EUROPEAN FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX

we had sunday race tickets only in general admission but were impressed with the area reserved for this purpose. about 30 ft from the track but not a very long stretch for viewing from the wall where we were. the other downfall was that there was no tv screen in the immediate vicinity. however, you were free to move around the area which was quite extensive so were able to watch more of the action but from further away and were then able to see tv screens in different areas. on the whole very impressed and cant wait to do it all again.

Overall my partner and I really enjoyed Valencia. We have been to several tracks (try to go to one each year) and found some aspects of Valencia to be better than others, some aspects not so good. I will try to give a fair overview. Please bear in mind that we are very fussy, so anything that I say is good has to be good! The Great: Getting into the city, parking, access to the track and Kangaroo TVs fantastic. On the Friday we parked in a road (free) approx 20-30 minute walk from the track. Saturday and Sunday we parked in the University car park (this was open and FREE for race weekend and there were very polite young men at the entrance, possibly students helping out). It was also more than half empty both days so we don't think it had been advertised enough. Right next to this car park is a tram stop. There were officials at the tram stop, helping you purchase tickets etc. It was only a couple of euros each (return) each day and the tram took us right to the track area. I think it was 7 stops. There are two trams which run from the university stop; one takes you fairly close to the track plus you will have a short walk as it then turns and does a circular route. The other (sorry, can't remember the number but think it was 5) takes you right to the track area. We got off at stop 'Grau'. The trams were lovely and clean and air conditioned. Fabulous service. Same on return. PS the car parks signposted as you drive to the circuit are approx 30 euros for parking - and quite a walk away. We rented Kangaroo TVs for the weekend. This is the first time we have tried them and they are FANTASTIC. I was a bit sceptical and thought I would spend the whole time twiddling buttons, not getting anywhere and annoying my partner with "how do I do such and such ....etc" (I'm a very non technical female). They were so easy to use, really clear commentary (we tuned into BBC commentary), you can check any information at any time, re-run parts of the race, listen to team radios, sit on board with any driver etc etc. I really cannot stress enough how great they were. We knew everything that was going on during the race and more. We will definitely hire them again. In fact, I don't think I would like to NOT have them at a race now! Now, the Disappointing: We always buy the best tickets we can, almost always opposite the pits as I like to have a nose at what is going on there - I might not be technical, but I am nosey! For Valencia we purchased P3, which is shown to be opposite the pits on most circuit maps. Our seats were about half way up the stand, towards the left as you face the stand. (NB: there were a large number of seats adjacent to us which were empty the whole weekend, we assume they were not sold because of restricted viewing). Approx £500 per seat (3 days). They were NOT opposite the pits. P1 and P2 are opposite the pits. P3 is opposite the pit lane exit. Now, this would not have been too bad if it had not been for the bridge (with advertising) which crossed the track between P3 and P2. It obliterated the whole of the pit lane and a huge part of the track to our right. We could just about see the cars in the distance to the right (but only for a second as they had come from a bend), they were then blocked from our view by the bridge before appearing in front of us and then driving off to our left. Very very very disappointing. We honestly could not even see the garages and could only see the last little bit of the pit lane. I took the least photos I have ever taken at a Grand Prix. Probably the most expensive tickets we have bought and the worst view. Fortunately the Kangaroo TV compensated somewhat for this. Must mention that the seats in the last couple of rows (top) of the stand P3 could probably see a bit more of the track. The 2 guys next to us also expressed their disappointment and, I think, were going to complain later. Now the Could Be Improved: We took our own water each day, frozen the night before (we were staying in a villa) and also our own food. We are glad we did because there were hardly any facilities for food etc. I guess this is due to it being a street circuit and there are places to eat close by BEFORE you enter the circuit area. Although we took our own water we did notice that water could be purchased in shops just prior to entering the circuit, much cheaper than at the circuit. I think it was around 2 euros for a 1.5 litre bottle. We did buy fresh orange juice and ice drink (it was lemon, cold, slushy and really refreshing) at the circuit and these were 4.5 euros and 3.5 euros respectively. The ice drink was great. The portaloos were ok, never luxurious or great, but they did flush and were quite passable. Phew! That's just about it. Overall we enjoyed Valencia and would go back, although this is unlikely as we have so many other circuits to visit. We would not purchase P3 again. Never did get to the bottom of what P1 and P2 are all about. We think they must be corporate, employees or sponsors etc. They are covered stands (the only ones at the track) and are right opposite the pit lane, garages etc. We had previously read that NO stands at the track are covered. If you are still awake, hope some of these hints and tips help. Have a great time if you go next year!!

Great time at the event - Weather was mostly too hot.
Would have liked more places to go for shade / sit and have a drink.

Valencia is a beautiful city. We visited on the Wednesday to check out parking and found that signage was excellent so found free parking no problem and this was also the case on race day (we only had race day tickets). On the Wednesday we visited the 'Beach Park' where there was supposed to be 'lots to see and do' but found this a little disappointing and uneventful with only Toyota providing a big entertainments facility. We were, however, able to book a track walk (with 3 day tickets you can book a pit-lane walk) which was free. We returned on the Friday evening for a track walk and this was excellent. We were able to walk the length of the start/finish straight and see the crews working on the cars in all the garages which was awsome. Plenty of photos here.
Race day: We had tickets for G1 which provided good views as the cars slowed slightly for the corner and headed for the start/finish. The downside was the heat, 35 degrees celcius and no cover at all. Sun tan lotion and hat essential, especially something to cover the neck as well as water - we took 2 large bottles of iced water, frozen the night before. Ice lollies for 2 adults/2children cost us 16 Euros - the most expensive frozen water I've ever purchaced. There was a large tv screen in front of us and the option to rent Kangeroo TV (cost 60 Euros with a 200 Euro deposit, 10 Euro's off if you spotted the voucher in a book picked up in the Beach Park 4 days earlier). Note that video cameras weren't allowed altho there were plenty of people with still cameras. Also remove the tops from any bottles (we stuffed ours in pockets prior to entering) but security are quite strict and search bags. All in all an excellent 1st grand prix for our children (13 & 8) and apart from the sun burn we really enjoyed the experience.

good overall, but the screens were a little small to read race times and positions

getting into valencia was easy at around 11.30 to watch the practice. Very well organised and my seat in G1 was really good. TV screen right opposite. Only thing was that because you have to wear earplugs is you cannot hear the commentary or listen to the radio which I bought off bookf1 so you miss what is going on sometimes. It was the most amazing experience but would like to try a more exciting venue.

Agreat weekend, spoiled only by silly beer pricing

Good access to circuit but poor facilities inside the grounds and view was slightly more restricted than expected.

Great weekend. No complaints. Would definitely book through you again.

very pleased with your service.Will choose a better viewing area next year.

Very hot on g1 stand all stands should be covered £150+ for race day protection from the sun is needed. Valencia are over kill for checking tickets you cant go into any other areas. when leaving your seat to go for a drink they give you another ticket, we lost the ticket but we did have our race day ticket (they still wouldnt let us back in stating people are throwing tickets over the fence) We found our ticket after a good search. overall good day out drinks 3 eurous for water 10 euros for a small beer 550 for a hot dog, t shirts average 40 euros. a couple of days after we went around the track and in the pits whilst the staff cleared the stands this made it worth while never walked the track before. Had some great pics of the lads on pole position. Take bottle tops the remove your bottle tops, buy water outside the the ground or if you can freeze it the night before, so far SPa was the best track for me. Valencia will improve it has only had two years practice.

Overall, excellent. But we didn't find out til the Friday, that on Thursday, cos we had a 3 day pass, we could have had a pit walk, meet the drivers, have photos taken with the drivers and also autographs of the drivers!!!! We were not informed of this at all!!!!!!!! So this was a major disappointment to an otherwise great weekend.

The facilities are very basic, you can take drinks and food in but drinks must not have pull rings or tops on!!! You can take gas cansters in no problem - how mad is that. Very little english if any is spoken by the stewards. The track is quite boring and the fencing is very high so visuals not so good... We found the crossing bridge which you were not meant to stay on real had a better and more exciting view of the circuit. We fried in the sun as no cover in our section, I think F1 Valencia need to go and look at other circuits and their facilities to give them an idea how a circuit and facilities should be. Will not be rushing back and will not be recommending - The marine looked fab on TV but in reality it was just marina with no facilities even there. Very poor circuit

This was the biggest rip-off I have ever experienced. The race track was barely visible from any point in the general admission area. c.£100 for these tickets is daylight robbery. I will never attend thsi event or any other Grand Prix again.

First class weekend.
Owing to the extreme hot temperatures and the fact the tickets were thin card, the tickets got easily ruined. As we had 3 day passes , it would have been better is there had been supplied in a plastic wallet with neck tie , to protect them.

awesome race weekend. great parties and F1 events!

Fantastic weekend overall. Was disappointed the circuit forbid you taking bottled water with caps on inside. As the temperatures soared there was little shade to be had. This could easily be improved i'm sure, and you are then left to purchase their expensive food and drinks. Bus service and access areas were good. First time at the GP in Valencia, and there seemed a good atmosphere everywhere.
I hope it continues but further improvements would make it better for the fans and spectators in high temperatures.

Large TV screens access and viewing very good.
Race view is very limited.
Vending facilities non existant - suggest you eat before going or take your own food. Only one vendor facility selling water at 3 euros a bottle.
Most of the stands were only part full it's a pity you cannot up grade your ticket or buy a stand ticket just for the Sunday.

Valencia as a city is fantastic. The harbour area is gorgeous. Unfortunately, if you only put in an appearance on race day then you will not get to see any of this. I was sitting in N4 and once you get in there you are pretty much stuck there. The facilities consisted of three merchandise stalls and two stalls in which to buy drinks or food (an extremely limited selection). There was no where to sit other than you seat in the stand and absolutely no respite from the heat other than the small amount of shade generated by the stand itself, which wasn't much! But at the end of the day I am a hard core F1 fan so the thrill of the noise of the engines and the smell of the fuel during the race itself was enough for me. But just a warning though, if you really can't stand the heat then stay out of this kitchen!

Not a great race - the type of circuit means few passing opportunities