit area? It looks as though you'd actually have your back to the cars as they come down the straight, and then be able to see them through turns 1 and 2, does that sound right?

Can't seem to see which grandstands are under cover, any idea?

stoned pony, I'm just getting organised for when/if they confirm the event. To be honest I'd be going to the event to see the GT racing as much as the F1 cars so I'd like to know they were confirmed as well before committing.

Cheers.

Yes-closest to pit lane. You are side on in effect. You can nearly see start/finish line if you are not up to high. Believe me -I am very certain -I spent a long time working all this out.
No stands for general public under cover. it rarely rains at this time of the year--if it does it will pass relatively quickly. The sun and sunburn is the issue. Late afternoon when the sun is lower you are looking in to it -so good sunglasses and cap(tennis visor?) are advised.Good walking shoes are a must.
GT are almost certainties at this stage.
Airport bus is $16( cheaper if you buy return ticket)-- 40$ cheaper and closer than getting in a taxi and just about as fast to the city.Has free add on that takes you direct to Hotels. Tram to track is the way to go-free and quick.
All transport very easy to work out-everyone can answer questions and give directions.
Melbourne is the best at events and the logistics-it is that good.
If you are not staying in the city area-- the airport bus terminal is in train station-- catch anywhere.Or walk outside to catch trams.
BTW-if you buy tickets to Brabham stand-you enter via Gate 1-- which is about 10 metres fom tram stop!
Ask anything!